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Thinking of trying a six...

Discussion in 'Basses [BG]' started by Shlogo, Jul 13, 2013.

  1. Jul 13, 2013 #1
    Shlogo

    Shlogo

    Dec 16, 2011
    Chicago, Illinois
    So I tried out a six string for the first time today (Both an Ibanez SR606 and an ESP LTD).
    And I have to say, it was not even close to how awkward i thought it was going to be to play.
    It really has me thinking about getting a six string for my next bass (which will be my second bass).

    I play a 5 string right now, though most the songs I can play on a 4.
    But I find I either play in standard or some drop tuning that the low B is good for so I like having the 5th string so I dont have to do any DRASTIC change in tuning.

    And I also dont really see a NEED for a sixth string, just as an option to help increase my skill.
    I play in a Trivium-esk band and my band mates are really open to me trying out new things...and I was thinking before I tryout fretless, 6 strings would be fun :D

    SO, I guess the whole reason for me posting here is this:
    Should I get an awesome six string for my next bass, or just save up for a better 5 string and get a cheaper 6 to mess around with?

    And in case it would effect your opinion, by "awesome six string" I mean something along the lines of a, Ibanez BTB (for the 35" scale), or similar price and quality.
     
  2. Jul 13, 2013 #2
    two fingers

    two fingers Opinionated blowhard. But not mad about it. Inactive

    Feb 7, 2005
    Eastern NC USA
    Years ago I went straight from 4 to 6. A few years after that I came back to 5 and now I am home. Adding another string won't "increase your skill" at all. People who play 6 string basses are not more skilled. They have just made a choice to play 6 string.

    It is really just a personal choice. There is no "right or wrong". I never got a lot of use out of the C string so I dropped it.

    So all I can say is if it were me I would (and did) spend more money on getting a good quality 5. You can usually find 6 string Ibanez and Carvin basses pretty cheap used so you can always pick one of those up if you decide you really want one.

    I am only telling you what worked for me. Others do amazing things with 6 string basses and that is fine too.

    While we're at it, I used to be on the "35 inch is better for B string" bandwagon too. It just isn't so. Different basses are built better or worse for a tight or floppy B but it has little to to with scale length. My 34" Fender Roscoe Beck has an awesome B string and I play pretty hard.

    Best of luck with your quest either way!
     
  3. Jul 13, 2013 #3
    madbassplaya

    madbassplaya

    Dec 28, 2007
    I've thought the same thing before. There is a difference between noodling on a 6er and playing one with a band when it matters. For me, I found I didn't "need" the 6 and I've been doing fine with the 5er ever since. I would not mind having one 6 to keep around but I would probably only play it at home.
     
  4. Jul 13, 2013 #4
    gumtown

    gumtown

    May 7, 2007
    New Zealand
    I have played 5'rs for years, and recently added a 6 for the novelty factor. I find playing after a couple of hours, i get wrist cramps, but then going back to the 5 for gigging makes it easier to play.