Two words: strangle switch.
I'll be experiementing with it. I just hope that the increased string tension (as compared to my Jag Baritone) is enough.
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The Short-Scale Six-String Clubfor the original six-string basses!
- Thread starter lunarpollen
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I'll be experiementing with it. I just hope that the increased string tension (as compared to my Jag Baritone) is enough.
30.3" scale + nearly 4" of string between the bridge and the tail-piece ought to tighten things up some.
Then there's this:
'Setting up the Tremolo System'
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A summary of the procedure described in the above link:
"You just set the guitar up fully with the Trem-Lock engaged, then once all done, simply unlock the trem - it will go out of tune, unless you're incredibly lucky - and then turn the trem tension screw until it comes back perfectly to pitch without touching the tuners. Done."
- John Phillips
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I appreciate the info. I had wondered about that adjustment. This is the fulfillment of a 43 year-old dream . . . if the bloody thing ever gets here!!!
It seems I may have been mistaken re a stringed instrument's overall string length contributing to its string tension beyond the string's scale length.
If so, then fitting a reverse headstock to the Agile VI (assuming that it's an in-line 'stock in the first place) would not yield the hoped for benefits of increasing bass string, and reducing treble string, tension.
Hi kungfubassist.
Welcome fellow 'VI-er!
For roundwounds? .025 - .095 is the heaviest gauge set I'm aware of.
For flatwounds it'd be .026 - .095 (There's only one set available...)
The Facebook group 'Bass VI players.' has plenty of links to strings & things.
Thanks for the welcome, and for the info! Guess i'll have to settle for .025 - .095s ...will get used to it though!
It seems I may have been mistaken re a stringed instrument's overall string length contributing to its string tension beyond the string's scale length.
If so, then fitting a reverse headstock to the Agile VI (assuming that it's an in-line 'stock in the first place) would not yield the hoped for benefits of increasing bass string, and reducing treble string, tension.
Tension-to-pitch won't change (that's fixed by the laws of physics), but perceived tension (resistance to bending) probably will, since you don't have to displace the treble string as much to achieve the same pitch change. That's one of the arguments for the reverse Hendrix stringing, I believe. It's possible that the shorter treble string run would make it easier to find strings, too.
I think that it would make a difference...the length would be greater so the tension should be slightly greater also (for the low strings). For instance...you can't tell me that the .045 'D' string on a Bass VI isn't tighter feeling than a .046 'E' string on a guitar (especially tuned to D). Same pitch...almost the same gauge...but definitely stiffer. Maybe not an apples to apples comparison like a reverse headstock against a regular headstock guitar would be...but I have a hard time believing that it wouldn't make at least a slight difference.
Well, remember, the strings on a Bass VI are 4.5" longer than the strings on a Strat, so at the same gauge it weighs more (longer=more mass), which means it has to be tighter to achieve the same pitch.
Stereordinary
Commercial User
Whew! Man, I just read through every page of this thread! Not all in one sitting, I started last Friday. And yes, I skimmed a few posts instead of reading every word (some of you guys are pickier about your strings than I am 
). Lots of fun stuff, and it's great to talk to other short-scale six-string bass players. There's probably more Fender VI players over at OffsetGuitars.com, but it's cool over here, because of all the other SSSSBasses. I've had fun reading along as LunarPollen converted from a hardcore HellCat guy, to a dedicated Baracuda man. Pretty sure you owe some of us some numbers, buddy 
. Also enjoyed motel_asimov's posts about his Fender VI-style build. But then, I would, he's a friend of mine.
I got a couple specific things I want to comment on, and then I want to talk about my VI.
Yes, but I hope mine wasn't one of the ones that you already saw, with poor intonation!
I'm excited to see what's cookin' there! I've seen some of the Agile stuff that looks really nice. I think they probably get a little more respect in the bass community, but then, everything that's not a Gibson or Fender gets more respect in the bass community than the guitar community. In a way, I hope it's not too much like a genuine Fender VI. It would kind of make at least one genuine Fender VI owner feel a little less special.
Yeah, I have an account there. I lost the password, tried to reset it and no one ever got back to me after multiple attempts. Sad, but I think the founder has ditched it.
