Best six string bass guitars

Steve Romanoski Avatar
Steve Romanoski
Last Updated: Oct 7, 2022

Online shopping can be a time-consuming task to perform, especially if you've never had the product before. Luckily, there're ultimate reviews like this one that can help save you hours on the research. The www.playersbenchmusic.com researchers have carefully selected the top 33 six string bass guitars out there. Below you'll find our detailed reviews of the best options from Apollo.

At a Glance: Our Top Picks

Schecter Stiletto Studio-6 Electric Bass (6 String
#TOP 1
Schecter Stiletto Studio-6 Electric Bass (6 String
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Ibanez SR306EB 6-String Electric Bass Guitar Weathered Black
#TOP 2
Ibanez SR306EB 6-String Electric Bass Guitar Weathered Black
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Ibanez Bass Workshop SRSC806
#TOP 3
Ibanez Bass Workshop SRSC806
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Top 33 Best six string bass guitars Reviews 2022

#TOP 1

Schecter Stiletto Studio-6 Electric Bass (6 String

Schecter

Features

  • EMG HZ Pickups
  • Limited Lifetime Guarantee
  • Diamond Custom Bridge
  • Limited Lifetime Guarantee
  • Diamond Custom Bridge
  • EMG HZ Pickups, 6 string
  • Mahogany w/ Bubinga Center
  • 6 string
  • Mahogany with Bubinga Center
#TOP 2

Ibanez SR306EB 6-String Electric Bass Guitar Weathered Black

Ibanez

Features

  • Neck Shape: Info not available Wood: Maple with rosewood Neck joint: Info not available Scale length: 34" Truss rod: Yes Finish: Info not availablePickups Active or passive pickups: Passive Pickup configuration: HH Neck: Dual Coil Middle: Not applicable Bridge: Dual Coil Brand: PowerSpan Series or parallel: Parallel Active preamp: Info not available Special electronics: Ibanez Custom Electronics 3-band EQFretboard Material: Rosewood Radius: Info not available Fret size: Medium Number of frets: 2
  • Other features include a sturdy 5-piece Maple/Rosewood SR4 neck, a Rosewood fretboard, and an Accu-cast B125 bridge for superior string vibration transfer and precise intonation
  • The bass starts with an immaculately finished Mahogany body
  • The SR306EB is a handsome 6-string bass designed for the experienced player
  • Embraced by bassists over the decades, the iconic series continues to excite with its smooth, fast neck, lightweight body and perfectly matched electronics
#TOP 3

Ibanez Bass Workshop SRSC806

Ibanez

Features

  • Poplar Burl Top
  • 2 Humbucking Pickups - Deep Twilight Flat
  • Maple/Purpleheart Neck
  • 6-string Electric Bass with Mahogany Wing Body
  • Purpleheart Fingerboard
#TOP 4

Kcelarec Electric Bass Guitar Full Size 4 String 46 Inch Bass (Red)

Kcelarec

Features

  • The 4 string bass guitar is made of high-quality basswood on body and stable rosewood on bridge and fingerboard.
  • Great gift for kids aspiring musicians wanting to learn, reasonable price and excellent quality.
  • You can play all the warm and rock music styles you want with the Split Single-Coil pickup and 2 volume knobs.Your tune can be stability and smooth with the surface coating designed strings and larger string tension delivered.
  • The electric bass guitar is a ideal gift for beginners and suits aspiring musicians too. Each 4 strings and string height can be adjusted and you can fine tuning the neck on the top of the fingerboard.
  • Wood body and will stand up to years of wear and tear. With a polished surface, the glossy bass looks smooth and beautiful.
#TOP 5

Ibanez 5 String Bass Guitar

Ibanez

Features

  • Fast, slim Maple neck
  • Hand orientation: Right
  • Ppd5 pickup
  • Compact, light-weight Body
#TOP 6

Ibanez GSR206SM 6-String Electric Bass (Natural Grey Burst) w/ Spalted Maple Top w/ Gig Bag and Stand

Ibanez

Features

  • Scale length: 34"
  • Bridge design: 4-Saddle standard
  • Includes a Gig Bag and Guitar Stand!
  • Country of origin: Indonesia
  • Special electronics: Phat II bass boost
#TOP 7

