Yamaha TRB1006 vs Schecter,Spector,Warwick,Ibanez 6's

[Amirault]

Hello everyone I need some help deciding on a 6-string bass.I live in a small town in Nova Scotia,Canada and it's impossible to try any decent basses let alone 6-string basses without driving 5-6 hours or possibly more so I'm hoping people that have experience with these basses can help me decide what's right for me,especially since I will have to buy without trying.I currently own a Yamaha BB414 which I love the tone but they don't make a 6-string version.This is my first post so take it easy on me guys I'm a real newb when it comes to bass.

The only 6-string basses I've tried are an Ibanez506 and a BTB1206 Prestige.I thought the 506 sounded very mediocre and something I'm having a problem with many basses,especially Ibanez,is bad string balance(lows are overpowering,boomy and muddy,highs are either very hard to hear or very tinny/thin,and D strings barely being heard).I loved how both of them played though.The BTB1206 sounded much better(a little on the warm side)but it is a little more then I'm looking to spend.

Ok now for the sound I'm looking for.What I like most about my Yamaha BB414 is the great string balance and most importantly note clarity.I play Dream Theater and 80's rock/metal mostly but also play in a Top40 cover band.So I'm looking for something that will have even tone throughout with a tight low end and note clarity without being too bright and still being full sounding as possible.Maybe I like the sound of passive basses I'm not really sure to be honest.

The basses I'm choosing from after reading a bunch on here and everywhere are... Yamaha TRB1006(Top Choice),Spector Legend 6,Schecter Studio 6,Warwick Corvertte 6(Used) Ibanez BTB1206(Used) and Peavey Cirrus(Used).I know tone is subjective,but please try to explain the strong and weak points soundwise in detail(bright,dark,warm/mellow,growly/aggresive,modern,vintage,string balance,tone of each string,etc) and anything else that might be useful(Like bassist that use this equipment,links to soundclips/videos,common issues specific to model).Also any information comparing nut width,string spacing,action/feel and neck profiles would be appreciated too.I really liked the Ibanez necks so I like smaller,faster necks but I'm willing to play bigger necks if the tone is right.Also you can suggest other bass models I've missed that I might like(Under 1000$ please).

My main choice is the Yamaha Trb1006,since all the Yamaha guitars/basses/acoustics I've tried before by them are always great quality and usually a great value.I think that's about everything sorry for being so long-winded!Any help at all would be greatly appreciated and thanks for reading.PS (If I didn't make it clear earlier,I want LOTS of details) haha

 

[22pauld22]

there is a trb6II for sale or at least there was on here only a week back .. I don't recall seeing that it had sold ..
they get raves and would be closest to your trb that you have tried .. it looked pretty good and was about 600

 

[Amirault]

Yeah I've been looking on ebay alot lately there's some good deals on some TRB's I'm tempted to score one but I'd like to hear opinions on all the basses first including the TRB1006 too.
Sorry if I confused you but I meant I like Yamaha products in general I haven't tried the Yamaha TRB1006 the only 6-strings I've tried were the Ibanez506 and BTB1206 Prestige.

 

[T. B. Player]

If you're just getting into a 6, any of those choice are nice (although I would choose the Spector first over the Warwick. If I wanted to play with something as thick as baseball bat for a neck, I'd be on the ball field. I'd put the Ibanez at the bottom of the list as they are inconsistent in quality.)

The Yamaha TRBs are nice, but get an older one if you can. The newer ones have neck dive big time - while they sound great, you need to spend a ton of your energy holding the neck up when you're playing, rather than just focusing on the music.

The Spectors have always impressed me in that they have a curve to the back of the bass which helps it sit very nicely on the tummy...unless you like to play them up high or down low.

Z

 

[Amirault]

After looking for a while I'm thinking of sticking with my original idea and sticking with a Yamaha TRB1006 or TRB6II I like their stuff in general and they always seem a good value and well built.But it's going to have to wait since I ended up buying a bass rig first.I got a Markbass Little Mark II head and an Epifani UL210 cab on order right now I can't wait to hear it!Should be MUCH better then my YBA-1 Traynor Bassmaster into a equally old no-name 15" cabinet that's for sure.

 

[Double Agent]

I love my Spectors, but it seems like you've made up your mind to go with the Yamaha and that isn't a bad choice. One thing to look out for is whether or not the Yamaha can get a prog-metal type of tone. The ones I've played have all had a great tone, I'm just not sure how well it would hold up against the drums and guitars you usually see in that genre. If you have the right amp, it may not be a problem, but it something to look out for. Spector and Warwick are much better for that style IMO. However, with the top 40 stuff, the Yamaha might be your best bet.

 

[SteveC]

One thing to look out for is whether or not the Yamaha can get a prog-metal type of tone.

The OP is into Dream Theatre - Yamaha Signature bass if I'm not mistaken.

I play in a cover band, do jazz stuff, thetre work, etc. My Yamaha works great. I have no problem getting the tones I need for any genre.

 

[Double Agent]

The OP is into Dream Theatre - Yamaha Signature bass if I'm not mistaken.

I play in a cover band, do jazz stuff, thetre work, etc. My Yamaha works great. I have no problem getting the tones I need for any genre.

I am into Dream Theater too. Myung now plays Bongo 6s and thank GOD! Don't want to start a DT tone argument, but his tone on the Yamaha is widely regarded by many, myself included, as his weakest tone. I couldn't wait for him to lose the Yamaha so that I could hear him.

Thats not a slam on Yamahas, I just never cared for the RBX line, which Myung's siggy came from. The TRB line is fantastic. I just don't know how they would hold up in a DT-type of situation. If someone who has used a TRB in a prog metal band could vouch for its success, I would believe it. FWIW, I still think the Yammy is his best choice for the top40 project.

 

[jazzy cat]

Hello Amirault,

I have one trb1006 that I´m selling . I bought it last year. If you happen to be interested, let me know and we can talk it further.

Best,

Jazzy cat

 

[Amirault]

I got to see Dream Theater for the first time at Jones Beach NY this August and it was mind blowing!I was surprised how bright and aggressive his tone was live but it was nice and clear with his Bongo.I have to mention we were the last guys to meet them at Looney Tunes CD store which is another story all together.I can't believe no one showed up they were leaving early and the nice folk at Looney Tunes held them up for us.Considering we drove about 20 hours to see them,it was unbelievable luck we got their at the last second.Myung had crazy popeye arms he crushed our hands with his handshake haha.

And I would have to agree although I love Myung and he's probably my main reason I picked up bass,I've never really enjoyed his tone.Me and my friends are learning the entire Scenes From A Memory CD and I find it very hard to hear his bass sometimes.We only have Dance Of Eternity left since I don't own a 5 or 6-string,and the few parts in the other songs that need a low B I just get by without it for now.

But getting back on topic without ever trying any of those other brands it's tough to choose,but I'm still convinced with Yamaha I think.

I would of considered buying that TRB jazzy cat if I had the money but I'm totally broke after buying my new bass rig.Unless the price is right I might still be interested haha.What color is it in and what are you asking?

 

[perfektspace6]

Thats not a slam on Yamahas, I just never cared for the RBX line, which Myung's siggy came from. The TRB line is fantastic. I just don't know how they would hold up in a DT-type of situation. If someone who has used a TRB in a prog metal band could vouch for its success.

Pretty sure Myung played fretted and fretless TRB's on Falling into Infininty and the subsequent tour. I thought the tone on the album and live was quite good. Although I think his was far from stock. He got the sig. shortly after and was never heard from again. Of course that was 10+years ago and the TRB's don't sound as sharp to me anymore.