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Squier Bass VI or regular 6

V

Volpe25

May 5, 2012
105
1
30
Ireland
#1
I want to upgrade to a 6 string bass for my solo stuff but Im torn between the new Bass VI or getting a "regular" 6 string. Id string the regular 6 E - E as is the Bass VI but my main concern is the string spacing. Would the Bass VI be too difficult to play as a bass fingerstyle? If I could find a wider string spacing on a 6 string bass with a vibrato bar for the price of a Bass VI Id snap it up instantly.
 
#3
I think the string spacing will be a big issue for most people who might think of the Bass VI as a short scale replacement for a six string bass. I don't own one although I am very interested in one myself even though I already know that I don't like narrow spacing on traditional basses. Mentally I am committed to making a big adjustment to the string spacing or even playing with a pick, if I get one. It is kind of a different instrument, not a drop in replacement for more traditionally spaced bass guitars. If you know that going in you stand a better chance of adjusting to one but even then it might not be for you (or me, or any of the others who are jumping on the Squier VI bandwagon). One way to get a feel for it is to try some regular guitars in stores. One of the Blacktop Baritone Telecasters or other baritone guitars would be excellent choices to try since they have a scale length closer to 30 inches. I've done that a little with the Telecaster Bari and I think I can deal with it but ultimately only a few months experience with one will tell the whole story. On the other hand it is quite affordable and the demand is high right now so you could likely sell one off easily at only a small loss if you just don't like them.
 
#4
The string spacing on the VI is definitely tight. There is a learning curve, but it can absolutely be played fingerstyle, despite what you may read to the contrary.

Additionally, it can absolutely be used in place of a "regular" bass (again, despite what you may read to the contrary). I use mine regularly in the studio and at gigs. Picked, fingerstyle, bass rig, guitar amp (or both), bass lines, baritone chords...the whole 9. It is definitely a specialty instrument that is capable of filling numerous musical roles. Since many bass purists don't consider it a bass (and are often condescendingly dismissive), and guitar purists definitely don't consider it a guitar, there are really no rules for how to play a VI. Your imagination is the only limiting factor.

These are just my opinions, but they're strong and backed by actual experience.
 
#5
khutch said:
I think the string spacing will be a big issue for most people who might think of the Bass VI as a short scale replacement for a six string bass. I don't own one although I am very interested in one myself even though I already know that I don't like narrow spacing on traditional basses. Mentally I am committed to making a big adjustment to the string spacing or even playing with a pick, if I get one. It is kind of a different instrument, not a drop in replacement for more traditionally spaced bass guitars. If you know that going in you stand a better chance of adjusting to one but even then it might not be for you (or me, or any of the others who are jumping on the Squier VI bandwagon). One way to get a feel for it is to try some regular guitars in stores. One of the Blacktop Baritone Telecasters or other baritone guitars would be excellent choices to try since they have a scale length closer to 30 inches. I've done that a little with the Telecaster Bari and I think I can deal with it but ultimately only a few months experience with one will tell the whole story. On the other hand it is quite affordable and the demand is high right now so you could likely sell one off easily at only a small loss if you just don't like them.
Click to expand...

The only problem is I live in the middle of nowhere and there's very little in the entire county in way of basses, specialty items, its pretty difficult to find a shop that sells more than 3 basses so it would have to be ordered online.
 
#6
Mark Nye said:
The string spacing on the VI is definitely tight. There is a learning curve, but it can absolutely be played fingerstyle, despite what you may read to the contrary.

Additionally, it can absolutely be used in place of a "regular" bass (again, despite what you may read to the contrary). I use mine regularly in the studio and at gigs. Picked, fingerstyle, bass rig, guitar amp (or both), bass lines, baritone chords...the whole 9. It is definitely a specialty instrument that is capable of filling numerous musical roles. Since many bass purists don't consider it a bass (and are often condescendingly dismissive), and guitar purists definitely don't consider it a guitar, there are really no rules for how to play a VI. Your imagination is the only limiting factor.

These are just my opinions, but they're strong and backed by actual experience.
Click to expand...

Thanks for the reply, whats the tremolo bar like? As this is a large part of why I want to get one as tremolo bridges are around the same price as the VI
 
#7
I have the Fender Pawn Shop version of the Bass VI. As I understand it, the Squier version has a slightly different trem (it is missing the lock). The trem on my Fender VI works as it should. I don't have any first-hand experience with the Squier version. Sorry.
 
#9
I built a custom Bass VI for myself a year ago and it's a wonderful instrument, spacing is tight, while its not entirely impossible to play it finger style like a bass it is way more susceptible to being played with a pick. I would play mine in every band I've done if the guitarist wasn't always jealous that I could play his parts on it :p
 

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