Fender Bass VI

[viewaskew2k5]

Hi Guys!!
Since i'm a big fan of the cure, i'm chasing that single note 'chime' Robert and Co get from the Fender Bass VI. Only issue is, the only 're-issue' of that guitar is a custom shop. There are japanese re-issues, but they where only made in the 90's and are still expensive.

Are there any other guitars that are similar?

 

[Empty Pockets]

Re: Fender Bass VI

Fender Jaguar Baritone.

 

[the guy who invented fire]

Re: Fender Bass VI

One of the keys of the Bass VI is the 30" scale and the fact that it's tuned E to E. The only other 30" scale, E to E bari's I know are are a few Dano's and a Schecter...I think it's called a Hellcat VI however the pickups are pretty different. The Jag bari sounds pretty close even thought it doesn't have the same range being that it's a shorter scale and tuned (I think) B to B. I'd say if you don't need the extra range on thye low end, extra pickup and the tremolo the Jag bari woudl be the way to go...

 

[Empty Pockets]

Re: Fender Bass VI

One of the keys of the Bass VI is the 30" scale and the fact that it's tuned E to E. The only other 30" scale, E to E bari's I know are are a few Dano's and a Schecter...I think it's called a Hellcat VI however the pickups are pretty different. The Jag bari sounds pretty close even thought it doesn't have the same range being that it's a shorter scale and tuned (I think) B to B. I'd say if you don't need the extra range on thye low end, extra pickup and the tremolo the Jag bari woudl be the way to go...

the Jag Bari with single coils has a 30" scale and is tuned E to e.

 

[the guy who invented fire]

Re: Fender Bass VI

Well the tuning is really dependent on the string guage you use with it, I was told it came tuned either B to B or A to A, I can't remember which however the scale is only 28 1/2. If you can tun it E to E and keep it together on the bottom thats great but it's not gonna be a solid on the low end as a Bass VI and the lower you go the more thats gonna hold true.

 

[Empty Pockets]

Re: Fender Bass VI

I think you're talking about the all-black one that comes equipped with humbuckers. The one I'm talking about is the traditional jag burst / tortoise and is essentially a bass with a high B and E string.

You're right about the scale length, but the sunburst, single coil, baritone Jaguars come tuned E to e. Wiki that isht nilla.

It didn't feel slack or warbly or any of those typical 'detuned' symptoms...it just feels like a huge Jaguar. Crank the half stack and step on a Muff and you're a one-man band...playin riffs on a bass never made more sense.

 

[Empty Pockets]

Re: Fender Bass VI

Sidenote: The Wiki article linked mentions the Japanese version of the Jaguar Baritone, called the "Fender Jaguar Bottom Master." That name alone's got me sold.

 

[the guy who invented fire]

Re: Fender Bass VI

The Jag HH Bari is a 27" scale and the Single Coil version is 28.5" while an original BAss VI is a full 30"...

Anyway, don't you have a Jag Bari??? I want one (I really want a Bass VI but...too much $$$ for me!) but I've never even seen one in person...

 

[Empty Pockets]

Re: Fender Bass VI

I don't have one, my sister does. When I lived in Utah she kept most of her guitar stuff at my house...in fact, most people i knew did.

it's shuffled in there next to my Strat and my Jazz bass...and it sounded better than any of the guitars in that picture, plugged into the Wall of Doom there.

 

[viewaskew2k5]

Re: Fender Bass VI

Hmmm interesting. I had a look at the schecter, it was ok. But just ok. Might have to go a jazz and put an extra pickup in there

 

[danglybanger]

Re: Fender Bass VI

USACG has most of what you really need to reproduce one... Not that this is cheap, but it's cheaper than any RI or original in any case...

But really, Jag Bari.

Though an intriguing idea is to take a 30" scale Fender bass, and see how many strings can be put on the neck if a new nut/bridge are added... A Badtz Maru/Bronco bass would be ideal

 

[viewaskew2k5]

Re: Fender Bass VI

Thanks for that Dangley!!! The prices there are pretty good. My gf is an artist so she would be able to finish the wood...i think the expensive part would be fretting/electrics/hardware.

 

[the guy who invented fire]

Re: Fender Bass VI

To build a USACG Bass VI you're looking at $1000-$1200 plus finish... know I've looked! I also thought about converting a Musicmaster Bass, I just never actually tried it...the nut width is the same!

 

[danglybanger]

Re: Fender Bass VI

oh yeah, schecter makes (made) something similar...

 

[baritone]

Re: Fender Bass VI

I was going to mention the Schecter Hellcat VI. It has a 30" scale like the old Fender Bass VI. If you opted for one of the modern Japanese Fender Jaguar Baritones, which have different scales, as mentioned by TGWIF, you could try putting heavy-azz strings on and tuning down to E.

 

[viewaskew2k5]

Re: Fender Bass VI

i might look at the hellcat, put the bass 6 strings on them and change the pickups. cheaper i suppose