Bass VI Review, Demo and Unboxing - Squier by Fender Classic Vibe Bass VI
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- Опубліковано 22 гру 2021
- After finding out that Glen Campbell played a Fender Bass VI on Wichita Lineman and Galveston I decided I had to get one. On discovering the model now available is a Squier Classic Vibe Bass VI...... I ordered one.
Check out my review, demo and unboxing (filmed by my disinterested daughters!!).
For other great videos on the Bass VI check out @AskZac
• Why You Need a Fender/...
And @ScottPoleyMusic
• Bass VI - Everything Y...
#bassVI #fender #squier
I got another update from Fender saying that their Bass VI string set is now a 24-100 Gauge Set, it goes 24, 34, 44, 65, 80, 100 basically a Balanced Light set for Bass VI. Fender has had intonation issues w/ the 84 Gauge Low E String so they bumped the gauges of the 3 lowest strings up by a significant amount to achive better intonation.
Thanks for the info....I've been struggling with the intonation on the low E over the past couple of days. I was going to order a replacement bridge, but if the issue can be solved with different strings I might give that a go first. I'm loving the Bass VI!!
@@iamtjwalker Say goodbye to Floppy Low E and Hello to Tight Enough Just Right Low E with Fenders updated 250B6 Bass VI String Set that now goes 24-100.
@@RockStarOscarStern634 Now you put it like that they sound perfect. I like the twang up the top....but it would be nice to play bass lines too on the lower strings.....which with the floppy jobs it comes with isn't always easy!!
@@iamtjwalker The 24-100 Gauge Bass VI set is designed to do just that, plus it's balanced too so let's add a review video on the new Fender 24-100 Gauge Bass VI String set.
@@RockStarOscarStern634 Good idea......I'm gonna get me a set!
I’ve been a bassist since 1977…and I’ve been wanting a VI for a while. Loved your review. I’m buying one this week! Super excited!
Wow....really pleased to hear that.....I like mine, been doing a few bass gigs on it. The audience are intrigued by it!
@@iamtjwalker I literally bought mine 2 hours ago. I’m bringing to the gig tonight!
Thank-You for your video. I'm leaning toward getting a BassVl and your video helps. Thanks again!
I now understand why this guitar is a good addition. Well played Glen is very pleased with your cover.
I hope Glen would like the cover.....I saw him live 3 times. I saw his daughter live a few weeks ago too......she said she liked my jacket when I spoke to her after the show.....that made my day!!
Wow, love that funky tune in the end, really showcases the guitar/bass/VI. And got me moving 🙂
Thank you....I'm hoping to do some more videos on the Bass VI...I have a new set of strings that will hopefully sort the intonation! Watch this space!!
Great video, and thanks for the nice mention.
Thank you....love your channel!!
Loved the closing groove! Very nice! I saw an original Fender from the ‘60’s at Carter’s Vintage Instruments in Nashville, and it was over $10k. The Squire is a great value and I’m glad they are still affordable and within reach for most musicians! Well done!
Thank you! I didn't realise they could reach that kind of money! The Squier is really good value, I've still not sorted the intonation out on mine, but I've got a couple of things to try when I get the chance!!
Your daughters made that the most fun unboxing I've seen! I get the same enthusiasm at home with my kid! 🙄 Great demo, great playing!!!
It was fun. Actually the first unboxing I did with her was hilarious (hence getting her to help me on all the others). It's was the unboxing of my 335.....she was completely disinterested until she discovered the inside of the case was pink!!
I have the squier CV bass vi in black. Got it last Christmas. I love it, such a unique instrument
Yeah I'm really enjoying it......started work on the project I bought it for a couple of days ago....such a great sound!
You look real cool playing that Galveston guitar solo! Sounds really great with the right amount of vibrato! Great riffing at the end too. Very unique and flexible guitar.
It is a great instrument....haven't had much chance to play it yet but hoping to get some time with it soon!
That outro piece sold me man🤛✅
Thanks! Hope the video was useful!
Nice video and great little jam at the end. Great use of the Bass VI
Thanks….hoping to get some time to play it soon!!!
Fantastic playing on that Galveston solo. I came to my Bass VI from basically the opposite direction. I never wanted a baritone... then I found out about the Bass VI and jumped on one. It just seemed too funky and unique. Then I found out it's what they used in the Twin Peaks theme. THEN I watched Get Back and saw John and George playing it. AND NOWWWW I'm finding out it's part of the Glen Campbell repertoire. This thing just keeps surprising and delighting me.
