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!

 

[Element Zero]

Music Man John Myung Signature Bongo 6 has a very narrow width neck. 6 strings on a 5 string neck.

 

[crazycloud]

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.

No that's the MS Bass VI class instrument.
What you're thinking about is the GVB36. The GVB1006 is about 4x the price for trivial differences.

 

[Katriel]

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.

Thanks for your advice.
Yes, the ESP Ltd is a good contender and a great value--I've played one.

 

[Katriel]

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.

Thanks for your advice.
Yes, the ESP Ltd is a good contender and a great value--I've played one

 

[Katriel]

No that's the MS Bass VI class instrument.
What you're thinking about is the GVB36. The GVB1006 is about 4x the price for trivial differences.

Thanks!
Yes, the GVB36 has a lot of great features. When trying out the Ibanez basses, I seem to prefer the Nordstrand pickups over the Bartolinis. Haven't tried the Aguilar pickups or other options yet.

 

[SJan3]

Thanks--Yamahas punch above their weight!

Yes, I don't know your budget but the John Patitucci model is a premium 6 string.

 

[L-u-A-R]

The BTB multi-scale T1 pickups can be modded for coil tap.
They already have active passive switch and 3-band EQ, you're all the way there if you are willing to buy an instrument to risk the mods.

 

[crazycloud]

Yes, the GVB36 has a lot of great features.

I know, I have one on order. As I own a bunch of SRs (and a BTB and EHB) I know I like the shape and neck and how they fit on me - not perfect but the closest to a production available bass, I know what I'm getting into. I ordered it for the SR-ness and the close spacing. However, I know what I like tonally and whilst the Barts are functionally adequate and more than good enough for what I might see myself ever using live, my preference is for something else. Hence it'll get EMG E5W (to go with the Aguilar OPB3 preamp) and just because I like them, Gotoh Res-O-Lite tuners. That'll make it about $1600 total.

The reason I mention this is the base bass is close to what I want and I'll tweak it to my specific tastes, much cheaper than a custom and I know what I'm getting which you never know with something bespoke. My suggestion to you is try and play lots of basses, find one that speaks to your hands, even if to your ears it's not quite there, then modify it to what you exactly want.

Lets say you like an Ibanez SR, like my 706 (or and LTD, or a Fender or a Sire or whatever) and tweak it. In my SR706 example which cost about $400 used with OHSC a few years back. I think it looks great, great woods and construction and stable as hell.
To put most of the PUs I like, it needs a small rout to fit EMG45 shape which I can do myself, but is maybe $100 to have done, then choose the PUs, pre and switching that you really want which installed, is another few hundred. Add a great set up, even a PLEK is $250 and for $1200 min you could have exactly what you want. With Ibanez SRs, there are lots of models in all sorts of constructions, equipment and finishes over 3 decades for you to choose from. With my own pre, EMG45DCs, my own pre and Gotohs, I'll have change from a grand.

If you're an instrument flipper, this doesn't make sense as you'll lose money on a modified instrument on resale. But if you want something for a long time, then it makes a lot more sense. If you chose a common shape like the EMG45/P4 then if your PU tastes change later, they're an easy fit.

I'm not offering an exact solution, just offering an option for consideration.

 

[Pirate Captain]

IS THIS A BOT

what gave it away? Was it "I enjoy playing the 6-string basses—perhaps from playing notes across the fretboard on a guitar and a keyboard."

 

[Katriel]

No that's the MS Bass VI class instrument.
What you're thinking about is the GVB36. The GVB1006 is about 4x the price for trivial differences.

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.

--The BN6 Deluxe looks great!

2HB stingray

--Thanks!

 

[Katriel]

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.

--Thanks--I'll look at the Bongo 6.

 

[Katriel]

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.

--Thanks for your thoughts.

 

[Katriel]

i was thinking dingwall.

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

--Thank you for your suggestion.

 

[Katriel]

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.

--Thanks--The M7 appears to be out of stock every where I check.

 

[Katriel]

2HB stingray

Thanks!

 

[Katriel]

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.

Thanks for your suggestions!

 

[Katriel]

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.

Thank you for your advice!

 

[Katriel]

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.

Thanks--The M7s look like a good match, but appear to be out of stock every where I checked.

 

[Katriel]

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.

Thanks.

 

[Katriel]

i was thinking dingwall.

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

Thank you for your suggestion!