When I got the bass the trem arm was real close to the strings and the lock didn't seen to do anything. So I did a search and found a web page and adjusted it like it said.
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New Pawn Shop Bass VI
- Thread starter sigmafloyd
- Start date
- Oct 7, 2000
- 18,619
- 38,943
- Disclosures
- Endorsing artist: Musicman basses
While I'd certainly heard of baritone guitars, I never had any interest nor knew exactly what they were until I saw the bass VI. I guess I still wasn't totally sure what they were all about until I researched the others you're comparing the Fender to. They're guitars. This is a bass. They're strung B to B, this is strung E to E. That's a 7 note, and pretty significant difference. How can you compare the 2? Or am I missing something?
I, for the most part have always been a Fender hater. But I kept giving them a go, and finally landed one I love (my antigua jazz). I was shocked that it was mexican made. Much nicer all around than any other Fender I ever owned, including a few which were MIA. Point is, I took your posts more seriously than others might have.
I'm incredibly excited about this, yet trying to remain realistic. I play in a lot of different groups, plus write a lot (or attempt to anyhow), and I feel that the bass VI is going to inspire lots. I also have an extensive guitar background, so that adds to my excitement.
Here are my hopes for this bass, perhaps I can be forwarned and aviod some disappointment if it's heading my way.
- I'm hoping I will be able to use it in a regular band setting, as a bass, without the other guys complaining. I understand it will be a bit thinner sounding, but I'm hoping the pickups are powerful enough to not have it sound like a joke.
- I'm hopoing it stays in tune.
- I'm hoping that I will be able to intonate it to keep it reasonably in tune. If I can play up to the 12th fret across the board without any noticable out of tuneness, I'll be fine.
- I'm hoping I don't have to shim the neck.
Would love to hear the thoughts of those already owning them. Would love to hear other recommendations also, as the Fender is on back order, and I have time to see if there's something I might like better. I was excited about the Eastman, as I love the looks, but I don't think that's an upgrade of the Fender, even if I modded it (which I wouldn't) to be a bass as opposed to guitar.
Any other baritone basses out there to compare this to?
Baritone guitars are strung B to B out of the box in most cases. However, just as bass players use all kinds of wacky tunings, guitarists can and do too. You can tune a baritone like a bass VI if you like. I've read of people who tune them lower actually, D to D! Baritone guitars also tend to be shorter scale than the bass VI 30 inch "standard". Truly though a bass VI is as much a baritone guitar as it is a bass. A bass VI, like a baritone guitar, tends to use guitar hardware and guitar string spacing so it exists in the gray area between a guitar and a bass guitar.
Another way to look at it is that if you are considering a bass VI in part for the shorter scale, then a baritone guitar gives you the option of going a little shorter yet. I have been thinking about either a baritone or a bass VI to use for chording. The shorter scales, extended range on the high end, and the closer string spacing all work better for that. I see them as equivalent to each other as a short scale bass is to a long scale, they are points on the continuum of available instruments rather than stark opposites on either side of some imaginary dividing line. I am happy to see the new Fender VI. It gives me something to dream about and I think many people will find it very useful. I am slightly more drawn to the Blacktop Telecaster Baritone right now for the price, the shorter scale, and the hard tail but that could change. Whatever I get, assuming I am able to get either one, would be tuned in fifths FCGDAE, and far as I can tell either one would do that just fine.
Ken
In THIS case, kenstee is right. The Schecter Hellcat VI is tuned just like the Fender VI and is basically a Fender VI clone.
I'm not sure if you'll be really fine. A Fender VI is much more interesting after the 12th fret than most other instruments. And because of the larger scale (30") much more comfortable to play after the 12th fret than a strat or a tele.
If you're going for a more guitarish sound, open cords on the first frets sound to muddy. But you can use the 13th, 14th etc. frets like the first frets on a guitar.
Dirk
I got to play one of these last night. I had been lusting for one, but not anymore. I don't think the bass VI is for me.
- Oct 7, 2000
- 18,619
- 38,943
- Disclosures
- Endorsing artist: Musicman basses
A long long time ago, when Jaguar basses came back onto the market, I gassed for one, bigtime. Almost ordered one a coupla times, but thought I'd wait to try one out. Finally saw one in a Guitar Center, picked it up, and played. The action was pretty good, everything seemed fine with the bass, but I just couldn't connect. Didn't like the glossy neck, nor the profile (not sure what bass I was used to at the time, but pretty certain it was different)... and anyhow, gas was a done deal. Really wasn't much I liked about the bass at all, and it was instantly scratched off my "want" list.
A few years later MF was blowing Jaguars out at around $400. Must have been around tax time cuz without thinking I immediately pulled the trigger. Figured I'd play around with it a little, then sell it if I hated as much as I did the one in GC. Much to my surprise, I took the Jag to a gig, and fell in love. It sat perfectly in the mix, felt right, and wound up being one of my 2 Fender keepers.
I learned, or should I more accurately say reaffirmed, 3 things for myself with that experience regarding bass buying.