Ha....the same result from different directions! I've got a new set of strings with a heavier bottom end (the new fender gauge) which will hopefully sort the intonation problem....will do a vid on it!!
@@iamtjwalker Excellent! I ended up getting one of the Staytrem bridges to replace the stock one. It's got a significantly longer range of movement, so it intonated spot on afterward. Made in England, too! So you'd probably have a much easier time getting it than me. haha
@@gretchman If the strings don't work that will be my next move!!
Wonderful playing. I really want one of these in shell pink, but yours looks amazing too
Thank you! They do look cool in pink, I like the sunburst though!
That 3 tone sunburst finish is so beautiful and it really pops
I just ordered one but this tutorial is great as an introduction to the guitar. The "Galveston-sound" is a real good illustration. Thanks for this.
I hope to do more videos with it when I get a chance....it's such a great sounding instrument!
@@iamtjwalker Hi TJ have a look at the song of Roberto Carlos, Tu regreso (Primera fila- en vivo), available on UA-cam, the guitarist is also performing a solo on the Squier VI
Very nice demo of this bass.
Thank you
Am I lucky I found a video demoing this guitar with the two songs I wanted it for? Thanks so much. Awesome music from Glen Campbell.
Glad the video is useful! Thanks for watching!!
Love it!! Great video my man, thanks for the mention, +1 sub 👍
Thanks! Really enjoyed your vid too....already subbed! I play some pedal steel too.....more of a pedal steel owner at the moment due to lack of time and space required to keep at it!! Shall be checking out your channel to get me inspired on it again!!
Great stuff, I like that funky stuff at the end, gets close to Mark King...huh? Awesome!
Thanks! Tricky to get the thumb slapping too fast on this one as the strings are close together.....but I'll work on that!!
Very enjoyable video. I have the Bass VI too, and it's fantastic. Great playing, BTW. Greetings from Denmark. :)
Awesome, thank you! Thanks for watching!
Fantastic playing...
Glad you like it! Thank you!
Your review was spot on! As others have mentioned your enthusiasm for the Bass VI made this one of the best reviews I've had the pleasure to witness. So much so that I now have a Squire VI of my own. The Squire VI combined with the a Fender Rumble Studio amp is a killer combo of sound exploration.
One burning question though. Where did you find that fabulous backing track for Galveston? I'd love to get a copy to play along with.
Please do more equipment reviews as opportunities allow.
Thank you.....and I'm glad you like the Bass VI....I feel responsible!! Send me an email at tom@tomwalkermusic.com and I'll email you a copy of the backing track, I created it myself!
I bought one preowned near the beginning of 2019. I’m commenting 5 years later. I’ve been trying to play it since then like a bass with 2 extra strings for a tenor extension, as opposed to playing it like a bass trying to be a guitar or vice versa. Most people say that’s “not how it is done”, and I frankly do not care less. Maybe, if I could afford having one built by Kiesel, it would be built with different pickups and stronger output like a regular bass.
I've used mine on a few gigs as a bass.....been very pleased with it....plus lots of people ask what it's all about!!
That’s a treat to read, @@iamtjwalker.
Beautiful!
Thank you! Cheers!
Great review. I was on the fence about these but you have convinced me. Really punchy clear tone and great playing.
Now the elephant in the room: I think yer zipper was down the whole time!
Glad you liked the playing, it's a great guitar for the money! I noticed the zipper when I was editing the video....but I'd spent too long on it to re-record it!! I thought I'd leave it there to see who was watching closely!! 😀
@@iamtjwalker Ha! Just ordered mine. Gonna lift yer funky jam bassline/guitar part when it arrives ! ;)
It was a really nice review and I liked the songs very much. As a person who plays bass but can't play guitar, this might be a good instrument for me to start learning how to play guitar.
Thank you! It's not easy to play it like a guitar really....you can't strum chords. It's cool for lead stuff, and playing chords in a different way. It's a fun instrument in its own way!
I'm excited to see the new video on the Fender 24-100 Gauge Bass VI String set
Me too....they're still in the packet!
@@iamtjwalker So this is a great time to make that video because you're not alone. Fender was having intonation issues with their old string set and they cleverly solved that problem by bumping up the gauges of the 3 lowest strings.
@@RockStarOscarStern634 Yes, really want to make the video as the guitar is unusable at the mo, I wanted to use it on a bass gig the other day! I will get around to it! I've got a new album coming out at the end of next week, it's taking all my time at the mo!!
