Wanted: Advice on Basses

[Katriel]

I’ve been trying out many 5- & 6-string basses, looking for a versatile bass with the widest range of sound qualities to play many styles of music. Though I do not have large hands, I enjoy playing the 6-string basses—perhaps from playing notes across the fretboard on a guitar and a keyboard.

I would like to find a 6-string bass (or perhaps a 5-string) with:
--2 double coil humbucker pickups that allows all of the possible combinations of pickups, and single versus two coils
--Active versus passive pickups
--3 EQ, and any other controls
--Slim neck (front to back) and narrower fretboard.

Most basses that I have tried out are only a partial match.

While I have not found most of the following basses in any store to try out, their specs might be suitable:
--Ibanez SR1426B Premium, SR606E, SR306EB, BTB1836 Premium, BTB1936 Premium
--Schecter CB-6, SC-6, Stiletto Studio-6
--Sire Marcus Miller F10, F10 DC, M7; they appear to have the controls that I am looking for, though the fretboards appear to be a little wider than the other basses listed above.

I would appreciate any insights and advice—Thanks!

 

[31HZ]

I’ve been trying out many 5- & 6-string basses, looking for a versatile bass with the widest range of sound qualities to play many styles of music. Though I do not have large hands, I enjoy playing the 6-string basses—perhaps from playing notes across the fretboard on a guitar and a keyboard.

I would like to find a 6-string bass (or perhaps a 5-string) with:
--2 double coil humbucker pickups that allows all of the possible combinations of pickups, and single versus two coils
--Active versus passive pickups
--3 EQ, and any other controls
--Slim neck (front to back) and narrower fretboard.

Most basses that I have tried out are only a partial match.

While I have not found most of the following basses in any store to try out, their specs might be suitable:
--Ibanez SR1426B Premium, SR606E, SR306EB, BTB1836 Premium, BTB1936 Premium
--Schecter CB-6, SC-6, Stiletto Studio-6
--Sire Marcus Miller F10, F10 DC, M7; they appear to have the controls that I am looking for, though the fretboards appear to be a little wider than the other basses listed above.

I would appreciate any insights and advice—Thanks!

Not to be that guy who says "You should get what I have" but ...

The right Fbass, though substantially more than the instruments that you've listed, would absolutely tick those boxes, especially given how they balance across the body on a strap (the longer upper horn moves the neck towards the player). My BN6 Deluxe is spec'd with 16mm spacing at the bridge and a 34" scale, and it's BY FAR the most comfortable 6 that I've ever played.

 

[Metal Sombreros]

I’ve been trying out many 5- & 6-string basses, looking for a versatile bass with the widest range of sound qualities to play many styles of music. Though I do not have large hands, I enjoy playing the 6-string basses—perhaps from playing notes across the fretboard on a guitar and a keyboard.

I would like to find a 6-string bass (or perhaps a 5-string) with:
--2 double coil humbucker pickups that allows all of the possible combinations of pickups, and single versus two coils
--Active versus passive pickups
--3 EQ, and any other controls
--Slim neck (front to back) and narrower fretboard.

Most basses that I have tried out are only a partial match.

While I have not found most of the following basses in any store to try out, their specs might be suitable:
--Ibanez SR1426B Premium, SR606E, SR306EB, BTB1836 Premium, BTB1936 Premium
--Schecter CB-6, SC-6, Stiletto Studio-6
--Sire Marcus Miller F10, F10 DC, M7; they appear to have the controls that I am looking for, though the fretboards appear to be a little wider than the other basses listed above.

I would appreciate any insights and advice—Thanks!

2HB stingray

 

[MrAB4003]

I’ve been trying out many 5- & 6-string basses, looking for a versatile bass with the widest range of sound qualities to play many styles of music. Though I do not have large hands, I enjoy playing the 6-string basses—perhaps from playing notes across the fretboard on a guitar and a keyboard.

I would like to find a 6-string bass (or perhaps a 5-string) with:
--2 double coil humbucker pickups that allows all of the possible combinations of pickups, and single versus two coils
--Active versus passive pickups
--3 EQ, and any other controls
--Slim neck (front to back) and narrower fretboard.

Most basses that I have tried out are only a partial match.

While I have not found most of the following basses in any store to try out, their specs might be suitable:
--Ibanez SR1426B Premium, SR606E, SR306EB, BTB1836 Premium, BTB1936 Premium
--Schecter CB-6, SC-6, Stiletto Studio-6
--Sire Marcus Miller F10, F10 DC, M7; they appear to have the controls that I am looking for, though the fretboards appear to be a little wider than the other basses listed above.

I would appreciate any insights and advice—Thanks!

Welcome to Talk Bass!

The Ibanez SR 1426 or Schecter Studio 6 might be a good fit for you. I prefer the Ibanez's preamp over the Schecter's.

The BTB premium basses are HUGE, especially if you don't have large hands. They are also incredibly heavy (like 11 pounds). So I would avoid those if you can.

Another good option is a Bongo 6, especially if you can find one used. The Bongo is one of the nicest modern active basses I have ever played! Definitely on my GAS list for the future.

 

[J Wilson]

I'd simply say try as many as you can, then buy the one that feels, looks, and sounds best to you.

You can go down a rabbit hole with all this list of features, make yourself crazy splitting all those hairs, and buy a bass that later . . . just ain't all that.

I will say that from the things you list, I'd be looking at the better Ibanez Soundgears. The slim neck and electronics you mention would not be hard to find in that product line.

