Best 6-String Basses for Beginner 2026
Perfect 6-string basses for beginner - easy to play and learn on
Last updated: January 14, 2026 • Next update: January 21, 2026
#1
⭐
4.5/5
(34 reviews)
Sound:
10/10
Build:
9/10
Value:
8/10
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
Art. 581011
$622
#2
⭐
4.8/5
(6 reviews)
Sound:
8/10
Build:
10/10
Value:
6/10
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
Art. 521726
$604
#3
⭐
4.9/5
(30 reviews)
Sound:
9/10
Build:
9/10
Value:
7/10
Music Man Bongo 6 HH Stealth Black
by
Music Man
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
Art. 589749
$3,684
#4
⭐
4.7/5
(6 reviews)
Sound:
9/10
Build:
9/10
Value:
7/10
Warwick Masterbuilt Thumb SC NOF 6
by
Warwick
Progressive Rock
Professional Recording
Advanced Techniques
Key Feature:
• Professional versatility
✓ PROS
- • Guitar-like chord possibilities
- • Maximum extended range with high C string
✗ CONS
- • Complex string spacing considerations
- • Very wide neck requires significant adjustment
Warwick Masterbuilt Thumb SC NOF 66-String Electric BassBody: Swamp ashTop: Bubinga PommeléNeck-throughbody neck:...
⭐
4.7/5
(6 reviews)
Sound:
9/10
Build:
9/10
Value:
7/10
Art. 559798
$8,799
#5
⭐
4.5/5
(47 reviews)
Sound:
9/10
Build:
9/10
Value:
6/10
Warwick Pro Series Corvette Bubinga 6
by
Warwick
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
Art. 489044
$3,739
#6
⭐
4.7/5
(31 reviews)
Sound:
10/10
Build:
9/10
Value:
6/10
Dingwall CB3 Combustion 6 NAT PF
by
Dingwall
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
Art. 532781
$3,133
#7
⭐
4.7/5
(16 reviews)
Sound:
9/10
Build:
9/10
Value:
7/10
Ibanez BTB866SC-WKL
by
Ibanez
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
Art. 568660
$1,264
#8
⭐
4.8/5
(44 reviews)
Sound:
9/10
Build:
10/10
Value:
7/10
Cort A6 Plus FMMH
by
Cort
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
Art. 471057
$989
#9
⭐
4.8/5
(3 reviews)
Sound:
8/10
Build:
8/10
Value:
6/10
Ibanez BTB606-TGF
by
Ibanez
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
Art. 606737
$977
#10
⭐
4.4/5
(46 reviews)
Sound:
9/10
Build:
9/10
Value:
6/10
Ibanez SR3506-BK Prestige
by
Ibanez
Extended Range
Jazz Fusion
Professional Recording
Key Feature:
• Guitar-like chord possibilities
✓ PROS
- • Professional versatility
- • Maximum extended range with high C string
✗ CONS
- • Very wide neck requires significant adjustment
- • Steep learning curve from 4-string
Ibanez SR3506-BK Prestige6-String Electric BassBody: AshBolt-on 5-Piece neck: Maple/WalnutFingerboard: RosewoodMother...
⭐
4.4/5
(46 reviews)
Sound:
9/10
Build:
9/10
Value:
6/10
Art. 606718
$2,749
#11
⭐
4.6/5
(4 reviews)
Sound:
10/10
Build:
9/10
Value:
6/10
Sandberg California II TM6 BKB
by
Sandberg
Solo Bass
Professional Recording
Advanced Techniques
Key Feature:
• Solo bass performance capabilities
✓ PROS
- • Guitar-like chord possibilities
- • Professional versatility
✗ CONS
- • Steep learning curve from 4-string
- • Limited availability compared to 4/5-string
Sandberg California II TM6 BKB6-String Electric BassAsh bodyMaple neckEbony fretboard34" Scale (long)22 Frets1...
⭐
4.6/5
(4 reviews)
Sound:
10/10
Build:
9/10
Value:
6/10
Art. 376702
$2,749
#12
⭐
4.8/5
(32 reviews)
Sound:
8/10
Build:
8/10
Value:
8/10
Squier LTD CV Bass VI Antigua
by
Squier
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
Art. 589757
$549
#13
⭐
4.9/5
(50 reviews)
Sound:
9/10
Build:
10/10
Value:
8/10
Squier CV Bass VI LRL BGM
by
Squier
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
Art. 615266
$571
#14
⭐
4.7/5
(14 reviews)
Sound:
9/10
Build:
10/10
Value:
8/10
Ibanez BTB946-COL
by
Ibanez
Progressive Rock
Solo Bass
Professional Recording
Key Feature:
• Guitar-like chord possibilities
✓ PROS
- • Professional versatility
- • Solo bass performance capabilities
✗ CONS
- • Specialized setup and maintenance needed
- • Steep learning curve from 4-string
Ibanez BTB946-COL6-String Electric BassBody: Okoume/ AshTop: Poplar burl5-Piece neck-thru-body with graphite...
⭐
4.7/5
(14 reviews)
Sound:
9/10
Build:
10/10
Value:
8/10
Art. 606732
$1,594
#15
⭐
4.5/5
(39 reviews)
Sound:
7/10
Build:
8/10
Value:
9/10
Ibanez GSR206B-WNF
by
Ibanez
Advanced Techniques
Professional Recording
Solo Bass
Key Feature:
• Professional versatility
✓ PROS
- • Guitar-like chord possibilities
- • Professional versatility
✗ CONS
- • Specialized setup and maintenance needed
- • Limited availability compared to 4/5-string
Ibanez GSR206B-WNF6-String Electric BassBody: MahoganyNeck: MapleFretboard: JatobaWhite dot fretboard inlays22 Medium...
⭐
4.5/5
(39 reviews)
Sound:
7/10
Build:
8/10
Value:
9/10
Art. 356134
$395
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.
