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Which 6 string? I can only have one...

nlhatley914

nlhatley914

Sep 3, 2010
67
28
Boston, MA
#1
I currently play in a prog metal band, and I am in need of a 6 string bass. I am currently looking at a Spector Euro 6, MM Bongo 6, Ibanez SR5006, Warwick Thumb 6 or possibly and Carvin LB76. I've played the Bongo and the Ibanez before and currently own a Carvin LB75 so I'm familiar with the feel of those, but I have never played a Warwick Thumb and I've played a few US Spectors. I would like to hear other experiences with the basses listed above and what your opinions are on why or why not to choose a specific instrument. FYI I also play Jazz and Funk so I was like to choose the most versatile bass as well.
 
#2
Not mine, and no affiliation, but if you're up for a short drive, this one would fit the bill for relatively short money. I have the 5 string version and love it. Plenty of versatility with the two pickups, and active/passive switch, and the fanned frets really are a joy to play, and that B string, damn.

[Invalid or Expired Link Removed]

Good luck with your search.
 
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#3
Gee Man said:
Not mine, and no affiliation, but if you're up for a short drive, this one would fit the bill for relatively short money. I have the 5 string version and love it. Plenty of versatility with the two pickups, and active/passive switch, and the fanned frets really are a joy to play, and that B string, damn.

[Invalid or Expired Link Removed]

Good luck with your search.
Click to expand...
I have heard great things about these models as well. I was very temped at one point to purchase one of these, I may have to look back into that. Thanks for the post!
 
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#5
IMO.
The Bongo will give you the most range of usable tones . Look wise it may be a huge turn off.

Spector and the Wick (IMO) very similar, to me they are one (good) sound basses. The sound will either fit well or not fit.

I don't like the Ibanez, bland and sterile to me.

Carvin.. no opinion.

I'd go Bongo first.

Then Spector/ Wick and based on price take the Spector.
 
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#7
mp40smg said:
IMO.
The Bongo will give you the most range of usable tones . Look wise it may be a huge turn off.

Spector and the Wick (IMO) very similar, to me they are one (good) sound basses. The sound will either fit well or not fit.

I don't like the Ibanez, bland and sterile to me.

Carvin.. no opinion.

I'd go Bongo first.

Then Spector/ Wick and based on price take the Spector.
Click to expand...
I have heard the same when it comes to the Spector vs Warwick convo. And so far the bongo has been at the top of my list, is there any other basses that you would suggest.
 
#9
The list of available 6 string basses is pretty short when you look at the big manufacturers and they're not cheap. The Yamaha Patitucci bass is pretty nice bass not on your list. I am now only playing 6 and I'm having them made for me, turns out it's pretty cost effective considering a Bongo is $2300, Spector and Warwick in that ball park.

If you are new to 6s I would say from a sound standpoint pickup location and type is the first consideration and as far as the feel goes string spacing and the neck shape are key. Lots of other things to consider. There are lots of small builders out there that build quality is better then what you've listed and price is right in line.

Here are my 3

1. Is a custom semi hollow
2. Ken Smith
3. Is not yet complete

18-Glam-shots-1.JPG
2586552_eb113465fcdf23653549327eabbc8404.jpg
IMG_9006.JPG
 
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#10
Also not on your list is Roscoe. A fantastic 6 string. I'm currently playing one and my Roscoe 5 is in the corner. The neck is VERY comfortable and playable. I think there is a used one in the Classifieds for a really good price.

For Sale - Roscoe Century Standard 6 w/ upgrades

This is a great bass for a great price. Way better - IMO - than others you have listed. Made by hand in USA.
 
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#11
peterpalmieri said:
The list of available 6 string basses is pretty short when you look at the big manufacturers and they're not cheap. The Yamaha Patitucci bass is pretty nice bass not on your list. I am now only playing 6 and I'm having them made for me, turns out it's pretty cost effective considering a Bongo is $2300, Spector and Warwick in that ball park.

If you are new to 6s I would say from a sound standpoint pickup location and type is the first consideration and as far as the feel goes string spacing and the neck shape are key. Lots of other things to consider. There are lots of small builders out there that build quality is better then what you've listed and price is right in line.