1. Never judge a bass by what it feels and sounds like in a music store.
2. Never write off a bass because of the profile or feel of the neck. For me (and I believe many) it's just a matter of what you're used to. I can get used to any bass neck if I commit to it.
3. I never know what a bass is going to do until I bring it inot MY band setting, with MY preferences, on MY rig.
If a bass sounds great in theory, and gets 75% good reviews from people who have purchased it, that's enough for me to order one. Refund policies are awesome at most stores these days, and I always wheel and deal to get a price that I know I'll be able to resell for anyhow. It's become a bit of a game for me.
Bottom line is usually that I'm wiling to not buy if I don't get the price I want. I really don't need any more basses, so I'm not too worried if I don't get the deal I'm after. I think it helps too that I've spent over $10,000 in just about every online music store also. They get their commission from me even if they're making just a few $$ on each sale. I'm afraid to even add up how much I've spent at MF in the past year.
- Oct 7, 2000
- 18,619
- 38,943
- Disclosures
- Endorsing artist: Musicman basses
Just cancelled my MF order and reordered from Sweetwater, who has them in stock. Never ordered a bass from Sweetwater before, but they've been good to me with other purchases. I'm curious as to how the bass will arrive as I was told they do a complete check and setup before they allow it to leave. Excited. Hopefully a week from now I'll be typing out a review.
I used mine at band practice the other night we are a trio though so I don't have to compete for sonic space. There was plenty of bass the only person that complained was a neighbor that called the police.
Mine stays in tune pretty good. I had to check and retune a couple of times at practice but it was the second day I had it and the strings were very new.
The intonation on mine is not bad I guess it was set up somewhat when I bought it. I have been waiting till I get my new strings in to really go over it and fine tune the intonation but barre chords sound pretty good way up on the neck and I don't hear any wobble.
I don't think you will have to shim the neck mine is very playable even with the stock strings. I think most people don't play it long enough to get used to it you can't pound away on it like a P bass its a different kind of instrument it takes some finesse. One more thing on the neck shim I think I will shim my neck because I read on the offset guitar forum that guitars with the floating tremolo seem to benefit from a shim many people said this.
- Oct 7, 2000
- 18,619
- 38,943
- Disclosures
- Endorsing artist: Musicman basses
Thanks. While I always set up my own basses, I'm kinda happy that Sweetwater is setting this one up for me. Never liked setting up guitars, and this is kinda in between.
In a completely unrelated and very OT note
, and in a completely shamelss promo of sorts.... if ya'll woulndn't mind clicking my video below, it would be appreciated. I'm just 15 clicks away from 10,000 hits - which would make me happy for reasons I'm not even quite sure. Maybe cuz I was never a member of the mile high club, I want to be a member of the 10,000+ youtube hits club. They're both very similar you know. 
I think i need one. I need some pepto bismol cause i got some serious GAS!
Very Tom Petersson first album sound, although he used a Thunderbird II
Really? I ordered a CAR one from Sweetwater two weeks ago and I'm still waiting.
I surprised myself by ordering from Sweetwater again considering what a disaster my last experience was. I did it this time because they seemed like they would have it sooner that other retailers.
As far as them checking an instrument and setting it up... In my case I'm pretty sure they didn't. I ordered my first guitar from them for precisely those reasons, but it arrived with a twisted neck. It was eventually replaced by the factory since it was un-fixable.
- Oct 7, 2000
- 18,619
- 38,943
- Disclosures
- Endorsing artist: Musicman basses
Wow. I'm really hopin they don't pull any crap like that. I actually paid $17 more (shipping) than the price I got at MF because I wanted it faster, and they said they were going to do the setup. I was told they go through the guitar thoroughly, even going so far as leveling any frets should it be needed. That's beyond the scope of what I would ordinarily do, so I figgered it was well worth an extra $17. I still got a great price, btw. Won't say what it was because it doesn't seem right to. Ya'll can do your own haggling.
Anyhoo... I ordered a black one. The CAR ones are probably still out of stock. They said they had a few black ones that just came in, so if your not stuck on the red you might want to give them a call. I like the black much better, obviously.... but I also think the CAR and sunburst are already played out. Sunburst is just plain boring to me, and while I like the matching headstock and everything else about the red, I've started to picture how the basses I buy look hanging around my neck. Black always seems to fit much better than the crazy colors I used to always get. Maybe I'm gettin older. We all are, actually.
Ha! Yeah, we are getting older. In fact, in my evolving maturity I've come to discover that I like the color red! I avoided it for years, usually getting black instruments. But lately I've preferred all sorts of red ones... even pink! So I was pretty excited about the CAR choice and the fact that it was the only one with a matching headstock sealed the deal.
Black would have been my second choice.
Black would have been my second choice.
Don't know if it's been mentioned, but Glenn Campbell played the "Wichita Lineman" solo on a Bass VI. Danny Gatton also had a great tune on Cruisin Deuces that featured the VI.
one thing about the BassVI that has been mentioned here is that it's suited to a lot of different music styles..big bad rawk, surf, and country being the standouts. With flats through a Fender amp product w/ reverb/trem and a good squeezy compressor you can nail all sorts of early hillrod stuff as well as Dick Dale yourself to death. MOF though, you can also do that with a jazz bass through the same chain, using the bridge pickup and a pick. been there..
