AudioFu

Best 6-String Basses for Intermediate 2025

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

Last updated: November 5, 2025 • Next update: November 12, 2025

PRICE RANGES: Under $500 Under $800 Under $2,000 Under $5,000
SKILL LEVELS: For Beginner For Intermediate For Professional For Advanced
GENRES & STYLES: For Extended Range For Solo Bass For Jazz Fusion For Progressive Rock For Advanced Techniques For Professional Recording
BRANDS: Ibanez Squier
Marleaux Contra 6 H. Jung - Professional Music Instrument Photo
#1

Marleaux Contra 6 H. Jung

by Marleaux
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
Art. 541988
$11,319
Buy at Thomann View Details
Warwick GPS Thumb BO 6 NT - Professional Music Instrument Photo
#2

Warwick GPS Thumb BO 6 NT

by Warwick
Progressive Rock Solo Bass Professional Recording
Key Feature:
• Guitar-like chord possibilities
✓ PROS
  • • Solo bass performance capabilities
  • • Advanced tapping and chording techniques
✗ CONS
  • • Limited availability compared to 4/5-string
  • • Complex string spacing considerations

Warwick GPS Thumb BO 6 NT6-String Electric BassBody: OvangkolNeck: OvangkolFretboard: WengeScale: 34" (Long...

⭐ 4.7/5 (53 reviews)
Sound:
8/10
Build:
10/10
Value:
8/10
Art. 364230
$3,629
Buy at Thomann View Details
Dingwall CB3 Combustion 6 NAT PF - Professional Music Instrument Photo
#3

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
Buy at Thomann View Details
Sandberg California II SL TT 6 BK MN - Professional Music Instrument Photo
#4

Sandberg California II SL TT 6 BK MN

by Sandberg
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
Art. 477480
$2,969
Buy at Thomann View Details
Ibanez SR5506-MHF Prestige - Professional Music Instrument Photo
#5

Ibanez SR5506-MHF Prestige

by Ibanez
Extended Range Jazz Fusion Solo Bass
Key Feature:
• Advanced tapping and chording techniques
✓ PROS
  • • Solo bass performance capabilities
  • • Guitar-like chord possibilities
✗ CONS
  • • Specialized setup and maintenance needed
  • • Very wide neck requires significant adjustment

Ibanez SR5506-MHF Prestige6-String Electric bassBody: MahoganyTop: Ovangkol5-Piece neck: Maple/WalnutFingerboard:...

⭐ 4.7/5 (15 reviews)
Sound:
9/10
Build:
8/10
Value:
6/10
Art. 606706
$3,079
Buy at Thomann View Details
Ibanez BTB866SC-WKL - Professional Music Instrument Photo
#6

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
Buy at Thomann View Details
Ibanez SRMS806-DTW - Professional Music Instrument Photo
#7

Ibanez SRMS806-DTW

by Ibanez
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
Art. 557419
$1,264
Buy at Thomann View Details
Warwick Masterbuilt Thumb SC NOF 6 - Professional Music Instrument Photo
#8

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
Buy at Thomann View Details
Torillo Shevette 6 Double Cut Pom - Professional Music Instrument Photo
#9

Torillo Shevette 6 Double Cut Pom

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

Torillo Shevette 6 Double Cut Pom6-String Electric BassBody: Sapele PomeleBolt-on 3-piece neck: Maple/Amaranth with...

⭐ 4.5/5 (3 reviews)
Sound:
10/10
Build:
9/10
Value:
8/10
Art. 557782
$4,179
Buy at Thomann View Details
Sandberg California II TM6 BKB - Professional Music Instrument Photo
#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
Buy at Thomann View Details
Music Man Bongo 6 HH Stealth Black - Professional Music Instrument Photo
#11

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
Buy at Thomann View Details
Harley Benton BZ-6000 II NT - Professional Music Instrument Photo
#12

Harley Benton BZ-6000 II NT

by Harley Benton
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
Buy at Thomann View Details
Ibanez SR1426B-CGL - Professional Music Instrument Photo
#13

Ibanez SR1426B-CGL

by Ibanez
Advanced Techniques Jazz Fusion Professional Recording
Key Feature:
• Professional versatility
✓ PROS
  • • Professional versatility
  • • Advanced tapping and chording techniques
✗ CONS
  • • Complex string spacing considerations
  • • Very wide neck requires significant adjustment

Ibanez SR1426B-CGL6 String Electric BassSR SeriesBody: African mahagonyTop: flamed maple5-Piece bolt-on neck: Panga...

⭐ 4.8/5 (51 reviews)
Sound:
9/10
Build:
8/10
Value:
8/10
Art. 581912
$1,682
Buy at Thomann View Details
Squier CV Bass VI LRL BGM - Professional Music Instrument Photo
#14

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
Buy at Thomann View Details
Warwick Pro Series Corvette Bubinga 6 - Professional Music Instrument Photo
#15

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
Buy at Thomann View Details

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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