Here are my 3

1. Is a custom semi hollow
2. Ken Smith
3. Is not yet complete

View attachment 993550 View attachment 993556 View attachment 993557
Click to expand...
Thank you for the insight.
peterpalmieri said:
The list of available 6 string basses is pretty short when you look at the big manufacturers and they're not cheap. The Yamaha Patitucci bass is pretty nice bass not on your list. I am now only playing 6 and I'm having them made for me, turns out it's pretty cost effective considering a Bongo is $2300, Spector and Warwick in that ball park.

If you are new to 6s I would say from a sound standpoint pickup location and type is the first consideration and as far as the feel goes string spacing and the neck shape are key. Lots of other things to consider. There are lots of small builders out there that build quality is better then what you've listed and price is right in line.

Here are my 3

1. Is a custom semi hollow
2. Ken Smith
3. Is not yet complete

View attachment 993550 View attachment 993556 View attachment 993557
Click to expand...
Thanks for the insight. As far as small builders are concerned who would you suggest? Beautiful basses btw!
 
#12
SteveC said:
Also not on your list is Roscoe. A fantastic 6 string. I'm currently playing one and my Roscoe 5 is in the corner. The neck is VERY comfortable and playable. I think there is a used one in the Classifieds for a really good price.

For Sale - Roscoe Century Standard 6 w/ upgrades

This is a great bass for a great price. Way better - IMO - than others you have listed. Made by hand in USA.
Click to expand...
Roscoe basses are amazing indeed. And don't get me wrong I'm open to all suggestions I just through out what I know I can get my hands on for discount. Is there any other basses that you'd suggest?
 
#13
peterpalmieri said:
The list of available 6 string basses is pretty short when you look at the big manufacturers and they're not cheap. The Yamaha Patitucci bass is pretty nice bass not on your list. I am now only playing 6 and I'm having them made for me, turns out it's pretty cost effective considering a Bongo is $2300, Spector and Warwick in that ball park.

If you are new to 6s I would say from a sound standpoint pickup location and type is the first consideration and as far as the feel goes string spacing and the neck shape are key. Lots of other things to consider. There are lots of small builders out there that build quality is better then what you've listed and price is right in line.

Here are my 3

1. Is a custom semi hollow
2. Ken Smith
3. Is not yet complete
Click to expand...

Here are mine
1. Modulus Q6 (also Modulus TBX) (About 2 grand used)
2. Ken Smith Burner.
3. Ibanez SR506 ($220 used...killer bass)
4. ESP LTD B206SM (great neck, but heavy...$400 new)
5. SX-6 Fender clone ($150 New (modded) Super buy.

Who says you need just one? Note all my basses are "narrow" string spacing (15-16mm)
 
Last edited:
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#14
nlhatley914 said:
Thank you for the insight.

Thanks for the insight. As far as small builders are concerned who would you suggest? Beautiful basses btw!
Click to expand...
My two basses are made by Andrew Drake, Nino Valenti also makes a nice 6. No experience but I have heard good things about Tom Clement, Keith Roscoe, Stambaugh. A lot of these guys hang out in the "luthier corner" which is it's own section. Ken Smith, MTD and Fodera are of course top notch but you don't need to spend that kind of money to get a great bass
 
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#17
peterpalmieri said:
The list of available 6 string basses is pretty short when you look at the big manufacturers and they're not cheap. The Yamaha Patitucci bass is pretty nice bass not on your list. I am now only playing 6 and I'm having them made for me, turns out it's pretty cost effective considering a Bongo is $2300, Spector and Warwick in that ball park.

If you are new to 6s I would say from a sound standpoint pickup location and type is the first consideration and as far as the feel goes string spacing and the neck shape are key. Lots of other things to consider. There are lots of small builders out there that build quality is better then what you've listed and price is right in line.

Here are my 3

1. Is a custom semi hollow
2. Ken Smith
3. Is not yet complete

View attachment 993550 View attachment 993556 View attachment 993557
Click to expand...

I'm loving those semi-hollow customs! They are so nice you should probably sell me that Smith on a 36 installment payment plan!
 
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#19
bassbenj said:
Here are mine
1. Modulus Q6 (also Modulus TBX) (About 2 grand used)
2. Ken Smith Burner.
3. Ibanez SR506 ($220 used...killer bass)
4. ESP LTD B206SM (great neck, but heavy...$400 new)
5. SX-6 Fender clone ($150 New (modded) Super buy.

Who says you need just one? Note all my basses are "narrow" string spacing (15-16mm)
Click to expand...
Love Rondo music and their instruments! And are liking that modulus?
 

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