Your favorite 6 string bass for less than 2 grand

[Frodolicious]

Hey Y'all,

I am a bass player who dabbles in blues, bluegrass, country both old and modern, and worship regularly.

I have a partscaster 4 string jazz that has been my only bass for about 3 years now. Want to try something different, and was curious what you recommend with my budget of less than 2 grand.

A 6 string has been something I have been interested in for a long time, and have enjoyed playing the one Ibanez 6 string bass my buddy has. Looking looking something built to last, and as long as it sounds good plugged straight into my amp, the rest of the specs dont matter as much to me.

Thanks everyone!!

 

[JeroB666]

Biased opinion, get a used Bongo 6 which should be under 2k.

Unbiased opinion, maybe check the classifieds since usually you can find awesome basses for less than 2k.

 

[thabassmon]

I like mine
It's really easy to play can sound as round or bright as you want.
Ibanez SR1206

 

[who]

Unbiased opinion, maybe check the classifieds since usually you can find awesome basses for less than 2k.

This is the way to go. Just a quick look and I found this MTD Kingston with upgraded hardware and electronics that comes in well under your budget: For Sale - Fully Upgraded MTD Z6

Other options to consider could be a used Peavey Cirrus, or a Yamaha TRB6.

 

[JeroB666]

That MTD Z6 is so tempting

 

[DiabolusInMusic]

Since it is your first six, I suggest looking at the used market and basing your decision off what is available. That way you will take less of a hit if you decide that 6ers aren't for you.

 

[Frodolicious]

Great points everyone! This gives me a good start. My buddy has an Ibanez SR1806e that plays awesome! I'm tempted to just get that

 

[WillyW]

I like my 94 corvette

 

[Bodeeni]

+1 for the MTD K6. Mine is an awesome bass

 

[IconBasser]

This is the way to go. Just a quick look and I found this MTD Kingston with upgraded hardware and electronics that comes in well under your budget: For Sale - Fully Upgraded MTD Z6

Other options to consider could be a used Peavey Cirrus, or a Yamaha TRB6.

All of those are great basses. I would be hesitant about a Peavey Cirrus though, since OP mentioned he primarily plays blues. The Cirrus has a very distinctive almost nasally midrange honk to it, which might be the opposite of what OP wants.

 

[MMiller28]

Used Bongo or USA Cirrus

 

[Watchootognbout]

My two Tune TWB63's
One was converted to fretless.

Online these run about $1250.00
But can be have for FAR less if you buy used.
Which is what I did.

 

[ThinCrappyTone]

Since you like your friend’s Ibanez, I would recommend looking for an Ibanez. Even the inexpensive ibbys sound and play well, but for 2k, you can get a really sweet one.

 

[TigerInATrance]

I'm currently gassing for this one... An Ibanez BTB846V which is a 33" scale.

I own and use an SR1206, like the one posted earlier, pretty much exclusively. Any of the Premium line would be just as good though.

 

[BluesWalker]

I really liked the John Myumg Yamaha Bass. I used it on a blues band, it worked well in that context. There is a YouTuber, Jared Plane, that plays one in his rock and jazz bands.

 

[Gigas444]

I own/owned a Spector Legend Classic 6 which you can find it pre-owned for 500/600 bucks and it's a very good sounding instrument for the price (comes with Bartolini or EMG pickups, it depend by the MY), Warwick Thumb (search for a pre-owned, MY before 2000 should be much better), Yamaha TRB6, but if you want to spend some more money: go for a Dingwall NG 6 strings and you will never look back, the best (IMHO) sounding B string you will ever find + Darkglass Tone Capsule onboard pre, super fast neck + excellent build quality, when you want a passive one search for a Dingwall ABZ 6 strings (which in some way is better than the NG) pre-owned should be in your budget!

 

[Hypocrite]

Best bass I ever played is my LTD B-206SM. LTD consistently put out instruments of much higher quality than basses that cost twice as much

 

[ole Jason]

If you're not in a hurry you can find used customs from a lot of builders in that range. I picked up an Eshenbaugh for around $1700 and it's great

 

[neptoon]

I’ve had three 6 string basses, a Greg Curbow, and two Warwick thumb NT’s...I didn’t pay more than $2k for any of them, and they were awesome...I would look for a used one, in any case

 

[Dave the Bass]

Ibanez BTB686SC....