Dazed Posted July 18, 2017 Share Posted July 18, 2017 I'm (again) considering picking up 6 string bass. I don't know why I have no real reason or logic and yet it keeps nagging at me that it will complete my life! Pah! So in an ideal world it would be headless with a minimalist body - I'd like it to be fairly lightweight, 34" scale, twin pickup, probably active, definitely 18-19mm bridge spacing. I've tried and can't adjust to anything less than 18. As its a trial into these big beasts, what's out there in the sub £1000 category ( ideally a lot less than that ) I'm realistic so scale and spacing are the main criteria here. Also good with second hand. Recommend away BC hive mind Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
kumimajava Posted July 19, 2017 Share Posted July 19, 2017 (edited) The Yamaha TRB JP1 (Patitucci's signature model) comes to mind - though probably a push to find one sub £1k. The JP1 has 34" if memory serves me right - they increased it to 35" for the updated JP2. (obviously, not headless or minimalist body, but if it sounds/plays anything like the TRB5's I've tried, it should be a great instrument Happy hunting! Edited July 19, 2017 by kumimajava Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
DangerDan Posted July 19, 2017 Share Posted July 19, 2017 I recentely had the same itch. There are a few real nice 6 strings on gumtree and these here woods. I just bought an ibanez gsr206b-wnf. Its a real budget instrument, think they go for around 300quid new (i paid half that second hand). Plays nice, sounds good. Not my prettiest bass, but i didn't need it for a band, just to see if i got on with six strings (hint- i really really do!) So im glad i went for a cheap one, though i cant help think now that i wish i had spent more (classic hey?). Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ambient Posted July 19, 2017 Share Posted July 19, 2017 Ibanez build some amazing 6 string basses. One of my students bought one, I couldn't believe it when he told me what he'd paid for it. There's a used one currently at Bass direct that looks nice. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
kumimajava Posted July 19, 2017 Share Posted July 19, 2017 [quote name='ambient' timestamp='1500456021' post='3337838'] There's a used one currently at Bass direct that looks nice. [/quote] If memory serves me right, most of the Ibanez 6-strings tend to be either 35-inch scale, or around 17mm string pacing (or both) Maybe they've changed the specs more recently - in which case, a great option for sure Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
TJ Spicer Posted July 20, 2017 Share Posted July 20, 2017 (edited) My first 6 string was bought here: a Yamaha TRB6II. It cost me £500 or so and has been my gateway into playing 6. I'm currently playing a TRB6PII which would be slightly over your budget secondhand, but a very similar bass to the original 6. The TRB6II is 19mm spacing but 35" scale. However, for me the scale makes a difference to the B string definition, and worth the tiny amount of extra stretch required! I think it's worth hunting for one! Otherwise Ibanez do seem to offer some compelling looking basses at great prices... Edited July 20, 2017 by TJ Spicer Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Grahambythesea Posted July 20, 2017 Share Posted July 20, 2017 (edited) I switch between 34 ins 4 string and a 35in 5 string fretless and quite honestly don't notice the difference. I am pretty certain that all the Yamahas quoted will not be lightweight. You could try the Spectors, they tend to be lightweight and the Korean made Legend will probably be within your budget. The quality on my Korean is as good as my Euro, possibly even better! Edited July 20, 2017 by Grahambythesea Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
King Tut Posted July 20, 2017 Share Posted July 20, 2017 I used to have a Hohner B Bass 6 which was pretty incredible for the money. If you see one used it'd deffo be worth a punt. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
lownote Posted July 20, 2017 Share Posted July 20, 2017 [quote name='King Tut' timestamp='1500530739' post='3338423'] I used to have a Hohner B Bass 6 which was pretty incredible for the money. If you see one used it'd deffo be worth a punt. [/quote] Totally endorse this! I've had two. Lovely wood, great playing basses, small, light-ish and you needn't pay over £250 for one. Why I sold mine I have no idea! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
CamdenRob Posted July 21, 2017 Share Posted July 21, 2017 (edited) Not sure about the spacing (I'd guess at 18) but I had a Spector legend sixer for a while and that was an excellent instrument Edited July 21, 2017 by CamdenRob Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Dazed Posted July 22, 2017 Author Share Posted July 22, 2017 Thanks for all the input. The most important aspect is the spacing for me, I've had a couple of 35" before and although I wouldn't choose that length it is usable. I've been checking out various specs online but not all list the spacing. No rush so I'll keep looking. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
kumimajava Posted July 23, 2017 Share Posted July 23, 2017 [quote name='Dazed' timestamp='1500749576' post='3339996'] Thanks for all the input. The most important aspect is the spacing for me, I've had a couple of 35" before and although I wouldn't choose that length it is usable. I've been checking out various specs online but not all list the spacing. No rush so I'll keep looking. [/quote] If the 35" scale is acceptable, then you can also include the original Yamaha TRB-6 and TRB-6p to your list (the series II perhaps also)- those should be 19mm at the bridge. The newer one (TRB-1006) went down all the way to 17mm Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
leschirons Posted July 23, 2017 Share Posted July 23, 2017 The ideal bass regarding the spec required, string spacing, twin p/ups, active, scale length and weight would seem to be a Status Energy 6 string. Easily pick them up for under £500 and the usual Status quality. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ba55me15ter Posted July 27, 2017 Share Posted July 27, 2017 The original TRB-6 is 34" scale / 19mm. I have one, it is a beautiful instrument. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
drlargepants Posted July 28, 2017 Share Posted July 28, 2017 I got bullied into playing a 6 string Shine bass at a rather packed jam night recently. Which was terrifying as I'd never played one before. It was pretty decent tbf, neck wasn't insanely wide, spacing seemed normal ish, heavy though. Shine are at the budget end no ? I couldn't fault it at all other than having too many strings ;-) Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
drlargepants Posted July 28, 2017 Share Posted July 28, 2017 Ahh, sub £1000 category, this may be too budget then. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Blink Posted July 31, 2017 Share Posted July 31, 2017 Spector Legend. Excellent value for money and well within your budget. I have an "as new" example which I am considering selling as I never use it. N Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
bassmayhem Posted September 6, 2017 Share Posted September 6, 2017 Hello Dazed, I send you PM... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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