 

[trevcda]

Not that have much experience with 6 string basses (read: none!), but I'm surprised that you didn't get on with the Sire M7. I'd never owned or even really played a 6 string bass prior to purchasing this one and I had hardly a hiccup switching over to it. Perhaps give it a little more performance time, before dismissing it entirely. Like I said, I haven't tried any 6 string basses, so I'm sure there are others. But the M7 had everything I could want in a pre-amp and was extremely playable right out of the gate.

 

[Pings Bass]

Just buy a bass that plays good. None of the other stuff matters if you don't like how it plays. And if you like how it plays you can probably get usable tones out of any modern mid-level or better quality instrument.

 

[TTA]

I’ve been trying out many 5- & 6-string basses, looking for a versatile bass with the widest range of sound qualities to play many styles of music. Though I do not have large hands, I enjoy playing the 6-string basses—perhaps from playing notes across the fretboard on a guitar and a keyboard.

I would like to find a 6-string bass (or perhaps a 5-string) with:
--2 double coil humbucker pickups that allows all of the possible combinations of pickups, and single versus two coils
--Active versus passive pickups
--3 EQ, and any other controls
--Slim neck (front to back) and narrower fretboard.

Most basses that I have tried out are only a partial match.

While I have not found most of the following basses in any store to try out, their specs might be suitable:
--Ibanez SR1426B Premium, SR606E, SR306EB, BTB1836 Premium, BTB1936 Premium
--Schecter CB-6, SC-6, Stiletto Studio-6
--Sire Marcus Miller F10, F10 DC, M7; they appear to have the controls that I am looking for, though the fretboards appear to be a little wider than the other basses listed above.

I would appreciate any insights and advice—Thanks!

i was thinking dingwall.

perfect balamce, neck as you requested, active and passive, etc.

 

[rcmbass]

I am loving my S.Martyn 5 string 32” Blade SC with 17.5mm spacing. It checks all the boxes you described and weighs in at 6.3 lbs. The neck is strong and thin with a 20” radius. She plays like a dream.

 

[pb9717]

IS THIS A BOT

Joined TB today. Hmmmm.

If you’e not a BOT, this Ibanez will be the flattest neck front to back. Single cuts have very rigid necks, so they can accommodate a thin front to back profile. The extra rigidity of the design makes em like granite. Feels very different than a double cutaway.

has 2 humbuckers, passive & active, and 3 band.

Also comes in a 6, but only on the used market.

 

[ghostdog93]

Narrow fretboard on a 6'er? Is there such a thing?

As a fan of the Ibanez SR lineup, I agree that something in their catalog will probably fit your needs. I've never seen one of their 6 strings in any music store, however.

 

[Dincrest]

While I have not found most of the following basses in any store to try out, their specs might be suitable:
--Ibanez SR1426B Premium, SR606E, SR306EB, BTB1836 Premium, BTB1936 Premium
--Schecter CB-6, SC-6, Stiletto Studio-6
--Sire Marcus Miller F10, F10 DC, M7; they appear to have the controls that I am looking for, though the fretboards appear to be a little wider than the other basses listed above.

Looking at those choices, I would add an LTD (by ESP) B-206 to that list. It's an excellent 6er, especially for its price. If I still played 6ers, I would have one (since I've played/loved several LTD basses over the years and when I tried a B-206 in a music store, it played super nice).

And depending on your budget, there are some nice 6ers in the TB classifieds.

 

[SJan3]

Try a Yamaha. I have a TRBX505 and it is super comfortable to play and sounds great.

 

[5StringBlues]

I'd simply say try as many as you can, then buy the one that feels, looks, and sounds best to you.

This is all you need to know.

 

[Katriel]

Not to be that guy who says "You should get what I have" but ...

The right Fbass, though substantially more than the instruments that you've listed, would absolutely tick those boxes, especially given how they balance across the body on a strap (the longer upper horn moves the neck towards the player). My BN6 Deluxe is spec'd with 16mm spacing at the bridge and a 34" scale, and it's BY FAR the most comfortable 6 that I've ever played.

Thanks for your advice--I appreciate it!
It looks like a great bass, and with all of the features.
While I will stay within my current budget range for now, I will consider it for the future.
All the best,
K

 

[BassicJazzy]

Narrow fretboard on a 6'er? Is there such a thing?

As a fan of the Ibanez SR lineup, I agree that something in their catalog will probably fit your needs. I've never seen one of their 6 strings in any music store, however.

Ibanez has a Sixer SR with a narrow board. There are two versions, one is at Premium level and the other is Signature model. The Signature model has much better electronics.

 

[Katriel]

Try a Yamaha. I have a TRBX505 and it is super comfortable to play and sounds great.

Thanks--Yamahas punch above their weight!

 

[Katriel]

This is all you need to know.

Thanks--I'm trying out as many basses as possible, driven to stores in five towns so far!

 

[Katriel]

Ibanez has a Sixer SR with a narrow board. There are two versions, one is at Premium level and the other is Signature model. The Signature model has much better electronics.

Thanks for your advice!
Are you referring to the Ibanez SRC6MS?
I like the Ibanez line, though the Bartolini humbuckers didn't seem to have the tonal range of the Nordstrand Big Break humbuckers when I compared them.
Your thoughts?

 

[BassicJazzy]

Thanks for your advice!
Are you referring to the Ibanez SRC6MS?
I like the Ibanez line, though the Bartolini humbuckers didn't seem to have the tonal range of the Nordstrand Big Break humbuckers when I compared them.
Your thoughts?

I think that's it. Check out the signature model, I believe that has the better p'ups and better preamp, and a better built neck. It's a lot more $ too.