I like it as an "overgrown guitar". I've had basses and I have guitars; I think this instrument can cross over. With the narrow neck and high strings I don't think it was meant as a strict "bass".
@@Blueguitar007 As a musician with basically a profound hearing loss now, I've been playing 7-, and 8- string guitars since 200...1?, and 2015, respectively. As my hearing has left me with extremely little highs left at all (basically everything is very quiet, anyway), I go by pitch memory a lot, on the high strings. I love beautiful, crazy chords, and Jazz, and if I could ever try one of these hybrids, I would. Sure, it might sound obviously much deeper, but the high strings on this would seem to give me some wiggle room to enjoy what's left, you know? Who knows, it might be cool to play big, deep chords and stuff, on this little beast! The only thing that might kill me would be the 30" scale...my 8-string has a 27", and playing stretchy chords on the lower frets KILL me, haha. XD
This is a bass player playing a Bass as it should be played like a bass however: it can be versatile on the top end. George Harrison Used A Bass VI while Paul sang and played piano on Hey Jude Video.
Great demo man. You just helped me decide on the flatwounds, that’s the sound for this beast. Did your guy change out the bridge too, I think it’s the staytrem that has the intonation room to adjust. Nice job.
That is indeed a mighty sound sir. The chords sound phenomenal by the way. I seek to acquire the instrument, however I am more into a Justin Chancellor/Chris Squire like tone so I am gonna use a roundwound set, most likely a custom one from La Bella(possibly 0.100 gauge). Any suggestion you can give me? I play through Ampegs and Markbasses with my band, can it really hold it's own as a bass in a band?
ferdinandstrat many thanks ferdinandstrat. I wish you the best in your roundwound quest. I can see no reason why it can't hold its own as a bass in a band...after all it worked for Jack Bruce in Cream :)
I normally play a jazz bass classic 60s in a four piece rock band (two guitars, drums,bass), but would like a change in sound and look and still retain a solid and deep bass sound. I was considering the Fender bass VI pawn shop, but apparently they don't ship anymore, only the Squier. Actually this is the first video I've seen of the squier sounding like a proper bass, but the La Bella strings are quite expensive and difficult to find, and I still don't know if the instrument would cut through loud guitars and (very) loud drums. I guess the La Bella flatwounds are a must for the bass VI, otherwise it turns into a lousy baritone guitar.
Fer Abra Hi Fer Abra, thanks for your post. Yes indeed the flatwounds have helped to give my Squier bass vi a more solid bass end. I think a lot depends on which pickup(s) you choose to have on too. I have all 3 pickups on. Also, I'm using a pick, which helps the sound to cut through a bit too. Another little trick to help cut through would be a small touch of overdrive. Hope this helps a bit, good luck with your quest :)
paulosrecords Thanks for the tips! I understand you're telling me "go for it". I probably will. I will just make sure to get the La bellas first and foremost. I don't understand how come Fender does not make a decent set of flatwounds with the correct gauges to go with their VI instruments. Thanks again!
+Fer Abra I went for the schecter hellcat vi, cant tell you much, i will get it maybe tomorow, but you should check that one out ! same kind of vibe , seymour duncan pickups etc etc. but no trem (wich i prefer) and the strings are .25 to .95 (wich is really close to a light bass guauge, that would be .100)
I love this. Did you have to modify the bride. Many poeple are saying the intonation sucks on this Squire bass VI and they've modified the bridge. What say you? I love it though. I'm gonna have to get one.
sorry to tune it I meant to set the strings playing in the air that note is .... because I bought a new one and I didn't set the tuning since it tuned an octave lower than a guitar
ah I see...well you can tune it with a regular chromatic guitar tuner, just like you tune a guitar or bass with. There are plenty of youtube videos on how to do that. Or maybe you could go to a guitar or bass teacher for a few lessons...just to help you out a bit?
+Laura Camacho Thanks Laura! Enjoy the strings. Tone was all the way up, all 3 pickups were on. I was using a medium pick and playing DI into the audio interface.
Hi Gustavo, thanks for your comment. I'm guessing by 'fine-tune it' you mean 'set it up'? I took it to a guitar technician (luthier) to do that. It's worth the cost I think.
@@Paulosrecordsofficial about how much did you pay to have it set up? I'm curious because I'm thinking about buying one and wanna know about how much I need to make it happen! Thanks man! Great playing
@@g0osefraba Thanks Philip. I think I paid around £40 ($50) for the set-up. That was 5 years ago though. I had to pay for the La Bella strings on top of that. They're pricey, but do last for years. Hope that helps.
Two questions since I just ordered one and it's fitted with Labella flats like yours (and also doesn't have the whammy bar). How are you tuning yours? Is it EADGBG or EADGCF? Want to tune is in all fourths....EADGCF....but I'm afraid that that might break the last two strings. Do you thing that would happen? It's only one note up on each string....or at least
I tune mine to an octave below standard guitar tuning, EADGBE. I'm not certain what would happen if I tuned it in 4ths EADGCF...the tension is already pretty high.