[QUOTE=kslight;7711845]I think it has to do more with the increasing popularity of drop-tunings/baritone guitars, people perhaps Googling baritone guitars and finding out about the Bass VI in the process by accident.[/QUOTE]
Kind of sort of what happened to me. Back when drop-tuning your guitar with heavy-ass strings was all the rage, I thought how cool would it be to drop tune so low that all of your strings would have to wound? I knew that a longer scale length would probably be a good idea (duh, I was young), but I also knew that bigass strings would wreak havoc on the neck. A buddy of mine told me that Robert Smith had a "guitar" like that, so I researched what it was that Smith had, and came to learn what a Bass VI was. It wasn't for years and years that I finally got one, and now that I have it, I just tune it E-E like it should be.
Of course. I was just making sure we were on the same page, and without a doubt we are. You are right in your assumption that were I to simply make one and sell it would be $1K+. However, at this point, I can't make anything. I've mentioned this elsewhere on the forum, but I am currently shop-less. I simply have no place to make my guitars right now. As it is, I was getting way ahead of myself, taking orders for instruments that I wouldn't be able to complete in what I consider to be a reasonable time-frame for a custom instrument. My business just wasn't going the way I wanted it to, and then things got worse. So, for the time being, I've closed up shop and I'm not making anything for anyone, except me, when I get the time. But, just fyi, as far as trades go, I had deals going for vintage SGs, piles of wood and parts, and other things going before I closed my doors. I'm not super picky.
And now a picture of my 2006 CS Fender Bass VI!
). Lots of fun stuff, and it's great to talk to other short-scale six-string bass players. There's probably more Fender VI players over at OffsetGuitars.com, but it's cool over here, because of all the other SSSSBasses. I've had fun reading along as LunarPollen converted from a hardcore HellCat guy, to a dedicated Baracuda man. Pretty sure you owe some of us some numbers, buddy . Also enjoyed motel_asimov's posts about his Fender VI-style build. But then, I would, he's a friend of mine.I got a couple specific things I want to comment on, and then I want to talk about my VI.
Yes, but I hope mine wasn't one of the ones that you already saw, with poor intonation!
I'm excited to see what's cookin' there! I've seen some of the Agile stuff that looks really nice. I think they probably get a little more respect in the bass community, but then, everything that's not a Gibson or Fender gets more respect in the bass community than the guitar community. In a way, I hope it's not too much like a genuine Fender VI. It would kind of make at least one genuine Fender VI owner feel a little less special.
Yeah, I have an account there. I lost the password, tried to reset it and no one ever got back to me after multiple attempts. Sad, but I think the founder has ditched it.
[QUOTE=kslight;7711845]I think it has to do more with the increasing popularity of drop-tunings/baritone guitars, people perhaps Googling baritone guitars and finding out about the Bass VI in the process by accident.[/QUOTE]
Kind of sort of what happened to me. Back when drop-tuning your guitar with heavy-ass strings was all the rage, I thought how cool would it be to drop tune so low that all of your strings would have to wound? I knew that a longer scale length would probably be a good idea (duh, I was young), but I also knew that bigass strings would wreak havoc on the neck. A buddy of mine told me that Robert Smith had a "guitar" like that, so I researched what it was that Smith had, and came to learn what a Bass VI was. It wasn't for years and years that I finally got one, and now that I have it, I just tune it E-E like it should be.
Of course. I was just making sure we were on the same page, and without a doubt we are. You are right in your assumption that were I to simply make one and sell it would be $1K+. However, at this point, I can't make anything. I've mentioned this elsewhere on the forum, but I am currently shop-less. I simply have no place to make my guitars right now. As it is, I was getting way ahead of myself, taking orders for instruments that I wouldn't be able to complete in what I consider to be a reasonable time-frame for a custom instrument. My business just wasn't going the way I wanted it to, and then things got worse. So, for the time being, I've closed up shop and I'm not making anything for anyone, except me, when I get the time. But, just fyi, as far as trades go, I had deals going for vintage SGs, piles of wood and parts, and other things going before I closed my doors. I'm not super picky.
And now a picture of my 2006 CS Fender Bass VI!
Hi,
I'm from Spain and this is my 1st message here, so I beg your pardon for my English language.
