New Pawn Shop Bass VI

[change-jug]

I think you should lock the trem and see if that makes a difference.

[DirkP]

But, ääää, how do I lock the tremolo? - Forgive me, I'm a bass player - and my only guitar has a trem but it wasn't delivered with a trem arm...and I never cared about it. Now I do.
Dirk

[paganjack]

I tried one of the pawn shop bass vi's the other day. I was not all that impressed. It didn't sound great as a bass (it was OK, but not great) and it was too muddy as a guitar. I think tuning it standard baritone (B-b) would produce better results. The low string tension on the stock set is probably a source of some of these issues. I didn't really love the bridge pickup, it sounded worst of the 3 by far- too much mids and not enough twang.

With a decent setup it would be easy to play on, and it looks super cool. I think these are going to be mod platforms for people seriously interested in getting them. Original Bass VIs cost ungodly amounts of money so having these on the market is a net positive but I'm not getting one any time soon.

[change-jug]

on your bass vi there should be a round raised circle poking out of the bridge. you should be able to lock it by moving that. i think.....

[kenstee]

Originally Posted by paganjack

Original Bass VIs cost ungodly amounts of money so having these on the market is a net positive but I'm not getting one any time soon.

Another option is to get one of the new MIJ Bass VIs. It costs around $1,400 or so and has more of a traditional Bass VI vibe. Seems to get good reviews. Unless you're pretty good with tools, etc. modding the PSVI (labor plus parts) for us mere DIY challenged mortals might cost some significant coin.

[Ric5]

New Pawn Shop Bass VI

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I played one of these at a local Guitar Center. 2 words ... very cool.

[ModuMan]

I ordered a CAR from Sweetwater, they say they should get it in a couple of weeks.

I also ordered a set of LaBella .95 roundwounds which will hopefully fit.

I've been interested in a Bass VI for a while and this seemed like a good way to test the waters.

[DirkP]

On the OffsetGuitars Forum, someone tried one out and directly compared it to the original.

"OK so I went and tested my vintage '64 LPB VI directly against a pawn shop Bass VI which was just purchased by a member of my family who works for The Cure...(RS's guitar tech)"

http://www.offsetguitars.com/forums/...66276&start=15

One of the most interesting reviews for me so far...

Dirk

[indravayu]

I bought one this past weekend and think it's pretty cool. Took a few hours to set up properly, but that's the way it goes with MIM Fenders. The stock .084 low E string is too floppy - you have to use a heavier string here for proper intonation. Today I put on La Bella flats, which sound really cool (and have a .095 low E).
Here's a video demo I shot the other day (with the stock strings):

Fender Pawn Shop Bass VI demo - YouTube

[change-jug]

Nice youtube demo! best one I`ve seen! Thanks indravayu!

[indravayu]

Thanks, change-jug!

[change-jug]

Originally Posted by DirkP

On the OffsetGuitars Forum, someone tried one out and directly compared it to the original.

"OK so I went and tested my vintage '64 LPB VI directly against a pawn shop Bass VI which was just purchased by a member of my family who works for The Cure...(RS's guitar tech)"

http://www.offsetguitars.com/forums/...66276&start=15

One of the most interesting reviews for me so far...

Dirk

Thanks for the link! There`s a lot of useful and interesting info on that web page. The guy that owns both the Pawn Shop bass vi and a `64 bass vi gives a really useful and positive review comparing them. Over all his review is pretty positive towards the new model. Which is nice to hear!

A question to the owners of the new pawn shop vi: does anyone know off hand the thickest low E that will fit properly on the new bass vi?

I plan on changing the .084 E string to a .095 E once I get my grubby mitts on my own bass vi. However,would a .098 or a .100 fit on this bass or is that too big?

[hachi kid]

hey Kenstee. what is your beef with the new Pawn Shop Bass VI reissue? have you even played one? you spread a lot of rumors around several forums for no apparent reason while touting your schecter hellcat vi at the same time. what gives? there's more than a few of us that would like to find out your logic behind all the hate.

[ShoeManiac]

Originally Posted by DirkP

On the OffsetGuitars Forum, someone tried one out and directly compared it to the original.

"OK so I went and tested my vintage '64 LPB VI directly against a pawn shop Bass VI which was just purchased by a member of my family who works for The Cure...(RS's guitar tech)"

http://www.offsetguitars.com/forums/...66276&start=15

One of the most interesting reviews for me so far...

Dirk

Very insightful review. Especially since they were able to compare to a vintage Bass VI. And even more interesting since the reviewer had some experience with the Japanese reissue that was offered in the 1990's.

And I'm definitely loving the Bass VI in that black/tort combo!

[kenstee]

Originally Posted by hachi kid

hey Kenstee. what is your beef with the new Pawn Shop Bass VI reissue? have you even played one? you spread a lot of rumors around several forums for no apparent reason while touting your schecter hellcat vi at the same time. what gives? there's more than a few of us that would like to find out your logic behind all the hate.

