Best 6-String Basses for Advanced Techniques 2026

Perfect 6-string basses for advanced-techniques - easy to play and learn on

Last updated: January 14, 2026 • Next update: January 21, 2026

Music Man Bongo 6 HH Stealth Black - Professional Music Instrument Photo
#1

Music Man Bongo 6 HH Stealth Black

Advanced Techniques Extended Range Professional Recording
Key Feature:
• Maximum extended range with high C string
✓ PROS
  • • Guitar-like chord possibilities
  • • Solo bass performance capabilities
✗ CONS
  • • Limited availability compared to 4/5-string
  • • Specialized setup and maintenance needed

Music Man Bongo 6 HH Stealth Black6-String Electric BassBody: BasswoodBolt-on neck (5-bolt): MapleFingerboard:...

4.9/5 (30 reviews)
Sound:
9/10
Build:
9/10
Value:
7/10
Dingwall CB3 Combustion 6 NAT PF - Professional Music Instrument Photo
#2

Dingwall CB3 Combustion 6 NAT PF

Solo Bass Extended Range Jazz Fusion
Key Feature:
• Advanced tapping and chording techniques
✓ PROS
  • • Solo bass performance capabilities
  • • Guitar-like chord possibilities
✗ CONS
  • • Complex string spacing considerations
  • • Limited availability compared to 4/5-string

Dingwall CB3 Combustion 6 NAT PF6-String Multiscale Electric BassBody: Swamp AshBolt-on neck: MapleFingerboard: Pau...

4.7/5 (31 reviews)
Sound:
10/10
Build:
9/10
Value:
6/10
Ibanez BTB606-TGF - Professional Music Instrument Photo
#3

Ibanez BTB606-TGF

Extended Range Jazz Fusion Professional Recording
Key Feature:
• Advanced tapping and chording techniques
✓ PROS
  • • Guitar-like chord possibilities
  • • Advanced tapping and chording techniques
✗ CONS
  • • Very wide neck requires significant adjustment
  • • Steep learning curve from 4-string

Ibanez BTB606-TGF6-String Electric BassBody: OkoumeTop: Poplar purl5-Piece neck-thru-body with graphite reinforcement...

4.8/5 (3 reviews)
Sound:
8/10
Build:
8/10
Value:
6/10
Marleaux Contra 6 H. Jung - Professional Music Instrument Photo
#4

Marleaux Contra 6 H. Jung

Extended Range Jazz Fusion Progressive Rock
Key Feature:
• Guitar-like chord possibilities
✓ PROS
  • • Maximum extended range with high C string
  • • Solo bass performance capabilities
✗ CONS
  • • Specialized setup and maintenance needed
  • • Very wide neck requires significant adjustment

Marleaux Contra 6 H. Jung6-String Electric BassHeiko Jung signature modelBody: MapleTop: Spruce3-Piece neck-thru-body:...

4.6/5 (26 reviews)
Sound:
10/10
Build:
10/10
Value:
6/10
Harley Benton BZ-6000 II NT - Professional Music Instrument Photo
#5

Harley Benton BZ-6000 II NT

Professional Recording Advanced Techniques Solo Bass
Key Feature:
• Advanced tapping and chording techniques
✓ PROS
  • • Advanced tapping and chording techniques
  • • Solo bass performance capabilities
✗ CONS
  • • Very wide neck requires significant adjustment
  • • Steep learning curve from 4-string

Harley Benton BZ-6000 II NT6-String Electric BassDeluxe SeriesBody: Mahogany / Ash / Mahogany / AshTop: AAA flamed...