Great demo. I am buying one now on Reverb for $400 Canadian- two months old!!
Wow....just looked up how much that is in UK money......that is a result! Hope you enjoy it. It's a great guitar to have in the arsenal!!
Great unboxing and review, TJ. I dug the piece at the conclusion. I have a Squier Bass Six in the same finish and largely play it the same way you did at the end. It's on my solo record titled *Brooklyn Bridge,* on most of the 21 cuts.
I understand why people gravitate toward playing it like a guitar instead of a bass, since it's a "guitar bass". I see it as a small-scale bass which offers some guitar-like extensions outside the traditional scope.
Thanks, glad you liked the video! I'll check out your record!
Many thanks @@iamtjwalker.
I have a baritone and LOVE it but this has me SUPER interested
It’s a cool instrument!
What's your signal chain on that Galveston solo? Sounds so crisp and clean! Great playing and walk through. I just ordered one of these myself and getting excited for its arrival!
I can't remember exactly, but I'm pretty sure I used tremolo and vibrato effects through a Fender tweed emulator just breaking up a bit. So it's a guitar signal chain rather than bass.
Dig the last song you play. That’s exactly how I want to use mine when it gets here. Got one pre ordered. Hope don’t have any issues with the set-up, but I’m prepare to.
Bob
I've got a new gauge of strings to try and see if it solves the intonation problem without buying a new bridge. I will do a video on it when I get a chance!!
Beautiful , man !
Thank you!
This is perfect. I’m a massive fan of Charlie Hunter and wanted a baritone guitar to get close to his sound. What guitar amp did you use?
Great tune and very cool funky playing! I want one now too! Getting a Guild Acoustic Baritone for Christmas - getting older and I’m going capo it works well on my Tele bari as downturning a regular guitar has been an intonation disaster!
I'm very pleased with it....especially for the money. It does have that intonation problem, but I'm hoping to do a video very soon with some new strings that will hopefully solve the problem! Watch this space!
Really enjoyed your playing on this TJ! I've wanted one of these bass VI's for a long time but been put off by the intonation thing, did you ever solve the problem?
Not yet, I have a set of strings that are a heavier gauge that supposedly sorts it out....still not got around to putting them on!
Ellie will love this Bass VI
I want her to play it!
@@iamtjwalker She can pick away on this instrument & the neck is the same size as a Guitar neck (but longer) so it fits her smaller hands. It's easier to carry than an Upright Bass because it's smaller so she won't have any issues, especially when using a case.
Hi , just watched this video, might buy one, have you tried it through a bass amp ?
Have you found it useful?
Yes I have, I've done a couple of gigs on it using it as a bass.....sounded good to me. I think a bass player would struggle with the string spacing....but using a pick and playing fairly straight forward stuff it was really nice to play!
Great outro 👍🏽
Thank you!
Does EVERYONE in the United Kingdom play guitar!? P. S. Great job on Glen Campbell, one of the original Wrecking Crew, and world class guitarists.
No, I don't think my neighbour does, and my mum definitely doesn't!! Glen was the boss!
Mine arrived 3 days ago. The strings were loose, which isn't normally the way Squier ships them. I love the tone choices, it's easy to play...but both the low E and the A strings have a horrible buzz. Once it receives a proper setup, I think it will be a great addition to my arsenal.
I enjoyed your playing very much!
Thank you! Mine was all in tune when I got it. It's a lovely guitar for the money . I still have the intonation problem on the low E.....but I have a new set of strings with a heavier bottom end (the new Fender Bass VI set) that is supposed to resolve the issue....still haven't had time to put them on!
I'd definitely buy one of these just to go Mark Lettieri mode from time to time.
Yes!!
Hi, great video. Is it ok to play this through a guitar amp or does it need a bass amp? Cheers.
Thanks! It depends if you want to play it as a bass or as a low guitar. The way I'm using it is through a guitar amp.....but it will sound like as a standard bass through a bass amp.
@@iamtjwalker Nice one, cheers.
Great demo, if you don’t know there’s a company in Matlock, Derbyshire called Newtone Strings, they make a set for this bass. They’re loads better and have a nice punch than the strings they came with and the loads cheaper, shame they don’t do flatwounds.
Cheers
Thanks, I’ll check them out!