+ShreadTheWeapon Thanks! Man that's a hard question, I love all my musical instruments and go through periods of playing them all. But...if I had to choose just one I guess I'd pick the pre-cbs jazz bass. It just has a certain mojo to it.
+paulosrecords I can dig that. Never played a pre-CBS Fender myself, so I've got to take you at your word. It sounds good the way you used it during the Miles Davis cover, anyhow.
+Zaq Kickasola (Da Shurif) Hi Zaq, I've done a little more research and it seems that you may well be correct. According to Carol Kaye's website faq, she lent Glen her Danelectro VI to play the solo.
+Zaq Kickasola (Da Shurif) Further research. A friend of mine spoke to Carol Kaye on this matter and he tells me that Carol said she actually played the solo. So it would appear that sources disagree on this. If I ever get to speak with Carol, I'll try and get confirmation.
Yes I saw the little bit. I have A VI also. I actually like playing it with ringing octaves and small chords as opposed to "bass playing". I think some on here that are adamant about it being a "bass" are wrong and missing the whole point of the design of this instrument. Cheers!
It just to goes to show that the VI is quite a versatile instrument. I like to see it as a crossover instrument really...a point where guitar and bass meet.
Finally, someone playing this instrument like a bass instead of an overgrown guitar. Great demo!
+schepler2 Many thanks schepler2!
I like it as an "overgrown guitar". I've had basses and I have guitars; I think this instrument can cross over. With the narrow neck and high strings I don't think it was meant as a strict "bass".
@@Blueguitar007 As a musician with basically a profound hearing loss now, I've been playing 7-, and 8- string guitars since 200...1?, and 2015, respectively. As my hearing has left me with extremely little highs left at all (basically everything is very quiet, anyway), I go by pitch memory a lot, on the high strings. I love beautiful, crazy chords, and Jazz, and if I could ever try one of these hybrids, I would. Sure, it might sound obviously much deeper, but the high strings on this would seem to give me some wiggle room to enjoy what's left, you know? Who knows, it might be cool to play big, deep chords and stuff, on this little beast! The only thing that might kill me would be the 30" scale...my 8-string has a 27", and playing stretchy chords on the lower frets KILL me, haha. XD
@@Blueguitar007I believe the intent of the comment was that it is rare or was more rare to see it used this way on UA-cam videos.
this is the only video where this instrument doesn't sound like complete shit
bless u sir
steve campbell lol...thanks steve :)
Yep. Two reasons...string selection and the player.
Stopped watching the video after 7 seconds and immediately ordered the La Bella strings!
This is a bass player playing a Bass as it should be played like a bass however: it can be versatile on the top end. George Harrison Used A Bass VI while Paul sang and played piano on Hey Jude Video.
Both George Harrison and John Lennon used this bass on several other songs with Paul on guitar or piano, mainly on the Beatles' last three albums.
A great review of the flatwound sounds thank you
My pleasure!
Great demo man. You just helped me decide on the flatwounds, that’s the sound for this beast. Did your guy change out the bridge too, I think it’s the staytrem that has the intonation room to adjust. Nice job.
Thanks Jimmy C. No, I still have the stock bridge at present. Intonation seems ok so happy to keep it that way for now.
Tasty understated funk, Paul. Good stuff!
nerkoids Thanks nerkoids!
Some nice pick playing going on there and great tone.
Thanks Shane!
My Dude again! Alright you even sound Hip with a pick.
That is indeed a mighty sound sir. The chords sound phenomenal by the way.
I seek to acquire the instrument, however I am more into a Justin Chancellor/Chris Squire like tone so I am gonna use a roundwound set, most likely a custom one from La Bella(possibly 0.100 gauge).
Any suggestion you can give me? I play through Ampegs and Markbasses with my band, can it really hold it's own as a bass in a band?
ferdinandstrat many thanks ferdinandstrat. I wish you the best in your roundwound quest.
I can see no reason why it can't hold its own as a bass in a band...after all it worked for Jack Bruce in Cream :)
paulosrecords Oh, Thank you non the less.
I normally play a jazz bass classic 60s in a four piece rock band (two guitars, drums,bass), but would like a change in sound and look and still retain a solid and deep bass sound. I was considering the Fender bass VI pawn shop, but apparently they don't ship anymore, only the Squier. Actually this is the first video I've seen of the squier sounding like a proper bass, but the La Bella strings are quite expensive and difficult to find, and I still don't know if the instrument would cut through loud guitars and (very) loud drums. I guess the La Bella flatwounds are a must for the bass VI, otherwise it turns into a lousy baritone guitar.
Fer Abra Hi Fer Abra, thanks for your post. Yes indeed the flatwounds have helped to give my Squier bass vi a more solid bass end. I think a lot depends on which pickup(s) you choose to have on too. I have all 3 pickups on. Also, I'm using a pick, which helps the sound to cut through a bit too. Another little trick to help cut through would be a small touch of overdrive. Hope this helps a bit, good luck with your quest :)
paulosrecords Thanks for the tips! I understand you're telling me "go for it". I probably will. I will just make sure to get the La bellas first and foremost. I don't understand how come Fender does not make a decent set of flatwounds with the correct gauges to go with their VI instruments. Thanks again!