The one thing that doesn't apply to it is trying to play it finger style with the same technique you use on a Pbass. I tried and tried..and came up with a sort of thumb and finger approach, almost like a classical guitar..but it is made for playing with a pick.
I've owned two, both pre cbs..and did a whole year with one as house bassist at the Kingston Mines in Chicago, a pretty famous blues place, where I used it to play 3-4 sets a night every weekend. A lot of players would sit in with us, but the bass players always shied away as soon as they saw the VI...that's one possible advantage
I've also had real NJ Dano 6's and the much better replacement for those, the Jerry Jones VI's which are my favorite over all as far as playing/sound wise.
AFA amps, I've played them through bass rigs, super reverbs, etc, but the best sound was a Showman with reverb and a single 15" fender cab. The Jerry Jones and Danos also used to sound great through tube Ampeg guitar things..Gemini something or other..had one with a single 12 and THAT is the sound for country.
If you are thinking of getting one of these or the hellcat (which was not as good as a Jerry Jones VI..) you should consider what you are going to do with the damn thing, as it's not like buying a P or J ..and if you play mostly fingerstyle, you won't like it at all...it will always be a compromise.
The one thing that doesn't apply to it is trying to play it finger style with the same technique you use on a Pbass. I tried and tried..and came up with a sort of thumb and finger approach, almost like a classical guitar..but it is made for playing with a pick.
I've owned two, both pre cbs..and did a whole year with one as house bassist at the Kingston Mines in Chicago, a pretty famous blues place, where I used it to play 3-4 sets a night every weekend. A lot of players would sit in with us, but the bass players always shied away as soon as they saw the VI...that's one possible advantage
I've also had real NJ Dano 6's and the much better replacement for those, the Jerry Jones VI's which are my favorite over all as far as playing/sound wise.
AFA amps, I've played them through bass rigs, super reverbs, etc, but the best sound was a Showman with reverb and a single 15" fender cab. The Jerry Jones and Danos also used to sound great through tube Ampeg guitar things..Gemini something or other..had one with a single 12 and THAT is the sound for country.
If you are thinking of getting one of these or the hellcat (which was not as good as a Jerry Jones VI..) you should consider what you are going to do with the damn thing, as it's not like buying a P or J ..and if you play mostly fingerstyle, you won't like it at all...it will always be a compromise.
one thing about the BassVI that has been mentioned here is that it's suited to a lot of different music styles..big bad rawk, surf, and country being the standouts. With flats through a Fender amp product w/ reverb/trem and a good squeezy compressor you can nail all sorts of early hillrod stuff as well as Dick Dale yourself to death. MOF though, you can also do that with a jazz bass through the same chain, using the bridge pickup and a pick. been there..
The one thing that doesn't apply to it is trying to play it finger style with the same technique you use on a Pbass. I tried and tried..and came up with a sort of thumb and finger approach, almost like a classical guitar..but it is made for playing with a pick.
I've owned two, both pre cbs..and did a whole year with one as house bassist at the Kingston Mines in Chicago, a pretty famous blues place, where I used it to play 3-4 sets a night every weekend. A lot of players would sit in with us, but the bass players always shied away as soon as they saw the VI...that's one possible advantage
I've also had real NJ Dano 6's and the much better replacement for those, the Jerry Jones VI's which are my favorite over all as far as playing/sound wise.
AFA amps, I've played them through bass rigs, super reverbs, etc, but the best sound was a Showman with reverb and a single 15" fender cab. The Jerry Jones and Danos also used to sound great through tube Ampeg guitar things..Gemini something or other..had one with a single 12 and THAT is the sound for country.
If you are thinking of getting one of these or the hellcat (which was not as good as a Jerry Jones VI..) you should consider what you are going to do with the damn thing, as it's not like buying a P or J ..and if you play mostly fingerstyle, you won't like it at all...it will always be a compromise.
I'd +1 on the Jones for your uses. But, for use in a more rock/alternative/ambient mode I'd say the JJ isn't the answer. To my ears it's too "guitar" sounding. For these other modes I'd be using a Schecter, Eastwood or MIJ or USA Fender Bass VI...YMMV....of course!
I was comparing the JJ in an over all sense. One of the best features is that it's hollow, and can have that out of phase thing with a little mod..which sets it up for some nice alt things, and at a big volume there's all sorts of overtones as well..what attracted me to dano's in the first place. I also like the neck better than a Fender VI, admittedly a subjective opinion. They have really fallen out of favor/disappeared lately..what with the influx of off shore VI's, which is too bad.
- Oct 7, 2000
- 18,619
- 38,943
- Disclosures
- Endorsing artist: Musicman basses
OK. Sweetwater is winning me over. Nice feature they have goin here. Pix of my actual bass.
Sweet.... !!!!
They sent me 10 shots total. Kinda nice having pro shots of yer instrument. My photo taking skills leave a lot to be desired.
Sweet.... !!!!
They sent me 10 shots total. Kinda nice having pro shots of yer instrument. My photo taking skills leave a lot to be desired.