Ibanez SR506E 6-String

Ibanez

Features

  • Jatoba Fingerboard
  • Jatoba/Walnut Neck
  • 6-string Electric Bass with Okoume Body
  • 2 Humbucking Pickups - Brown Mahogany
#TOP 8

Ibanez GSR 6 String Bass Guitar

Ibanez

Features

  • Fast, slim Maple neck
  • Compact, light-weight Body
  • Dynamic P & J pickups
  • Active Phat II EQ adds additional low-end power
#TOP 9

Left-handed 6 String Electric Bass Guitar Millettia Laurentii+Okoume body maple neck

Gstyle

Features

  • 24 nickel frets, a truss rod, two strap hangers, side makers on
  • maple neck & composite ebony fingerboard * Millettia Laurentii+Okoume body,
  • Left-handed 6 string electric bass
  • overall length is 44", the scale length is 35 1/2" and, the nut width is 2 1/8"
  • 2 volume & 3 tone controls, * soap bar *2 pick-up, inlay on fingerboard,*Belcat pickup BJ-80-6 Passive&Active MAGNET: Ferrite D.C Resistance(KΩ):16.2 Inductance(H):5.5
#TOP 10

Ibanez 5 String Bass Guitar

Ibanez

Features

  • Compact, light-weight Body
  • Fast, slim Maple neck
  • Dynamic P & J pickups
  • Active Phat II EQ adds additional low-end power
#TOP 11

Kcelarec Electric Bass Guitar Full Size 6 String

Kcelarec

Features

  • The electric bass delivers a smooth tone for you, it is ideal choice for rock and roll, you can use it to play the blues, and everything else in between. The natural, bright sound of the bass complements the warm sounds of the solid wood.
  • The electric bass comes with a travel bag, so you can take your bass to your lesson or anywhere you want. You can lift or carry the bass with straps. The bag designed with zip closures, you can also keep your music score or accessories inside conveniently.
  • The electric bass guitar is a ideal gift for beginners and suits aspiring musicians too. Each 6 strings and string height can be adjusted and you can fine tuning the neck on the top of the fingerboard.
  • You can either lift or carry the bass, equipped with this portable bass bag. It also offers a protection to you electric bass guitar. Ideal for taking your beloved bass guitar to class, perform, and play music with your band friends.
  • The electric bass is constructed with a wood body, it features solidity so that you can play it freely. The durable bass will stand up to years of wear and tear. With a polished surface, the bass looks smoother and more shiny.
#TOP 12

ESP LTD B-206SM Spalted Maple 6-String Bass Guitar

ESP

Features

  • Includes passive ESP Designed SB-6 pickups, along with an active ABQ-3 3-band EQ, and good-looking black nickel hardware
  • Designed with an extra thin U-shaped 5-piece maple/jatoba neck for excellent playing feel
  • An affordable yet high quality 6-string bass that offers an ash body with a spalted maple top in Natural Satin finish
  • With unique coloration and grain pattern, spalted maple is a great look to stand out from the crowd
#TOP 13

Ibanez BTB746 6-String Electric Bass Guitar Low Gloss Natural

Ibanez

Features

  • Neck Shape: Info not available Wood: Wenge/bubinga/maple Neck joint: Neck-through Scale length: 35 in. Truss rod: Standard Finish: Satin Pickups Active or passive pickups: Passive Pickup configuration: SS Neck: BH2 Middle: Not applicable Bridge: BH2 Brand: Bartolini Series or parallel: Info not available Active preamp: Not applicable Special electronics: Info not available Fretboard Material: Rosewood Ra
  • The elegantly contoured, massive body of select tone woods combines with dedicated hardware and electronics to produce huge, rich tones
  • Neck-through construction, a two-octave fretboard, and a super-deep cutaway, promise sleek playability and enduring sustain
  • "The ever-evolving Ibanez BTB series has always aimed to expand the playeraTMs range of creative expression
  • The BTB series defines what the aoeBoutique Bassa is all about
#TOP 14