Thanks for the share Brother. BTW, glad you eventually zipped up the fly. Bit too much of a share. 😉🤣
I know!! I didn't actually notice until I'd finished the video.....and then I thought I'd have to leave it and it would be funny to see how many people noticed! I'll try not to do it again!
@@iamtjwalker All Good Brother. It happens to us all! Hey, see if you can get your mitts on a Fender Pawn Shop Bass Vi. That is the one I am hot after. I have already reached out to Fender.
Keep Doing That Voodoo That You Do!
@@jdubbs9655 It does....not normally on a UA-cam video though!! I've got a set of the Fender strings with the new gauge and the heavier bottom end which I'm hoping will solve the intonation problem for now. I'll do a video on it as soon as I get a chance....they're sitting here waiting to be put on!!
T.J., Chad Johnson has a good video of having his Bass Vl modified and intonated. The title is, "Squire Bass Vl Intonation Fix". This video should answer questions about your Bass Vl.
Great thanks, I'll check it out!
The Beatles used it on Helter Skelter..John Lennon played the bass V1..Paul McCartney played lead and rhythm guitar..Ringo played drums and yelled I got blisters on my fingers...George was not even on the track!
They're using it a lot on the Get Back documentary, whenever Paul is on piano or guitar, John or George are on the Bass IV....really cool!
pretty sure glen played the solo w/ carol kaye's danelectro. so i read. regards.
Yes I think you're right. I've seen him playing the Fender live and miming for TV things!
nice playing..trying to see the switch settings you're using for your funky number (hope you realized the tremolo arm will go in and snap securely if you push it in as you turn it)
I had only the neck pickup on and the bass cut disabled. Thanks for the tip on the tremolo arm...I shall try that....when I can find the arm! I took it off and now need to locate it!!!
@@iamtjwalker you're welcome...did you ever switch to flatwounds?..I put them on mine about 6 months after I got it, and I love them.
@@silentgd I've actually bought a set of the Fender Bass VI strings which now have a heavier bottom end, which supposedly sorts out the intonation problem. I haven't had a chance to put them on yet!
Last tune was awesome. What was it and is there any tab??
Thanks, glad you like it. I don't have tab for it....I was just improvising over a drum loop! If I do another video on something similar (and worked out in advance rather than improvised!!) I'll do some tab.
Liked your vid. but you did not mention the late great Jet Harrris pre dating the Beatles on singles with former bandmate Tony Mehan.
I found a long list of players that used them, and some really good playlists on Spotify that people have created featuring the Bass IV.....I didn't manage to mention them all....really just the ones that made me love that sound! I will check out the Jet Harris stuff though, thanks!!
I would love it with flatwound strings.
I've go the new guage of standard ones to try first...will get around to putting them on, hoping it will sort the intonation problem!
If you still have ths bass VI , try the influence of what you call “ strangle switch” on the left pot, you will notice that they work together ….
I'll have to try that! Thanks
What is this plugged into? I like the sound
Can’t remember specifically but it’s a fender style amp with tremolo and vibrato for the Glen sound.
TJ Walker you may wanna get a set of Fender 24-100 Gauge Bass VI Strings, Fender has just updated their gauges & now they end on a 100 for the Low E which is common for a Bass
I've ordered a set!
@@iamtjwalker Let's hear em
@@RockStarOscarStern634 They haven't arrived yet! I will do a vid on them once they're fitted!!
@@iamtjwalker The Colored Ball Ends make it easier to see which is which so I'm excited to see this awesome set of strings
@@iamtjwalker The 24-100 Gauge Set is essentially a Bass VI version of a Balanced Light set
these are unplayable out of the box due to the wolf tones and intonation of the low E, i changed the saddle to an epiphone sheraton and re radiused the saddles with a neck shim and locked the trem. no need for flatwounds now. stable and accurate. strings in perfect alignment down the neck now too, unlike out of the box where the high e is too close and falls off the fretboard. they really are atrocious out of the box but such potential its worth hanging in there. cheers.
The intonation on the low E does make it unplayable in a gig situation....I've used it out the box on this video and intentionally not used the notes that don't work! I have a set of the new gauge of Fender Bass VI strings that apparently sort the problem. I must get around to putting them on. If not it's a new bridge!
@@iamtjwalker good luck TJ cheers.
@@iamtjwalker change the gauge of the low E to what ever came stock with the fender issue. That's the problem. Squire decided to put lighter strings without examining the consequences or caring, let alone modding the bridge to allow for their sting gauge selection.
Did you ever find the aftermarket bridge?