+Fer Abra I went for the schecter hellcat vi, cant tell you much, i will get it maybe tomorow, but you should check that one out !
same kind of vibe , seymour duncan pickups etc etc. but no trem (wich i prefer) and the strings are .25 to .95 (wich is really close to a light bass guauge, that would be .100)
Great video, I love the way you play! :D
+Julia K. Mars Thank you Julia! :)
Excellent!!
Thanks James!
Thanks paul! So rad! Great playing and demo :) C A N N O T wait to pick one of these things up !!!
Just out of curiosity, are you using the bridge that comes stock with the instrument, or did you upgrade it??
Thanks Cale! Enjoy your Bass VI!
It's the stock bridge. Seems to work fine.
@@Paulosrecordsofficial Thanks heaps man
I love this. Did you have to modify the bride. Many poeple are saying the intonation sucks on this Squire bass VI and they've modified the bridge. What say you? I love it though. I'm gonna have to get one.
Thanks Brad. No, I didn't modify the bridge, it's still stock. I find intonation to be fine, so didn't bother. Enjoy your bass vi when you get one!
@@Paulosrecordsofficial Thanks.
sorry to tune it I meant to set the strings playing in the air that note is .... because I bought a new one and I didn't set the tuning since it tuned an octave lower than a guitar
ah I see...well you can tune it with a regular chromatic guitar tuner, just like you tune a guitar or bass with. There are plenty of youtube videos on how to do that. Or maybe you could go to a guitar or bass teacher for a few lessons...just to help you out a bit?
Nice; I just ordered one!
+David Woodley Great!
I'm not gonna lie, I would have thought this was a short-scale bass in a blind test.
A fair observation, it could be thought of as a short-scale bass with extended range. It does have a 30" scale length.
mine have the same strings
cool!
Sweet sound! I will get these strings for it! What was your tone/ pickup setting for this sweet sound?
+Laura Camacho Thanks Laura! Enjoy the strings. Tone was all the way up, all 3 pickups were on. I was using a medium pick and playing DI into the audio interface.
What makes it "modified"?
Sweet sound!
Hmm interesting, I don't know why it's called 'modified'. Perhaps someone else will know? Thanks for your comment.
Great sound I have one but I don't know to fine-tune it, you would be kind enough to upload a video ... greetings from Argentina
Hi Gustavo, thanks for your comment. I'm guessing by 'fine-tune it' you mean 'set it up'? I took it to a guitar technician (luthier) to do that. It's worth the cost I think.
@@Paulosrecordsofficial about how much did you pay to have it set up? I'm curious because I'm thinking about buying one and wanna know about how much I need to make it happen! Thanks man! Great playing
@@g0osefraba Thanks Philip. I think I paid around £40 ($50) for the set-up. That was 5 years ago though. I had to pay for the La Bella strings on top of that. They're pricey, but do last for years. Hope that helps.
@@Paulosrecordsofficial so probably about 6-650$ to make it happen. Thanks for the response! Cheers
Two questions since I just ordered one and it's fitted with Labella flats like yours (and also doesn't have the whammy bar). How are you tuning yours? Is it EADGBG or EADGCF? Want to tune is in all fourths....EADGCF....but I'm afraid that that might break the last two strings. Do you thing that would happen? It's only one note up on each string....or at least
I tune mine to an octave below standard guitar tuning, EADGBE. I'm not certain what would happen if I tuned it in 4ths EADGCF...the tension is already pretty high.
Not bad at all, Paul.
I notice you've got other basses and a digital piano in your arsenal. Which one do you like over all?
+ShreadTheWeapon Thanks! Man that's a hard question, I love all my musical instruments and go through periods of playing them all. But...if I had to choose just one I guess I'd pick the pre-cbs jazz bass. It just has a certain mojo to it.
+paulosrecords I can dig that. Never played a pre-CBS Fender myself, so I've got to take you at your word. It sounds good the way you used it during the Miles Davis cover, anyhow.
did the labellas fix the intonation issue?
Yes, pretty much. I've since installed a Staytrem bridge and shimmed the neck which has made a big improvement though.
I thought Glen Campbell played the VI on Wichita Lineman?
+Zaq Kickasola (Da Shurif) Hi Zaq, I've done a little more research and it seems that you may well be correct. According to Carol Kaye's website faq, she lent Glen her Danelectro VI to play the solo.
+Zaq Kickasola (Da Shurif) Further research. A friend of mine spoke to Carol Kaye on this matter and he tells me that Carol said she actually played the solo. So it would appear that sources disagree on this. If I ever get to speak with Carol, I'll try and get confirmation.
You muted every single note except chords. Couldn't tell how flats would sound.
Good point, I do mute most of it. Check out 1:55 for an unmuted high passage though.
Yes I saw the little bit. I have A VI also. I actually like playing it with ringing octaves and small chords as opposed to "bass playing". I think some on here that are adamant about it being a "bass" are wrong and missing the whole point of the design of this instrument. Cheers!
It just to goes to show that the VI is quite a versatile instrument. I like to see it as a crossover instrument really...a point where guitar and bass meet.