Ibanez SRF706 6-String Fretless Electric Bass Guitar Flat Brown Burst

Ibanez

Features

  • Neck Shape: Info not available Wood: Maple/bubinga Neck joint: Neck-through Scale length: 35 in. Truss rod: Standard Finish: Satin Pickups Active or passive pickups: Passive Pickup configuration: SS Neck: MK-1 Middle: Not applicable Bridge: MK-1 Brand: Bartolini Series or parallel: Info not available Active preamp: Not applicable Special electronics: Piezo preamp Fretboard Material: Rosew
  • Now, the Ibanez Bass Workshop makes this much sought after option available to SR players everywhere with the introduction of the SR Portamento
  • Throughout the years, we’ve made fretless versions of this classic for a limited number of esteemed Ibanez artists
  • Over 30 years ago, the SR established Ibanez as the leader in innovative bass building
  • The SR Portamento offers a Rosewood fingerboard that extends the length of the standard SR neck to a hefty 30-fret length
#TOP 15

Squier by Fender Classic Vibe Bass VI

Fender

Features

  • 100% designed by Fender
  • Hand orientation: Right
  • Vintage-tinted gloss neck finish
  • Inspired by original Bass VI models
  • Nickel-plated hardware
  • Fender-Designed alnico pickups
#TOP 16

Fretless 6 String Electric Bass Guitar Millettia Laurentii+Okoume body

Gstyle

Features

  • a truss rod, two strap hangers, side makers on
  • maple neck & composite ebony fingerboard * Millettia Laurentii+Okoume body,
  • overall length is 44", the scale length is 35 1/2" and, the nut width is 2 1/8"
  • Fretless 6 string electric bass
  • 2 volume & 3 tone controls, * soap bar *2 pick-up, inlay on fingerboard
#TOP 17

Dean Edge 1 6-String Bass Guitar

Dean Guitars

Features

  • guitar_pickup_configuration: humbucker
  • Fretboard Material: walnut; neck Material: Maple
  • Pickup Bridge/neck: DMT design humbucker
  • Construction: bolt-on neck
  • Bridge: High-Mass bass Bridge
  • Body & top material: Mahogany
#TOP 18

LyxPro 30 Inch Electric Guitar and Starter Kit

LyxPro

Features

  • DIGITAL TUNER & ACCESSORIES | Battery-Operated Mini Clip-On Tuner & Instruction Book Teaches Kids to Tune Their Guitar for Best Sound Quality | Kit Also Comes with [6] Strings, [2] Picks & Comfortable Shoulder Strap
  • REAL 30 INCH ELECTRIC GUITAR | Plug In Guitar Features the Same Scale & High- Quality Materials as an Adult’s Full Size Instrument Including Premium Rosewood Fingerboard, Canadian Maple Neck, Volume/Tone Knobs & More
  • GIVE THE GIFT OF BEAUTIFUL MUSIC | All-in-One Set for Dummies is a Budding Musician’s Dream | From Home to School to Lessons, Learning the Guitar Has Never Been So Easy! | Perfect Present for Christmas, Birthday & Beyond
  • 20 WATT AMPLIFIER WITH CABLE | Pack Includes 20W Amp with Built In Speaker, Headphone Jack & AUX Input for Playing Along to Music on Phone or MP3 Player | Integrated Controls Include Gain, Bass, Treble, Volume & Grind
  • BOYS & GIRLS BEGINNER GUITAR SET | Ultimate Starter Package Includes 3/4 Child’s Size Guitar & All the Parts & Equipment They Need to Rock Straight Out the Box | Perfect Choice for Novice & Intermediate Players Aged 9 to 13
#TOP 19

Ibanez EHB1006MSMGM EHB 6-String Bass Guitar

Ibanez

Features

  • Ibanez Custom Headpieces: Rugged yet light-weight Ibanez custom headpieces enable strings to be easily set and released by a hex wrench from the back side
  • T1 Pickups: The T1 pickup provides tight bottom-end, punchy mid-range, and smooth response
  • Maple/Walnut Neck: The Roasted Maple neck is heat-treated to increase stability, durability, moisture resistance, and tolerance of temperature changes. The Graphite reinforcement rods provide massive sustain and excellent stability
  • Medium Frets: The Stainless Steel frets are durable and long-lasting
  • Vari-mid 3-band EQ: The Vari-mid 3-band EQ features a variable mid-frequency control which allows you to dial in an incredibly wide range of sounds
#TOP 20