First, I don't believe expressing one's opinion is "HATING." That is a very narrow and imo totally ignorant way to classify any criticism or opinions that runs contrary to what you or some others may believe. Sign of the times I guess - as is a total lack of independent, critical thought by some people.

Yes, I have played one at my local GC.

Yes, disappointed that the pups (especially the bridge) are weak imo.

Yes, disappointed that people need to spend hours setting up and trying (many times unsuccessfully) to intonate a new $800 instrument.

Yes, disappointed that more than a few people feel a need to immediate mod it to make it workable. An $800 product should not "require" that additional money, effort and time be spent. That's a lot for many people to spend on a mod platform.

Yes, disappointed at the mix of hum and single coil. In this situation AND with just one volume and tone pot for all of them the value of the pots (250k or 500k) will be totally wrong for one of these options.

Yes, disappointed that it does not come set-up with .095-.025 as the stock strings so people must immediately buy some new ones to have it work properly as a VI. The good news is people are having good luck with installing a .95.

Yes, disappointed with the blade pup controls. I like individual on/off switches (like a classic VI) which allow for ALL pup combinations. The blade configuration will require rewiring to achieve this same functionality - yet more expense to "get it right."

Yes, disappointed that it is $800. For what you get it should be a $500 - at most - Squire Bass VI. Look at the excellent, high quality Squire VM Jags, JMs and basses that are available at great prices!

No, I don't "tout" Schecter. I do believe in terms of quality of components, fit and finish, sound/tone, pups, control options and ability to perform as a VI out of the box (set-up for .095>.025,) etc. it is a significantly better value than the stock PSVI. And I believe that people new to the VI market should evaluate it as well as others from Eastwood, Agile/Rondo, etc. as well as the new PSVI as an option at the $800 price point.

No, I'm not a Fender basher. I'd be first in line for a truly quality, reasonably priced vintage-vibe VI. In fact, seriously considering the new MIJ VI now that I can try them in the States.

No, I'm not spreading rumors. A rumor is intentionally circulating a story or report of doubtful truth. I challenge you right now to post even one instance where I've intentionally done that. All my posts are my opinions and factual based on what I have either read or been told at the time of the post.

Yes, as always YMMV.......but...I won''t call your opinions "hating" solely because I might disagree with them.

[GregC]

Originally Posted by indravayu

I bought one this past weekend and think it's pretty cool. Took a few hours to set up properly, but that's the way it goes with MIM Fenders. The stock .084 low E string is too floppy - you have to use a heavier string here for proper intonation. Today I put on La Bella flats, which sound really cool (and have a .095 low E).
Here's a video demo I shot the other day (with the stock strings):

Fender Pawn Shop Bass VI demo - YouTube

Excellent demo, thanks!

[carlis]

Originally Posted by ModuMan

I ordered a CAR from Sweetwater, they say they should get it in a couple of weeks.

I also ordered a set of LaBella .95 roundwounds which will hopefully fit.

I've been interested in a Bass VI for a while and this seemed like a good way to test the waters.

What is the gauge supposed to be on an original Bass VI?

I've tried a set of .28-.95 LaBella for one of my bass strung with E-C and found the low E a bit floppy, but the strings sounded really sweet when going into the higher register!

[ggvicviper]

Originally Posted by kenstee

First, I don't believe expressing one's opinion is "HATING." That is a very narrow and imo totally ignorant way to classify any criticism or opinions that runs contrary to what you or some others may believe. Sign of the times I guess - as is a total lack of independent, critical thought by some people.

Yes, I have played one at my local GC.

Yes, disappointed that the pups (especially the bridge) are weak imo.

Yes, disappointed that people need to spend hours setting up and trying (many times unsuccessfully) to intonate a new $800 instrument.

Yes, disappointed that more than a few people feel a need to immediate mod it to make it workable. An $800 product should not "require" that additional money, effort and time be spent. That's a lot for many people to spend on a mod platform.

Yes, disappointed at the mix of hum and single coil. In this situation AND with just one volume and tone pot for all of them the value of the pots (250k or 500k) will be totally wrong for one of these options.

Yes, disappointed that it does not come set-up with .095-.025 as the stock strings so people must immediately buy some new ones to have it work properly as a VI. The good news is people are having good luck with installing a .95.

Yes, disappointed with the blade pup controls. I like individual on/off switches (like a classic VI) which allow for ALL pup combinations. The blade configuration will require rewiring to achieve this same functionality - yet more expense to "get it right."

Yes, disappointed that it is $800. For what you get it should be a $500 - at most - Squire Bass VI. Look at the excellent, high quality Squire VM Jags, JMs and basses that are available at great prices!

No, I don't "tout" Schecter. I do believe in terms of quality of components, fit and finish, sound/tone, pups, control options and ability to perform as a VI out of the box (set-up for .095>.025,) etc. it is a significantly better value than the stock PSVI. And I believe that people new to the VI market should evaluate it as well as others from Eastwood, Agile/Rondo, etc. as well as the new PSVI as an option at the $800 price point.

