Advice on where to start with looking for a six-string bass

[Naetharu]

Hi folks,

Having recently joined a Prog/Metal band I find myself playing stuff that could benefit from a bass with extended range. After a bit of deliberation I'm inclined to skip a five-string and go for a full six since the addition of the high C would be pretty useful on quite a few of the tracks.

So, what I am really looking for is a bit of advice about which bass might be worth considering for my first six string. Trying any out is pretty much out of the question. It's hard enough to find non-Fender 4-strings in music shops around here let along six strings.

The important things for me are:[list]
[*]No more than £500, but less if possible
[*]Weight and balance such that I realistically gig it
[*]String spacing as close to 19mm as possible (i.e. not too far of what I am used to with my 4-strings)
[*]Preferably active EQ since I prefer to shape my tone via the bass
[/list]
Any thoughts or advice would be really appreciated.

I'm not in a rush with this one so if anyone can suggest good second hand models that might be worth keeping an eye out for that would be very helpful too.

All the best

James

[Graham]

Not sure on the string spacing, but a Yamaha TRB1006 should be available at that budget and is a superb instrument.

[Cato]

Harley Benton do an active 6 string progressive.

I seem to recall Bilbo from this parish got a 7 string HB which he was pretty chuffed with.

Other than that Thomann are doing the Ibanez GSR206B-WNF (catchy name) for £251.64 & I think I've seen Andertons selling them at a similar price.

Its all pretty astonishing. When I started playing 25 odd years ago it was rare to see a six string this side of a grand.

[Truckstop]

Failing that, a Yamaha RBXJM 1 or 2 would be perfect. The JM1's are quite well known for being heavy though. Can be had for less than £400 and are top quality instruments that look a little more 'metul' than the TRBs.

[yorks5stringer]

[quote name='Cato' timestamp='1442763269' post='2869284']
Harley Benton do an active 6 string progressive.

I seem to recall Bilbo from this parish got a 7 string HB which he was pretty chuffed with.

Other than that Thomann are doing the Ibanez GSR206B-WNF (catchy name) for £251.64 & I think I've seen Andertons selling them at a similar price.

Its all pretty astonishing. When I started playing 25 odd years ago it was rare to see a six string this side of a grand.
[/quote]

They had Deco 6 Stringers earlier today for £45!!!

[Rumple]

[quote name='yorks5stringer' timestamp='1442764311' post='2869293']
They had Deco 6 Stringers earlier today for £45!!!
[/quote]

Just had a quick look and it's been sold now.

[JwK94]

[quote name='Graham' timestamp='1442763106' post='2869283']
Not sure on the string spacing, but a Yamaha TRB1006 should be available at that budget and is a superb instrument.
[/quote]

+1 on that, you can get one second hand for £500 or under and they really are great instruments for the money.

[Sibob]

For a cheap 6 string, I'd definitely be looking at a second hand Yamaha or Spector.

Si

[Beedster]

Yamaha, no question
C

[Naetharu]

Cheers folks, that's been really helpful. The RBX-JM2 looks great - I'm going to pop that on the top of my watch list and hope one appears for sale sometime soonish.

[GrammeFriday]

Peavey Grind 6ers are ace as well, and cheap as chips used.

[Dood]

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full review in http://edition.pagesuite-professional.co.uk//launch.aspx?eid=4ff5b8c0-6035-4edc-ba81-01ec6b929760

[GrammeFriday]

Yes, I was also thinking Cort A6, but the Peavey looks more metal.

[Shabbs]

Can vouch for the Ibanez SR506, outstanding instrument.

[CamdenRob]

I had a Spector legend for a while... Very decent bass for the money, not sure if they still do them?

Although as others have said Yamaha are always a good bet

[Naetharu]

[quote name='Shabbs' timestamp='1442782428' post='2869497']
Can vouch for the Ibanez SR506, outstanding instrument.
[/quote]

While I love the Ibanez basses I find that they neck (at least on my SR300) is too thin for me - I end up with cramp in my hands. I'm a little cautious that the same may be true of the six-string since while clearly wider, I think the necks are still very thin front-to-back.

[alyctes]

[quote name='GrammeFriday' timestamp='1442781127' post='2869481']
Peavey Grind 6ers are ace as well, and cheap as chips used.
[/quote]

There was one up on eBay last week, might still be there.

Edit: looks like it's gone. I did find this though... if it's anything like its 4-string cousins, it'll be a monster.

[url="http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Peavey-Fury-VI-6-string-bass-/321868160052?hash=item4af0d65c34"]http://www.ebay.co.u...=item4af0d65c34[/url]

There are a couple of Grind sixes up for £319.

Edited September 20, 2015 by alyctes

[Sibob]

Not sure I'd go Ibanez, would definitely look at Cort though, some nice basses made in a decent factory.
Cort make a bunch of stuff for a lot of other companies!

Si

[CamdenRob]

Some of the newer ibanez sixers look like quality kit... They have a range in Wunjos and up close the look really tasty. I'd be a little concerned about the string spacing and neck profile, but the new ones with the nordy pickups look excellent value to me if your going to buy new.

[Happy Jack]

[quote name='dood' timestamp='1442781388' post='2869483']
[url="http://edition.pagesuite-professional.co.uk/launch.aspx?eid=4ff5b8c0-6035-4edc-ba81-01ec6b929760&pnum=195"]http://www.iguitarmag.com/magazine-editions/guitar-interactive-issue-36/edition-videos/dv_cort_artisan_a6_bass_review/[/url]

full review in [url="http://edition.pagesuite-professional.co.uk//launch.aspx?eid=4ff5b8c0-6035-4edc-ba81-01ec6b929760"]http://edition.pages...81-01ec6b929760[/url]
[/quote]

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Alternatively, look elsewhere.

[Painy]

Had a Cort A6 and have to say it really was a fantastic piece of kit - not just for the price either. Moved it on cos I felt it was lacking something in the low end but have since discovered that this was actually down to a problem with the preamp section of my amp and not the bass so now kinda wish I had it back!

For a slightly more metal look though I'd actually be looking at the LTD B206SM. I believe icastle has, or at least had, one which he thought highly of.

[charic]

[quote name='Truckstop' timestamp='1442763276' post='2869285']
Failing that, a Yamaha RBXJM 1 or 2 would be perfect. The JM1's are quite well known for being heavy though. Can be had for less than £400 and are top quality instruments that look a little more 'metul' than the TRBs.
[/quote]

Yup, my RBXJM1 isn't going anywhere!

[DorsetBlue]

[quote name='Sibob' timestamp='1442791499' post='2869552']
Not sure I'd go Ibanez, would definitely look at Cort though, some nice basses made in a decent factory.
Cort make a bunch of stuff for a lot of other companies!

Si
[/quote]

Including Ibanez funnily enough. If my Cort B4 is anything to go by, the A6 might be worth a look. Schecter make quite a few 6 stringers too.

[Sibob]

[quote name='DorsetBlue' timestamp='1442923033' post='2870521']
Including Ibanez funnily enough.
[/quote]

Yeah I thought so, but couldn't remember

Si

[GrammeFriday]

This looks just the job:
http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Cort-Action-6-String-Active-Bass-/181520630112?hash=item2a43790160

And it's black!