Ibanez 5 String Bass Guitar

Ibanez

Features

  • Dynamic P pickup
  • Short Scale 28. 6"
  • Compact, light-weight Body
  • Fast, slim Maple neck
#TOP 21

Ibanez GSR206BWNF 6-String Electric Bass Walnut Flat Finish w/ Gig Bag and Stand

Ibanez

Features

  • DXH-6N neck and DXH-6B bridge pickups serve up classic fat, punchy tone
  • Includes a Gig Bag and Stand!
  • Phat II EQ with active bass boost
  • Compact, contoured body and slim neck profile give you amazing playing comfort and speed
  • Mahogany body maple neck with rosewood fingerboard
#TOP 22

LyxPro Left Hand 39 Inch Electric Guitar and Starter Kit

LyxPro

Features

  • DIGITAL TUNER & ACCESSORIES | Battery-Operated Mini Clip-On Tuner & Instruction Book Teaches Kids to Tune Their Guitar for Best Sound Quality | Kit Also Comes with [6] Steel Strings, [2] Picks & Comfortable Shoulder Strap
  • 20 WATT AMPLIFIER WITH CABLE | Pack Includes 20W Amp with Built In Speaker, Headphone Jack & AUX Input for Playing Along to Music on Phone or MP3 Player | Integrated Controls Include Gain, Bass, Treble, Volume & Grind
  • Left Handed BEGINNER GUITAR SET | Ultimate Starter Package Includes Full Size Guitar & All the Parts & Equipment They Need to Rock Straight Out the Box | Perfect Choice for Novice & Intermediate Players
  • 39 INCH LH ELECTRIC GUITAR | Plug In Guitar Features the Same Scale & High-Quality Materials as a Right handed Full Size Instrument Including Premium Rosewood Fingerboard, Canadian Maple Neck, Volume/Tone Knobs & More
  • GIVE THE GIFT OF BEAUTIFUL MUSIC | All-in-One Set for Dummies is a Budding Musician’s Dream | From Home to School to Lessons, Learning the Guitar Has Never Been So Easy! | Perfect Present for Christmas, Birthday & Beyond
#TOP 23

Ibanez SR405EQM Quilted Maple 5-String Electric Bass Guitar Dragon Eye Burst

Ibanez

Features

  • For 25 years the SR has given bass players a modern alternative
  • Embraced by bassists over the decades, the iconic series continues to excite with its smooth, fast neck, lightweight body and perfectly matched electronics
  • The SR405EQM is a handsome 5-string bass designed for the experienced player
  • Neck Shape: Info not available Wood: Maple Neck joint: Bolt-on Scale length: Info not available Truss rod: Standard Finish: Satin Pickups Active or passive pickups: Passive Pickup configuration: HH Neck: PowerSpan Middle: Not applicable Bridge: PowerSpan Brand: Ibanez Series or parallel: Info not available Active preamp: Not applicable Special electronics: 3-way Power Tap switch Fretboard
  • The bass starts with an immaculately finished Mahogany body topped with gorgeous quilted maple
#TOP 24

Left-handed 6 String Electric Bass

Gstyle

Features

  • die-cast black machine head,24 frets, 2 strap hangers
  • the overall length is 43", the scale length is 34" and, the nut width is 1 5/8"
  • left-handed 6 string electric bass, poplar wood body
  • 2 volume& 2 tune controls, soap bar *2 pick-up, inlay on fingerboard Belcat pick up (BJ-80-6 Passive & Active): MAGNET:Ferrite D.C.Resistance (KΩ ):16.2 Inductance ( H ) :5.5
  • bolt_on maple neck & composite ebony fingerboard, sunburst
#TOP 25