4.8/5 (6 reviews)
Sound:
8/10
Build:
10/10
Value:
6/10
Cort A6 Plus FMMH - Professional Music Instrument Photo
#6

Cort A6 Plus FMMH

Extended Range Professional Recording Solo Bass
Key Feature:
• Guitar-like chord possibilities
✓ PROS
  • • Solo bass performance capabilities
  • • Maximum extended range with high C string
✗ CONS
  • • Limited availability compared to 4/5-string
  • • Specialized setup and maintenance needed

Cort A6 Plus FMMH6-String Electric BassBody: MahoganyTop: Flamed maple5-Piece neck-through-body: Maple/Panga...

4.8/5 (44 reviews)
Sound:
9/10
Build:
10/10
Value:
7/10
Sandberg California II SL TT 6 BK MN - Professional Music Instrument Photo
#7

Sandberg California II SL TT 6 BK MN

Progressive Rock Jazz Fusion Solo Bass
Key Feature:
• Maximum extended range with high C string
✓ PROS
  • • Solo bass performance capabilities
  • • Advanced tapping and chording techniques
✗ CONS
  • • Very wide neck requires significant adjustment
  • • Specialized setup and maintenance needed

Sandberg California II SL TT 6 BK MN6-String Bass GuitarThe SL series features a very light bodyPaulownia bodyMaple...

4.4/5 (11 reviews)
Sound:
10/10
Build:
10/10
Value:
7/10
Ibanez SRMS806-DTW - Professional Music Instrument Photo
#8

Ibanez SRMS806-DTW

Progressive Rock Solo Bass Advanced Techniques
Key Feature:
• Advanced tapping and chording techniques
✓ PROS
  • • Professional versatility
  • • Guitar-like chord possibilities
✗ CONS
  • • Steep learning curve from 4-string
  • • Very wide neck requires significant adjustment

Ibanez SRMS806-DTW6-String Multiscale Electric BassBody: OkoumeTop: Burl poplar5-Piece bolt-on neck: Jatoba /...

4.9/5 (54 reviews)
Sound:
9/10
Build:
10/10
Value:
6/10
Harley Benton BZ-6000 II NT w/Bag - Professional Music Instrument Photo
#9

Harley Benton BZ-6000 II NT w/Bag

Extended Range Advanced Techniques Jazz Fusion
Key Feature:
• Professional versatility
✓ PROS
  • • Professional versatility
  • • Maximum extended range with high C string
✗ CONS
  • • Very wide neck requires significant adjustment
  • • Limited availability compared to 4/5-string

Harley Benton BZ-6000 II NT w/Bag*Bundle offer comprising*, Harley Benton BZ-6000 II NT*6-String Electric Bass*Deluxe...

4.5/5 (34 reviews)
Sound:
10/10
Build:
9/10
Value:
8/10
Warwick Pro Series Corvette Bubinga 6 - Professional Music Instrument Photo
#10

Warwick Pro Series Corvette Bubinga 6

Advanced Techniques Jazz Fusion Professional Recording
Key Feature:
• Maximum extended range with high C string
✓ PROS
  • • Maximum extended range with high C string
  • • Guitar-like chord possibilities
✗ CONS
  • • Steep learning curve from 4-string
  • • Limited availability compared to 4/5-string

Warwick Pro Series Corvette Bubinga 66-String Electric BassBody: BubingaNeck: Bolt-on ovangkolFingerboard:...

4.5/5 (47 reviews)
Sound:
9/10
Build:
9/10
Value:
6/10
Ibanez BTB866SC-WKL - Professional Music Instrument Photo
#11

Ibanez BTB866SC-WKL

Solo Bass Professional Recording Progressive Rock
Key Feature:
• Maximum extended range with high C string
✓ PROS
  • • Solo bass performance capabilities
  • • Maximum extended range with high C string
✗ CONS
  • • Complex string spacing considerations
  • • Limited availability compared to 4/5-string

Ibanez BTB866SC-WKLElectric Bass6-StringBody: Ash / OkoumeTop: Ash5-Piece neck-through-body: Maple/ WalnutFingerboard:...