I'm VERY interested in the topic of Tic-Tac Bass. Could anybody provide me with a Youtube link where I can appreciatte that playing style??, (=i.e., an upright bass doubled by a six string one). Thank you in advance!!
Meanwhile, here are some pics of my 6 string Spanish Bass Guitar, with nylon strings tuned EADGBE and made in Valencia (Spain) by Vicente Quiles...
Best!!
cbaixo
[Invalid or Expired Link Removed]
[Invalid or Expired Link Removed]
I'm from Spain and this is my 1st message here, so I beg your pardon for my English language.
I'm VERY interested in the topic of Tic-Tac Bass. Could anybody provide me with a Youtube link where I can appreciatte that playing style??, (=i.e., an upright bass doubled by a six string one). Thank you in advance!!
Meanwhile, here are some pics of my 6 string Spanish Bass Guitar, with nylon strings tuned EADGBE and made in Valencia (Spain) by Vicente Quiles...
Best!!
cbaixo
[Invalid or Expired Link Removed]
[Invalid or Expired Link Removed]
Hi,
I'm from Spain and this is my 1st message here, so I beg your pardon for my English language.
I'm VERY interested in the topic of Tic-Tac Bass. Could anybody provide me with a Youtube link where I can appreciatte that playing style??, (=i.e., an upright bass doubled by a six string one). Thank you in advance!!
Meanwhile, here are some pics of my 6 string Spanish Bass Guitar, with nylon strings tuned EADGBE and made in Valencia (Spain) by Vicente Quiles...
Best!!
cbaixo
The Four Seasons "Carol"
That's a very nice guitar! I've been considering getting one like it myself, for quite a while now.Hi,
I'm from Spain and this is my 1st message here, so I beg your pardon for my English language.
I'm VERY interested in the topic of Tic-Tac Bass. Could anybody provide me with a Youtube link where I can appreciatte that playing style??, (=i.e., an upright bass doubled by a six string one). Thank you in advance!!
Meanwhile, here are some pics of my 6 string Spanish Bass Guitar, with nylon strings tuned EADGBE and made in Valencia (Spain) by Vicente Quiles...
Best!!
cbaixo
[Invalid or Expired Link Removed]
[Invalid or Expired Link Removed]
How would you describe its sound? Oh, and if you have any soundclips or videos with it, please share!
Hi,
1st of all..., thanks A LOT for your replies!!
Aha... Very good... thank you!!
Then the six string bass is doubling the upright bass playing EXACTLY the same bass line and and the same octave..., correct??
The 6 string bass player is using a pick..., doesn't he??
And there are any points in the song where the 6 string bass produces any chords??
Well. I'm not sure if I can describe it properly in English... It's very... 'mellow', soft and deep.... It's fantastic to play with nylon guitars and other kind of instruments (=flutes, violins, etc.). And you can arpegiate and producing chords with this guitar...
Unfortunately I don't have any clips of me playing this guitar... Sorry abo' tha'...!!
This is a very good thread. I will participate as much as I can...
Best!!
cbaixo
1st of all..., thanks A LOT for your replies!!
Aha... Very good... thank you!!
Then the six string bass is doubling the upright bass playing EXACTLY the same bass line and and the same octave..., correct??
The 6 string bass player is using a pick..., doesn't he??
And there are any points in the song where the 6 string bass produces any chords??
That's a very nice guitar! I've been considering getting one like it myself, for quite a while now.
How would you describe its sound? Oh, and if you have any soundclips or videos with it, please share!
Well. I'm not sure if I can describe it properly in English... It's very... 'mellow', soft and deep.... It's fantastic to play with nylon guitars and other kind of instruments (=flutes, violins, etc.). And you can arpegiate and producing chords with this guitar...
Unfortunately I don't have any clips of me playing this guitar... Sorry abo' tha'...!!
This is a very good thread. I will participate as much as I can...
Best!!
cbaixo
Hi,
I'm from Spain and this is my 1st message here, so I beg your pardon for my English language.
I'm VERY interested in the topic of Tic-Tac Bass. Could anybody provide me with a Youtube link where I can appreciatte that playing style??, (=i.e., an upright bass doubled by a six string one). Thank you in advance!!
