We’re looking at production 6 string baritones that come standard with a humbucker in the bridge position, and are at least 27.5” or longer in scale length.
27.5” or longer because we wanna tune lower than A Standard. So at least Drop G with decent tension and intonation.
So here they are in order of shortest to longest scale:
Who Might Care
• People tuning below B standard or Drop A
• Those with a preference for 6 strings
• Guitarists picky about tuning but like to tune way down.
Eastwood Sidejack Baritone (Blackout)
Scale Length • 27.5”
US Retail • $500.00
Recommended lowest tuning • Drop G
Manufacturer’s link • Eastwood Guitars
What’s special • Very affordable at $500.00 US. Mosrite aesthetics are super sweet.
Down side • You’ll probably want to upgrade hardware and pickups. Not shipping until May 2nd 2017
PRS SE 277
Scale Length • 27.7”
US Retail • $670.00
Recommended lowest tuning • Drop G / G Standard
Manufacturer’s link • Paul Reed Smith
What’s special • Super solid construction (I have the predecessor - The SE Mushok)
Down side • Pickups are pretty flat sounding. Not available in a standard black finish. Bird inlays are the worst.
Hagstrom Viking Baritone
Scale Length • 28”
US Retail • $720.00
Recommended lowest tuning • G Standard / Drop F
Manufacturer’s link • Hagstrom
What’s special • Semi hollow construction, P90 style neck pickup
Down side • Bridge pickup has a flat tone. Semi hollow construction makes higher gain settings and feedback a challenge.
Ibanez RGIB Baritone
Scale Length • 28”
US Retail • $700.00
Recommended lowest tuning • G Standard / Drop F
Manufacturer’s link • Ibanez
What’s special • Bass ball-end string ferrule for lowest string
Down side • EMG active pickups
Chapman ML3 BEA
Scale Length • 28”
US Retail • $950.00
Recommended lowest tuning • G Standard / Drop F
Manufacturer’s link • Chapman
What’s special • Rabea Artist model. High quality components. Tune SUPER LOW!
Down side • Not available in a standard black finish. Obtrusive brand inlay at the 12th fret.
Note • Production model not shown. Will ship with a standard humbucker and Hipshot flat-plate bridge.
MusicMan Silhouette
Scale Length • 29.625”
US Retail • $1900.00
Recommended lowest tuning • Drop F to Drop E
Manufacturer’s link • Music Man
What’s special • Long enough scale to use as a Bass IV.
Down side • Super long scale starts making some guitar techniques difficult. Expensive.
Cheers!
Bunn