Looking for a lightweight multi-scale six-string bass...am I out of luck?

[AlfieC]

Hi everyone!

 

I've been gigging with my current six-string for over a year now, and it's an absolute beast (ESP B206SM), weighing a good 7kg at least (let alone my case, pedals, etc..). I've decided it's time to upgrade to something that won't kill my back!

 

So far, the only thing I've found that ticks all the boxes is the Ibanez EHB1006SM. It's got decent electronics, a multiscale fretboard, headless construction, and it's incredibly light! However, I feel a little stuck with just that single option (other than the 'premium' 1506SM model). 

 

Realistically, are there any other six-string basses - whether new or used - that might come in below £1500 that are genuinely lightweight and have the multiscale functionality? I've been dreaming of a Dingwall for years but they're just out of my realistic price bracket sadly!

[robiredale]

If you keep your eyes peeled, second hand dingwall ng/combustion series basses will be priced at just over your budget. They're not light as such but I think that weight/balance is very reasonable for what they are.

 

Otherwise the ibby is likely your best bet. Not aware of much else that ticks your boxes.

[BassApprentice]

Sometimes I think we're all guilty of tying ourselves in knots looking for something that actually already exists.

 

The question you need to think about is - do you want the instant satisfaction of buying the Ibanez which is readily available. Or can you wait and save more for the Dingwall?

 

 

I will throw in a curve ball, they are slightly less common, but it's not unheard of for ACG 6 strings to be around those prices and they will be far and away the best bass you will get for that money.

[Happy Jack]

On 20/08/2024 at 17:55, AlfieC said:

I've been gigging with my current six-string for over a year now, and it's an absolute beast (ESP B206SM), weighing a good 7kg at least ...

 

What method did you use to weigh this thing? The heaviest bass I have ever owned (for about two weeks 🙄) weighed 5.5Kg.

[binky_bass]

@AlfieC

 

There's this at BassBros. Might be able to negotiate a little to get it closer to your budget...

 

https://bassbros.co.uk/product/dingwall-combustion-3-6-string-w-front-side-sims-leds/

[AlfieC]

18 hours ago, BassApprentice said:

Sometimes I think we're all guilty of tying ourselves in knots looking for something that actually already exists.

 

The question you need to think about is - do you want the instant satisfaction of buying the Ibanez which is readily available. Or can you wait and save more for the Dingwall?

 

 

I will throw in a curve ball, they are slightly less common, but it's not unheard of for ACG 6 strings to be around those prices and they will be far and away the best bass you will get for that money.

Having played ACGs before, you’re right, they’re ridiculously brilliant basses. One of the best bass luthiers in the UK for sure. I haven’t found any six’ers close to these specs though for less than ~£1800 but maybe I’m looking in the wrong place!

[AlfieC]

4 hours ago, binky_bass said:

@AlfieC

 

There's this at BassBros. Might be able to negotiate a little to get it closer to your budget...

 

https://bassbros.co.uk/product/dingwall-combustion-3-6-string-w-front-side-sims-leds/

Thank you! I saw this, it’s a good deal but just a little beyond my budget. They’re asking £1600 minimum unfortunately. 
 

I’m also weighing up the pros and cons. Dingwall is more expensive but has that 37” scale, great pickups, great QC, and holds its value. The Ibanez is headless (more compact for touring), lighter, and has more versatile tonal controls (I think?).

 

Hard to judge. I played both on the same day and has differing feelings. The Ibanez felt so light and compact which was a huge plus, and easy to get a lot of tones from. The Dingwall felt effortless to play and the low B sounded absolutely killer!

[binky_bass]

If having a multiscale bass is an absolute definite, then you won't go far wrong with the Ibanez, they are very good instruments - and as you say much lighter and more compact than the Dingwall. 

 

If multiscale isn't an absolute definite, your options will open up more. As someone mentioned, ACG are outstanding things - I currently own 6 of them.

[AlfieC]

1 hour ago, binky_bass said:

If having a multiscale bass is an absolute definite, then you won't go far wrong with the Ibanez, they are very good instruments - and as you say much lighter and more compact than the Dingwall. 

 

If multiscale isn't an absolute definite, your options will open up more. As someone mentioned, ACG are outstanding things - I currently own 6 of them.

It’s not an *absolute* need (I’ve been fine on my standard six-string for years), but I guess the functionality helps to further justify a new bass? 
 

I would love an ACG six string but I can’t think of any in the price range that are on the market right now.

[Burns-bass]

3 hours ago, AlfieC said:

Thank you! I saw this, it’s a good deal but just a little beyond my budget. They’re asking £1600 minimum unfortunately. 
 

I’m also weighing up the pros and cons. Dingwall is more expensive but has that 37” scale, great pickups, great QC, and holds its value. The Ibanez is headless (more compact for touring), lighter, and has more versatile tonal controls (I think?).

 

Hard to judge. I played both on the same day and has differing feelings. The Ibanez felt so light and compact which was a huge plus, and easy to get a lot of tones from. The Dingwall felt effortless to play and the low B sounded absolutely killer!

The Dingwall will have better resale value than the Ibanez. Can’t you chop in your old one?

 

Alternatively, but on PayPal credit and pay it off over 4 months.

 

That Dingwall bass looks amazing.

[binky_bass]

Comes with a personalised set up and new set of strings when you buy it too... at £1600, that's not unreasonable. Worth the extra £100 on its own, just about!

[AlfieC]

49 minutes ago, Burns-bass said:

The Dingwall will have better resale value than the Ibanez. Can’t you chop in your old one?

 

Alternatively, but on PayPal credit and pay it off over 4 months.

 

That Dingwall bass looks amazing.

It’s just hard to judge two basses that have different things going for them! I’ve dreamed of a Dingwall for many years though. Maybe that’s a sign…

[AlfieC]

On 22/08/2024 at 20:11, binky_bass said:

Comes with a personalised set up and new set of strings when you buy it too... at £1600, that's not unreasonable. Worth the extra £100 on its own, just about!

Pulled the trigger on the Dingwall today! I think it’s the right call! Truly a dream bass.