Does anyone know of any Fender licensed luthiers that will make a 6-string bass? I'm just looking for something in as how Fender would do it basically top to bottom. If Fender made a 6-string p-bass (other than the rather expensive custom shop for my simpler needs) I'd just get one. I tried Warmoth and Musikraft, a 5-string is as far as they'll go. Just to add I'm looking for someone who will be willing to do parts in the same manner as Fender, as opposed to their own designs or variation on a theme.
Enjoy the benefits of a premium membership!
Upgrade Account
-
TalkBass has been independent since 1998. Add your voice.
Create a free account to reply to discussions, view embedded media, and browse with fewer display ads.
Join free Log in
Want zero display ads or expanded classifieds tools? Compare plans.
Any 6 string Fender licensed luthiers out there?
- Thread starter KennyCunningham
- Start date
It's just gotta say Fender on it, huh?
If you're willing to go custom why not just go custom? Fender doesn't own the P-bass body shape, they only own the headstock shapes, you can get custom P-basses all day. Do you need that headstock shape and logo? Does a part of your purchase money have to go to Fender for a licensing fee?
Fender may not even allow licensed luthiers (if there are any) to make a six string P.
Try looking at it this way: Fender is not making what you want. Why do you need them involved if you're willing to pay to get it elsewhere?
Don't be a brand loyalist. Corporations don't care about you, you don't need to care about them. Get the bass you want from someone who's willing to make it and let Fender lose your business. They haven't earned it this time.
If you're willing to go custom why not just go custom? Fender doesn't own the P-bass body shape, they only own the headstock shapes, you can get custom P-basses all day. Do you need that headstock shape and logo? Does a part of your purchase money have to go to Fender for a licensing fee?
Fender may not even allow licensed luthiers (if there are any) to make a six string P.
Try looking at it this way: Fender is not making what you want. Why do you need them involved if you're willing to pay to get it elsewhere?
Don't be a brand loyalist. Corporations don't care about you, you don't need to care about them. Get the bass you want from someone who's willing to make it and let Fender lose your business. They haven't earned it this time.
I'll be honest that I don't think what you're asking for is possible. I get that you really want a 6-string Fender P-bass, but it does not exist. IMO, there are superior options to it that are going to cost the same as what this would likely cost if it is possible.
If a "Fender" 6 string P bass is what you want, you could always reach out to the company and see if they are willing to create one for you. It might require a significant investment on your end, probably in the tens of thousands to make it worth their time.
I recommend you find a builder like Vintage blues or someone who deals with Fender like basses and ask them for a custom instrument.
I recommend you find a builder like Vintage blues or someone who deals with Fender like basses and ask them for a custom instrument.
Atelier Z makes the MVT 506 which is vintage Fender based. Unless you need ACTUAL Fender (or Fender licensed) rather than another company trying to emulate vintage Fenders. See below:
https://reverb.com/item/66882577-atelier-z-mvt-506-custom-3ts-r-made-in-japan
https://reverb.com/item/66882577-atelier-z-mvt-506-custom-3ts-r-made-in-japan
Have you seen these yet?
www.musiciansfriend.com
Squier Affinity Series Jazz Bass VI Bass Guitar -
Get the guaranteed best price on 6+ String Electric Bass like the Squier Affinity Series Jazz Bass VI Bass Guitar - at Musician's Friend. Get a low price and free shipping on thousands of items.
www.musiciansfriend.com
Freekmagnet
Commercial User
For an experienced luthier, building a Fender copy is a fairly routine operation. I’d put it on par with an auto mechanic doing a brake job.
I’ve never heard of a “Fender licensed” luthier. Most people get into building instruments because they have a compulsion to move on from the Fender design. There might be such a thing as a Fender licensed tech, but techs and builders are two different occupations.
I’ve never heard of a “Fender licensed” luthier. Most people get into building instruments because they have a compulsion to move on from the Fender design. There might be such a thing as a Fender licensed tech, but techs and builders are two different occupations.
Last edited:
Roger Sadowsky makes the best sounding Fender shaped instruments. He is introducing two six string bass configurations at NAMM. This will be the first time that he has produced a six string bass. So… NAMM is end of January. I am looking forward to it.
That looks nice, if I was in the market for this I'd be looking for more info on that one.
Sandberg made a 6 for Oteil Burbridge and I want one.
I agree. This would be his best bet.Have you seen these yet?
Squier Affinity Series Jazz Bass VI Bass Guitar -
Get the guaranteed best price on 6+ String Electric Bass like the Squier Affinity Series Jazz Bass VI Bass Guitar - at Musician's Friend. Get a low price and free shipping on thousands of items.
Don't sell the new Squier basses short, I've seen quite a few, setup many. They are pretty good basses for the money. Not sure where that new six is made, but the Indonesian ones are good basses, even saw some Chinese made ones that were acceptable. You can pay $329.00 or $3,299.00 for a Luthier build. If I were just seeing if I'd get used to a six, the Squier would be my choice.
They still sell them. For the price, I'd go with the Squier instead.
SX Ursa 2 MN 6 Ash NA 6 String Bass
Love This : SX Ursa 2 MN 6 Ash NA 6 String Bass
www.rondomusic.com
This or a Yamaha. If I was into 6 strings I would go with Yamaha, no doubt.Have you seen these yet?
Squier Affinity Series Jazz Bass VI Bass Guitar -
Get the guaranteed best price on 6+ String Electric Bass like the Squier Affinity Series Jazz Bass VI Bass Guitar - at Musician's Friend. Get a low price and free shipping on thousands of items.
You might be thinking of this, Steve Baily Jazz 6 string fretless…
https://www.talkbass.com/threads/fender-jazz-bass-vi-steve-bailey-signature-model.1271635/
