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New Pawn Shop Bass VI

#21
progrmr said:
that string spacing - haha, I can't see playing that fingerstyle effectively.

30" scale is fine but that floating trem and string spacing, I bet the nut couldn't handle a 6-string set of bass strings...it's a baritone guitar...IMO :hiding:
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These were the original 6-string basses (along with Gibson's EB-6 and Danelectro 6-Stringers for the 50's/60's) - it's not a baritone guitar. It's a remake of the original Fender VI with mods.

The modern 6-string bass wasn't developed until the 70's by several boutique makers in collaboration with bassist Anthony Jackson, and didn't start mass production from other manufacturers until even later.

EDIT: Listen to some of the tracks from the Beatles that Paul didn't play bass, like Helter Skelter or Long and Winding Road. Those are Fender VI lines.
 
#25
ggvicviper said:
I wasn't saying it could not be used as a bass - but that the video demo of that particular model on Fender's website was not being used that way. The musician demoing it was playing it in a more guitar-styled fashion. I felt it didn't really capture the purpose of the instrument very well, as it was one sided.
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Good point. And considering some of the confusion already evident on this thread, it should be emphasised that these most definitely can be played for bass lines, and effectively at that.

But they are far from "bass only," depending not only on how they are played but how they are strung and tuned. I think manufacturers of Bass VI and baritones want to be sure they get that point across as well.

With a lighter gauge and tuning up to A to a, or B to b, this scale also makes for an excellent baritone guitar.

So, in short, it makes for an effective bass with an extended high range that can even be chorded like a guitar tuned in fourths, or a baritone tuning, sonically falling somewhere between a bass and a six-string.

The "purpose" of this versatile instrument is really in the hands and needs of the player.
 
#26
Our "bass guitars" are really short scale, horizontal, electric double basses aren't they? The bass VI is an honest-to-goodness bass guitar: it has a longer scale, the same 4th-4th-4th-3rd-4th tuning, and is pitched an octave lower. Baritone guitars are somewhere between the bass VI and a regular guitar in regards to pitch and scale length. This looks like a good option for those looking for a bass VI, glad to see Fender is offering one although I know that a lot of people here were hoping for a Squier.

But of course like any other instrument it is what you make of it as others have said. You can tune it higher, in even fourths, in even fifths, whatever suits you. I'm thinking I might get more use out of one of these, or a shorter scale baritone, than I can out of a five string.

Ken
 
#28
This is good news! Always wanted a Bzss VI, but because of the high price, I passed. This time around, I think I'm getting one. CAR, to go with my instruments - and because I love matching headstocks!

Here's another long time Bass VI user btw:

vi_rsmith.jpg

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©Keith Bennet '83
 
#29
khutch said:
Baritone guitars are somewhere between the bass VI and a regular guitar in regards to pitch and scale length.
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Sorry Ken, I disagree.

I own and have built/converted a few baritones, and any scale from around 28" to 30" works perfectly for baritone tuning. I'm certain you could convert that new Fender Bass VI to a baritone. It's all in the string gauge and the tuning.

All three of these are the same scale, around 29". Can you guess which one is the Bass VI? (Hint: It's not the one with the Bigsby ;))

DSCN5846.jpg
 
#33
electracoyote said:
Good point. And considering some of the confusion already evident on this thread, it should be emphasised that these most definitely can be played for bass lines, and effectively at that.

But they are far from "bass only," depending not only on how they are played but how they are strung and tuned. I think manufacturers of Bass VI and baritones want to be sure they get that point across as well.

With a lighter gauge and tuning up to A to a, or B to b, this scale also makes for an excellent baritone guitar.

So, in short, it makes for an effective bass with an extended high range that can even be chorded like a guitar tuned in fourths, or a baritone tuning, sonically falling somewhere between a bass and a six-string.

The "purpose" of this versatile instrument is really in the hands and needs of the player.
Click to expand...

Very well said sir.
 
#36
D.M.N. said:
There is also a Fender Japan version that is vintage spec'd available occasionally through Music Zoo, with the switch plate, separate control plate, and non-Jazzmaster humbucker at the bridge. But these are wildly awesome.
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Not cheap ^. Fender Japan still has them too. Not cheap. The Swiss Luthier Huort also used to make Fender Bass VI customs. Don't know if he still does though. If I remember correctly, at one point he had trouble getting hold of the floating bridges, but don't quote me on that. There are some pictures on his website.

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