Well-Balanced 6-strings?

[Skygoneblue]

Hey guys, I searched for threads on this, but they seemed overrun with people suggesting straps rather than basses. So, I have to say right off the bat, please limit any responses to basses only.

Are there any 6-strings out there that balance with the neck in more of an angled position (rather than horizontally)? I get very frustrated with basses that dive horizontally and require me to buy an expensive strap just to hold them in a playable position (which seem to help unpredictably in my experience).

I've heard good things about Warwick Corvettes with the extended upper horn. That makes me think BTBs would balance well also, but I don't have access to try one. Any other brands I'm missing?

Thanks guys!

 

[spade2you]

Peavey Cirrus, Cliff Bordwell, Conklin......from eye balling it, as long as the top horn comes to about the 12th fret, you should be fine.

 

[bassteban]

I had a Corvette 6; it balanced well but I wouldn't say it went too close to fully-vertical. I like my neck around 45 degrees or a bit less & the Vette was very comfortable for me.
I have two Stambaugh 6s; both hang nicely but again- at a roughly 45 degree angle.

 

[Blacke]

Mike Browne, Carl Thompson

 

[Skygoneblue]

Hah, clarification, I meant more of a 45* angle instead of the horizontal "balance" that most people refer to. I didn't mean upright - my mistake.

Thanks for the suggestions guys - keep 'em comin!

 

[elros]

More of an upright position?
See how the [Invalid or Expired Link Removed] have their strap buttons placed.
Otherwise, check out BassLab, they're exceptionally well balanced.

 

[Tom7]

I played a Yamaha Patitucci signature model 6 string bass for years before I got my first F-bass BN6. I was always VERY happy with the Yamahas, but when I played the Fbasses, it opened my eyes to how great a superbly balanced bass can be. I set out trying everything I could, including Foderas, and for balance (as well as other reasons), I like Fbass best.

Not only do Fbasses balance REALLY well on the strap, but the bass is shifted over towards your plucking hand, making your fretting hand less extended and that arm less tired.

Also, if you play fretless, it the angle that you see your neck on the Fbass makes it nice for intonation.

So you have something visual, here are my fretted and fretless Yamahas:

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And here is my fretted Fbass:

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And my fretless Fbass:

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I hope this helps.

--- Edits ---

By the way, here is a YouTube video of Alain Caron standing and slapping an Fbass. That can give you an idea of the angle it hangs at.

And here is another Youtube video of Alain Caron playing a fretless 6. You can see it's angle is even higher.

And so that you can see it isn't just how Alain Caron wears it, here is another youtube video of David Hughes playing a 6 string bass for David Benoit.http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9cBcL0iaW04

They are great for left hand fatigue.