No, I'm not a Fender basher. I'd be first in line for a truly quality, reasonably priced vintage-vibe VI. In fact, seriously considering the new MIJ VI now that I can try them in the States.

No, I'm not spreading rumors. A rumor is intentionally circulating a story or report of doubtful truth. I challenge you right now to post even one instance where I've intentionally done that. All my posts are my opinions and factual based on what I have either read or been told at the time of the post.

Yes, as always YMMV.......but...I won''t call your opinions "hating" solely because I might disagree with them.

When I said there was a lot of negative energy regarding in TB lately a few weeks back, this is the sort of thing I had in mind. I'd like to see if I can resolve this, with a good ol' Brooklyn guy to Brooklyn guy:

Kentsee, I understand your disappointment. I wasn't even born when the original VI was in production, so when was announced, I was psyched - I never got a chance to play one in any incarnation. I was just glad that Fender was making a VI in some form. Being an absolute purist and expecting exactly a '66 spec VI would be disappointing to find this.

However, saying things like thick strings won't fit (until this post) and that there will likely be neck issues because of the truss rod on an instrument you only picked up at GC and spreading that around IS spreading rumors. Let the people who bought it and are saying that they are enjoying it have their fun. It's fine to say "I didn't like it, and here's why", but this is why your opinion is catching flack. Yes, I've seen you do this in multiple threads.

I have my own beef with Fender these days, but I know I gotta chill a little. I can't stand Gibson and Hofner basses, but I don't post this on a bunch of threads saying how much I think they suck.

I respect your opinion, and understand your disappointment. Not everyone will feel this way, and you made your opinion known. Just stick with the facts, how you feel, and let everything else slide...

[hachi kid]

Originally Posted by kenstee

First, I don't believe expressing one's opinion is "HATING." That is a very narrow and imo totally ignorant way to classify any criticism or opinions that runs contrary to what you or some others may believe. Sign of the times I guess - as is a total lack of independent, critical thought by some people.

Yes, I have played one at my local GC.

Yes, disappointed that the pups (especially the bridge) are weak imo.

Yes, disappointed that people need to spend hours setting up and trying (many times unsuccessfully) to intonate a new $800 instrument.

Yes, disappointed that more than a few people feel a need to immediate mod it to make it workable. An $800 product should not "require" that additional money, effort and time be spent. That's a lot for many people to spend on a mod platform.

Yes, disappointed at the mix of hum and single coil. In this situation AND with just one volume and tone pot for all of them the value of the pots (250k or 500k) will be totally wrong for one of these options.

Yes, disappointed that it does not come set-up with .095-.025 as the stock strings so people must immediately buy some new ones to have it work properly as a VI. The good news is people are having good luck with installing a .95.

Yes, disappointed with the blade pup controls. I like individual on/off switches (like a classic VI) which allow for ALL pup combinations. The blade configuration will require rewiring to achieve this same functionality - yet more expense to "get it right."

Yes, disappointed that it is $800. For what you get it should be a $500 - at most - Squire Bass VI. Look at the excellent, high quality Squire VM Jags, JMs and basses that are available at great prices!

No, I don't "tout" Schecter. I do believe in terms of quality of components, fit and finish, sound/tone, pups, control options and ability to perform as a VI out of the box (set-up for .095>.025,) etc. it is a significantly better value than the stock PSVI. And I believe that people new to the VI market should evaluate it as well as others from Eastwood, Agile/Rondo, etc. as well as the new PSVI as an option at the $800 price point.

No, I'm not a Fender basher. I'd be first in line for a truly quality, reasonably priced vintage-vibe VI. In fact, seriously considering the new MIJ VI now that I can try them in the States.

No, I'm not spreading rumors. A rumor is intentionally circulating a story or report of doubtful truth. I challenge you right now to post even one instance where I've intentionally done that. All my posts are my opinions and factual based on what I have either read or been told at the time of the post.

Yes, as always YMMV.......but...I won''t call your opinions "hating" solely because I might disagree with them.

I'd definitely call it "hating" as you went on a freaking crusade against the instrument and posted the exact same post on multiple forums over and over only a few hours after the instrument was announced. This gives people the impression you are not to be believed when you say you played one at a GC.

And you don't NEED to mod the instrument from the factory, I chose to because it doesn't have stereo outputs (what Fender does?), I want different pickups, and I want a different color pickguard. All of these fall under an optional mod, not mandatory for it to be useful.

About the strings: I don't use factory strings.....who does?...I change my strings when I get a new guitar, and from what I understand this is common among most musicians.

And you were spreading rumors. You said that you didn't think the neck could handle a .095 gauge string. Other forum members started believing that, too.

And of course the bass is different from the original...it's part of the pawn shop series.....not a vintage reissue. The point of the pawn shop series is that there si something different about the guitar from stock...do you not get that?

Also...having slight intonation issues with this instrument? Don't play an original one...it has the same issues...

[254 stringer]

Mine shipped out today got a black one $701 from nstuff music you have to call or email for a lower price. I think they might still have a sunburst they did last night.