I've bought a set of the new gauge Fender strings to try, apparently they sort out the intonation problem. I've not had a chance to change them yet....been so busy the Bass IV has been collecting dust since I did this video....very frustrating....but will hopefully get some time on it soon!
9:29 thanks for the good laugh! 😅
I'd forgotten about that! A lesson learnt!
@@iamtjwalker ever got to put flatwounds on?
@@ibendiben I've got some of the new gauge Fender strings which is supposed to sort out the intonation problem. Had them for months but not yet had a chance to fit them! Trouble with these types of guitars, great things to have, but they're down on the list of priorities when you're busy as they're not every day instruments! Hoping to get them on there soon and do a video on them.....especially as I paid for insurance on the strings on Amazon!!.....so when one breaks they should send me a new one 😀
What's the tuning on this bass guitar? I'm scared to get a six-string because I already have a five-string bass and I rarely use it, I only have it for those songs that require it and I love, but I wouldn't even know how to tune this bass. I'm used to the typical EADG tuning on a four-string, plus the low B on the five-string, but this one... what's the tuning on this one? Is it like a guitar EADGBe? Is the low string a B like in a five-string? Oh I have so many questions about this. When I first saw it I thought there was an error in the listing because in the pictures it looks like a guitar.
Is that a tremolo bridge? How does it work?
I have a lot more questions than answers on this guitar and I don't want to buy it to find out because if I can't play it I'll be out of my money, I'm here mostly out of curiosity, I'm not a professional, I've only been playing bass for a year and I don't practice more than one hour a day on average, maybe a bit more on weekends but I'm not anywhere near your level of playing.
It's basically a guitar tuned an octave lower! It's a very particular sound, check out some of the spotify Bass IV playlists to hear how it's used and sounds. It's not an every day instrument!!
It's tuned EADGBE like a guitar, but it's an octave lower. Basically, you get the EADB strings of a four-string Bass plus a B and an E as an additional two high strings.
@@iamtjwalker I mostly play guitar, but I enjoy bass, as well. I own some four-string basses, but I play my Bass VI the most because it's similar to my offsets.
Many people play theirs through guitar amps, but I play mine through bass amps.
I also play flatwounds on it, like with my Jag and Jazzmaster.
man that's my dream guitar/bass, i guess i better start saving lol
It is fun! Bit of a novelty but I'm really enjoying it.
@@iamtjwalker I wanted one since i new the Beatles used them
@@zacharybrown4053 I found out after I ordered it that they used it when I watched Get Back.....made me want it even more!
Where did you get it ? I’ve been looking for one but is imposible !
I got mine from Andertons in the UK. I pre-ordered it and I think the batch mine arrived in all sold out before they went on sale in the shop. They seem to be very popular!
@@iamtjwalker I have pre ordered one on Amazon like 2 days ago and got in to the Fender website for them to let me know when are they going to be available, dude that instrument looks just tooooo good !! congrats on that one ! i hope i can get my hands on one soon !!!
Not for nothing mate. But your fly is open. Great review!
Ha! I know...I realised after I'd spent ages doing the video and couldn't face doing it again.....it's like an easter egg....I know if people are watching closely if they spot it!! Glad you like the review....sorry about the fly!
Do you think it's safe to play through a guitar amp? Not using it as a bass, but more as a tic-tic guitar-sound kind of thing, country, surf, spaghetti western stuff...
I don't know.....I suspect it's the speakers that might take a bashing if you put too many low frequencies through them. For the stuff you're suggesting you normally switch in the the bass roll off so that will ease that problem!
@@iamtjwalker yeah, I'm only using it as a low tuned guitar, for country, surf stuff.
Best way to appreciate these instruments, is to listen to Jet Harris. The Daddy!!
Way to jam!!
need for solo tabs, please
I don't have tabs....I was improvising!
Please tell me you just don't have a bass amp, playing bass through a guitar amp can break the amp, bass amps are heavier duty
Zipper is down
I realised once I started editing the video, but it would have taken too long to redo it. I think it's what has made this one of my most popular videos!😀
XYZ PDQ
I know!! I didn’t notice until I’d already posted it!! At least nobody else noticed......until now!!!!
When you follow up your comments with asides and digressions you tend to speed your speaking up to the point where it's hard to make out what you're saying. If it's worth saying, say it normally. Running your words together is not clever. But I love your playing for sure.
I absolutely hate this guitar. I just want to put that out there.