Meanwhile, here are some pics of my 6 string Spanish Bass Guitar, with nylon strings tuned EADGBE and made in Valencia (Spain) by Vicente Quiles...
Best!!
cbaixo
[Invalid or Expired Link Removed]
[Invalid or Expired Link Removed]
Hola cbaixo.
Welcome to TalkBass!
Tic-tac bass? The Patsy Cline videos in the Links section of the Facebook group [Invalid or Expired Link Removed].' provide some superb examples (headphones please).
--------
As for your 6 string Spanish Bass Guitar
, does Vicente Quiles have a Web site?So do I.
However some of the Google links on the subject refer to 'vibrating string length' and others 'string length' re string tension.
I'm of the view that if gauge and pitch are constant, then increasing a string's overall length will increase tension.
But I don't know this for sure...
Thank you very much!!
Excellent... Thanks a lot!!
...As for your 6 string Spanish Bass Guitar
Yes they have: www.guitarrasquiles.com
Best!!
cbaixo
This has been alluded to earlier so I'm looking for some advice (from people I have never met but trust ) before I permanently screw something up with my newly acquired Hellcat or LaBella Bass VI flatwounds. All of the strings sound great except for the low E.
Here's my problem: a) the E string is so long that part of it wraps around itself on the post, and b) the E sits up pretty high off the fretboard right now, higher than the other strings. Part b) may be because it's loose; I have the E tuned to a low B because I'm reluctant to give the tuner knob another turn.
If any of you have LaBella flatwounds on your Hellcat VI, can you tell me if you modified anything to get the E to fit? Did you have to modify the groove in the headnut at the top of the neck or cut some of the fat, flatwound part of the string off (rather than the skinny part wrapped in silk) so it wouldn't wind around the post so much, etc.?
) before I permanently screw something up with my newly acquired Hellcat or LaBella Bass VI flatwounds. All of the strings sound great except for the low E. Here's my problem: a) the E string is so long that part of it wraps around itself on the post, and b) the E sits up pretty high off the fretboard right now, higher than the other strings. Part b) may be because it's loose; I have the E tuned to a low B because I'm reluctant to give the tuner knob another turn.
If any of you have LaBella flatwounds on your Hellcat VI, can you tell me if you modified anything to get the E to fit? Did you have to modify the groove in the headnut at the top of the neck or cut some of the fat, flatwound part of the string off (rather than the skinny part wrapped in silk) so it wouldn't wind around the post so much, etc.?
Sounds to me like the scale length is wrong for it...if it were to fit it would have the right taper for a 30" scale... Unless a Fender VI uses different tuner sizes from the Hellcat VI...then I would say the string is the problem. I had a problem like this when I bought the GHS strings for my Hellcat...several of the strings in the pack were 34" scale instead of 30"...like some dope at the plant didn't think we would know the difference or something...so they actually had to make me a correct set of strings. Maybe you should measure the length of the string and see what you come up with? I don't think the total uncut string length should be greater than maybe 35"? Also I don't know how the Labella strings are packed...but if there is a model # for each individual string they might use a numbering scheme that incorporates a "30" or a "34" or something...that would be a hint in the right direction as well.
Though I have never tried the Labellas so maybe they don't fit on the Hellcat?
The length of the flatwound part of the E string is 35.5" and the distance from the string saddle to the tuner post is 34" for the E, so it is going to have to wrap around 1.5". This seems wrong, but I'm not sure if this is "normal" with these strings on a Hellcat.
Just individual envelopes numbered 1 to 6.
Some TB'ers have them on their Hellcats.
Any suggestions, especially from Hellcat VIers with these strings?
That's a good description, in that it makes me want to try a contrabass guitar like yours even more than I did before. Thanks!Well. I'm not sure if I can describe it properly in English... It's very... 'mellow', soft and deep.... It's fantastic to play with nylon guitars and other kind of instruments (=flutes, violins, etc.). And you can arpegiate and producing chords with this guitar...
Unfortunately I don't have any clips of me playing this guitar... Sorry abo' tha'...!!
This is a very good thread. I will participate as much as I can...
Best!!
cbaixo
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