Ibanez SR305E 5-String Bass Pearl White

Ibanez

Features

  • Neck Shape: Not specified Wood: Maple Rosewood Neck joint: Bolt-on Scale length: 34" Truss rod: Standard Finish: Gloss Pickups Active or passive pickups: Passive Pickup configuration: HH Neck: PowerSpan Dual Coil Middle: Not applicable Bridge: PowerSpan Dual Coil Brand: Ibanez Series or parallel: Series Active preamp: Yes Special electronics: Active 3-band EQ with 3-way Power Tap switch Fretboard
  • The SR305E is a handsome 5-string bass designed for the experienced player
  • The bass starts with an immaculately finished mahogany body
  • Embraced by bassists over the decades, the iconic series continues to excite with its smooth, fast neck, lightweight body and perfectly matched electronics
  • For 25 years the SR has given bass players a modern alternative
#TOP 26

MUSTAR Electric Bass Guitars Full Size 4 String

MUSTAR

Features

  • SMOOTH & DURABLE FINGERBOARD - A straight, regular fingerboard is the most important condition for getting a fantastic feel and sound. The solid and smooth rosewood fretboard has a warmer tone and a fuller bass, which can continue to bring you fluent performance. Steel tuning pegs is easy to tune and keep the tuned string held in position.
  • ALL-IN-1 ELECTRIC BASS GUITARS - MUSTAR electric bass guitar is fully equipped with accessories, including 1 x 46 inch Electric Bass, 1 x Gig bag, 1 x Shoulder Strap, 2 x Bass pick, 1 x Amp Cord. Definitely a decent gift for children, friends and family. You can play electric bass immediately after opening the box.
  • READY TO GO ANYWHERE - A waterproof nylon carry bag and the removable shoulder strap make it comfortable and easy for traveling musicians to take the bass guitar on the road. Play anywhere, anytime, without taking up space. 100% Satisfaction, if you have any questions, please feel free to "contact seller".
  • EXCELLENT TONE DISPLAY - You can play all the warm and rock music styles you want with the split single-coil pickup and 2 volume knobs. Your tune can be stable and smooth with the surface coating designed strings and larger string tension delivered. Slim“C”-shaped profile, ergonomic design, fits to the body, comfortable to play.
  • CUSTOMIZE YOUR MUSIC - The bass guitar features a solid Paulownia body with fine arches, Rosewood fingerboard and nickel plated strings, providing elegant sound and smooth tone. It’s easy to learn, specially designed for beginners and musicians. Suitable for a variety of styles of solo, such as blues, funk and other music styles.
#TOP 27

6 String Electric Bass Guitar Millettia Laurentii+Okoume body maple neck

Gstyle

Features

  • maple neck & composite ebony fingerboard * Millettia Laurentii+Okoume body,
  • 2 volume & 3 tone controls, * soap bar *2 pick-up, inlay on fingerboard,*Belcat pickup BJ-80-6 Passive&Active MAGNET: Ferrite D.C Resistance(KΩ):16.2 Inductance(H):5.5
  • 6 string electric bass
  • 24 nickel frets, a truss rod, two strap hangers, side makers on
  • overall length is 44", the scale length is 35 1/2" and, the nut width is 2 1/8"
#TOP 28

Fretless 6 String Electric Bass Bolt_On Maple Neck

Gstyle

Features

  • poplar wood body , matte sunburst finish,die-cast black machine tuners
  • 24 fret markers, a truss rod, two strap hangers, side makers on
  • *2 volume & 2 tone controls, * soap bar *2 pick-up, inlay on fingerboard
  • fretless 6 string electric bass, bolt-on maple neck & composite ebony fingerboard
  • the overall length 43 1/2".scale length 34 1/2 ", nut width 2 1/8"
#TOP 29

Traveler Guitar, 4-String Ultra-Light Bass (Maple)

Traveler Guitar

Features

  • Comfortable 30" Scale
  • Only 33 3/4" Long
  • Remove able Lap support
  • Weighs 3 lbs. 6. 5 oz.
  • Custom piezo pickup
#TOP 30