4.7/5 (16 reviews)
Sound:
9/10
Build:
9/10
Value:
7/10
Squier CV Bass VI LRL BGM - Professional Music Instrument Photo
#12

Squier CV Bass VI LRL BGM

Advanced Techniques Professional Recording Jazz Fusion
Key Feature:
• Professional versatility
✓ PROS
  • • Maximum extended range with high C string
  • • Professional versatility
✗ CONS
  • • Complex string spacing considerations
  • • Specialized setup and maintenance needed

Squier CV Bass VI LRL BGM6-String Electric BassBody: PoplarBolt-on neck: MapleFingerboard: Indian laurelPearloid block...

4.9/5 (50 reviews)
Sound:
9/10
Build:
10/10
Value:
8/10
Ibanez GSR186-PW - Professional Music Instrument Photo
#13

Ibanez GSR186-PW

Advanced Techniques Professional Recording Jazz Fusion
Key Feature:
• Professional versatility
✓ PROS
  • • Solo bass performance capabilities
  • • Professional versatility
✗ CONS
  • • Complex string spacing considerations
  • • Specialized setup and maintenance needed

Ibanez GSR186-PW6-String Electric BassBody: OkoumeNeck: MapleFingerboard: PurpleheartNeck profile: GSR6Fingerboard...

4.9/5 (48 reviews)
Sound:
7/10
Build:
7/10
Value:
9/10
Squier LTD CV Bass VI Antigua - Professional Music Instrument Photo
#14

Squier LTD CV Bass VI Antigua

Extended Range Progressive Rock Jazz Fusion
Key Feature:
• Guitar-like chord possibilities
✓ PROS
  • • Advanced tapping and chording techniques
  • • Solo bass performance capabilities
✗ CONS
  • • Steep learning curve from 4-string
  • • Limited availability compared to 4/5-string

Squier LTD CV Bass VI Antigua6-String Electric BassLimited editionClassic Line SeriesBody: PoplarBolt-on neck:...

4.8/5 (32 reviews)
Sound:
8/10
Build:
8/10
Value:
8/10
Squier Affinity Jazz Bass VI BKM - Professional Music Instrument Photo
#15

Squier Affinity Jazz Bass VI BKM

Advanced Techniques Solo Bass Extended Range
Key Feature:
• Maximum extended range with high C string
✓ PROS
  • • Guitar-like chord possibilities
  • • Professional versatility
✗ CONS
  • • Limited availability compared to 4/5-string
  • • Steep learning curve from 4-string

Squier Affinity Jazz Bass VI BKM6-String Electric bassBody: PoplarBolt-on neck: MapleFingerboard: Indian laurelPearloid...

4.7/5 (50 reviews)
Sound:
8/10
Build:
9/10
Value:
7/10

How to Choose the Best 6-String Basses

Budget Planning

  • • Under $200: Entry-level
  • • $200-$500: Intermediate
  • • $500-$1000: Advanced
  • • $1000+: Professional

Quality Check

  • • Sound clarity & tone
  • • Build materials & finish
  • • Hardware durability
  • • Overall craftsmanship

Key Features

  • • Your musical style
  • • Skill level match
  • • Intended use case
  • • Brand reputation

Frequently Asked Questions

Key factors include build quality, sound characteristics, playability, brand reputation, warranty coverage, and value for money. Consider your musical style, skill level, and intended use to find the best match.
Budget depends on your needs and experience level. Beginners can find quality options for $200-500, intermediate players should consider $500-1500 range, while professionals often invest $1500+ for premium features.
Higher-priced 6-string basses typically offer better materials, craftsmanship, and performance. They're worth it if you're serious about music, perform regularly, or need professional-grade features.
Top brands combine quality, innovation, and reliability. We evaluate brands based on build quality, sound performance, durability, and customer satisfaction to recommend the best options for different budgets.
Both have advantages. Online offers better prices and selection, while stores allow hands-on testing. We recommend researching online first, then testing in stores if possible. Many online retailers offer excellent return policies.

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