Reading through TB, and based on the vast number of models inspired by them, seems like Js and Ps are the classic, go-to 4-string basses. What, if anything, is the equivalent for 6-string bass? Hopefully that question makes sense.
Hello. It isn't quite what you asked, but I think it should be said in this context that Anthony Jackson's contrabasses were the progenitors of the 6-string bass guitar.
This is a really interesting article about the history of the development of the 6-string. Thanks for sharing! I couldn’t believe it when I read about the development with Carl Thompson: “At Carl’s suggestion, we extended the scale to 44" and strung it with extra-long upright strings.” 44” scale! Yikes!
The longer answer is that because 6 strings are a comparatively new design, people haven't gotten all nostalgic about one or the other. They also haven't grown to full acceptance the way 4 string Fender P and J basses have. There are fights about extended range basses on TB all the time. Because they are more utilitarian (you need one if you need one), and they came to prominence during a time when there were a lot of successful brands making them, there isn't one that stands out as "the one."
That's what I was thinking too. I agree there isn't really an iconic six that jumps to mind. But when I read the first post, and whenever anyone asks about a good example of a six, I usually think Ken Smith. Which is kinda funny, because I don't really jive with them.
The Yamaha TRB and the Ibanez SR are probably the most ubiquitous in the professional scene. Ken Smith is the godfather.
Just by observation, while lots of guys move on to other, more expensive instruments, it would seem that a LOT of guys first got into six-string bass via the less-expensive Ibanez Soundgears: I always see used trade-ins in almost every music store, pawn shop, and easy to find online. Inexpensive buy-in, gig-able, and even upgrade-able with their usually common-sized soapbars. I've never quite decided if they got cold feet and went back to fours or fives, or if they went upmarket from there, but I always see lots of them around.
Well. Anthony Jackson used Fodera for the continuation of his development of the six. So..... But many have taken up the cause of the six. So we don't have to pay out Fodera $$$$ to play a six. {}
Besides Jackson, I was thinking about John Patitucci as an iconic 6-string player, and his signature bass appears to be modeled after the TRB series.
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