Ktaxon 4 String Electric Bass Guitar

Ktaxon

Features

  • SUITABLE FOR ALL SKILL LEVELSComing with a complete set, this bass guitar is no assembly required which is a great choice for beginners and experienced musicians of all levels. A portable bag with a convertible nylon strap supports you to carry it in different ways.
  • OUTSTANDING TONE DISPLAYAdapted with passive pickups, this 4-string rock bass has pure sound and a good distortion effect, which can play variable musical styles. The surface coating design of strings makes string tension larger therefore you can play a more stable and smooth sound.
  • FANSATIC HAND-FEELINGMade of premium rosewood, this fretboard of the 4-string bass guitar features smooth touch and hard texture in order to better hand-feeling and durability. Compared to ordinary bass, our bass neck adopts a C-shaped design for a more comfortable experience.
  • FABULOUS SOUNDOur electric bass can deliver brighter sound and a more powerful mid-range growl owing to J type 2 single-coil pickups. The mahogany body makes this electric bass tone become richer, which is perfectly suitable for rock metal.
  • HUMANIZE DESIGN1.4" nut width and 9.5" fretboard radius are the right sizes for kids and adults alike. The turning knobs are made of premium chrome so that can maintain a mirror-like shine for a long time.
#TOP 31

Stagg BC300FL Fretless 4-String Fusion Electric Bass Guitar

Stagg

Features

  • Solid Alder Body
  • Hard Maple Neck
  • Country of Origin: China
  • Rosewood Fingerboard
#TOP 32

ESP LTD D-6 6-String Bass Guitar

ESP

Features

#TOP 33

Ibanez GSR206BWNF 6-String Bass Guitar (Walnut Flat Finish) Bundle

Ibanez

Features

  • Dynamic P and J Pickups: Factor in Ibanez Dynamic P and J pickups for clarity and fullness well beyond their price point, and the PHAT-II EQ for ultra-wide tonal range and you’ll see why the GSR206 ranks as one of the most-played basses of all time
  • Sleek and Comfortable: A sleek, comfortable, GSR6 Maple neck-widely recognized as the industry standard for playability-and rock solid Ibanez B16 bridge, rev up the specs to accommodate whatever you set out to play
  • Slim Neck Profile: Playability is superb - a slim neck profile and deep cutaway lets you engage in fast, unrestricted fretting
  • Phat II Active Bass Circuit: To inject even more beef into your sound, Ibanez has included their Phat II active bass circuit
  • Bundle Includes: Ibanez GSR206BWNF 6-String Bass Guitar (Walnut Flat Finish) with Blackstar FLY 3 Bass Combo Amplifier (Black) and Hosa GTR-210R Straight-to-Right Angle Guitar Cable (10-Feet, Black)

Finding the Best six string bass guitars

What is Paul McCartney's favorite guitar?

1962 Epiphone Casino ES-230TD Known as one of Paul's favorite guitars ever, he used it on famous songs such as “Taxman”, “Paperback Writer”, and “Drive my Car”. This guitar can be seen today as Paul still performs with it.

Why is bass guitar not popular?

Bass players are generally criminally underappreciated as they have the crucial role of providing rhythm to a band's performance. Bass players are overlooked because the bass is a support instrument compared to the guitar, drums, or vocals. The lead instruments are generally heard more than the bass.

Are bass players failed guitarists?

Bassists are not failed guitarists in any way. Many famous bass players did start off on guitars, such as Paul McCartney, John Deacon of Queen, and Geezer Butler of Black Sabbath. But they switched to bass due to the necessity in their bands and not due to being failed guitarists.

Can I play bass on electric guitar?

Yes, you can. A bass amp works for an electric guitar, too. Furthermore, many guitarists have used a bass amp while playing and recording. If you just plug the guitar directly into the bass amp, you'll get a dry sound, and you might not like what you hear.

What bass was used on Helter Skelter?

John Lennon is playing the bass on this one. It's being played with either a Fender Bass VI or a Fender Jazz Bass.. His playing is very unique, and really matches his chunky angry sounding rhythm guitar playing.

Editor's Notes

To make this list of the top six string bass guitars we spent 61 hours to analyze over 1914 customer reviews carefully. As a result, our editors selected the 33 options most people truly liked. They boast of the rating of 294, on average, and cost around $10448.

Steve Romanoski Avatar
Written by

Steve Romanoski

Steve loves music. Steve Romanoski and his wife live in Alaska. They are always on the go, exploring new places and trying out new products (especially those which can help them enjoy the great musics even more). When he's not writing about products, Steve Romanoski enjoys reading books about history and science. He likes to think of himself as a renaissance man, but his wife would probably say that he's just a big kid at heart.