Robert Smith of the Cure uses it like a lead instrument - Pictures of You, Lullaby etc. but you can go back as far as Faith in 81 when he started using them. He even ended up with a signature Schechter Bass VI inspired guitar. And i think High is the only billboard 100 song to feature TWO bass VI's playing at the same time. :) Also check out the Church Priest=Aura - Steve Kilbey recorded all the bass on that album with a Bass VI.
Thank you for this info. I always loved The Cure's sound but never listened to a whole album by them, considering how many acclaimed ones they've got. Any suggestions about where to start?
@@SignificanceOfThePassageOfTime I've heard that. The thing is, I was wondering if I should keep it as the icing on top after listening to all their previous albums first
@@unacuentadeyoutube13 Their early stuff was Minimalist Post Punk(Boys dont cry.) Faith, Seventeen Seconds and Pornography used drum machines and the production wasn’t the greatest. Head on the door is when the production improved greatly. You can start with Head on the Door, Kiss me, Kiss me, Kiss me., Disintegration and Wish. That was peak Cure imho. After that period, the song writing was hit and miss.
The bassist from Quicksand plays a Bass VI live *the whole set). I believe the their latest album is all Bass VI. Also, Failure uses a Bass VI. One song live they both play one. Others, it's Bass and Bass VI played. Might be used more than we think.
If I remember correctly, the riff on “Back in the Saddle” is played by Joe Perry on a Fender Bass VI. The lead guitar is all Brad Whitford whereas Tom Hamilton, who usually plays bass in Aerosmith, is on rhythm guitar.
Turned 57 last week - picked up my first 6-string in 1979 and have been making noise of and on ever since… and this is the first I have ever heard of the Bass VI!!! Amazing - thanks for the eye-opener. We never quite stop learning in this world… great stuff Thanks
Cool stuff. I bought the Squire version of this Bass VI. It was a lot of fun until old age killed my left hand. Nice tribute to Glenn Campbell and the Wrecking Crew.
There is a great review of this bass on youtube by someone who also had a Squire version, illustrating how the Vintera II version fixed the intonation issues of the Squire version with a different bridge.
@@x00p3 - Thanks for the suggestions. I don't eat meat. lol I'm hoping my tax dollars will soon cover some kind of injection which will relieve the pain in my left thumb. The last time I tried to get back in guitar playing shape, it took me a year to get back into good condition. Maybe 85% of my former capabilities. Even if I can get rid of the pain, I may not live long enough to make it worthwhile.
This is one of the finest videos you've ever made. I went into this video somewhat understanding what a "Fender Six" was (I saw it on the "Get Back" documentery) but you really showcased why the Fender Six exists as a hybrid between a traditional bass and a baratone that can do the "guitar" thing. The music and playing were superb. Now I want to go out and buy one. Really appreciated this video.
@@chrisd3852The Danelectro ‘56 and Longhorn baritones are basically rebranded six string basses. The 29.72” scale length should be indistinguishable from the original UB-2’s 30” scale length. I’ve been thinking about getting one of the Longhorns since they came out this past year.
I’ve had three of these, including a Custom Shop that I’ve kept. Absolutely fantastic, and I do think they are so under utilized including for heavier music
I bought a squire one and put a hot rail in the bridge and put a hard tail bridge on it and use it on some songs in my heavy rock band. I’m the bass player but sometimes I wanna play guitar parts too hahaha
the band TTNG has a very intersting trio set up, they have a guitar switching between open tunings with a capo, playing very fast arpeggios and tapping, and the singer playing a bass VI, doing the upper chord structures for the guitarist while also playing the bass lines, this set up kinda works like left + right independent hands on a piano, fun stuff, probably the best use of a bass VI i've seen so far
I bought the Squier Version about a year ago and it's been fun as hell. It was extremely wonky out of the box but I spent some time with it, added a Mastery Bridge (fits perfectly) and got a proper setup at my local shop. I'm a songwriter tracking my own stuff at home and it fits that niche perfectly. It's almost too easy to track out a decent bass part for a demo. I've found that a heavy wool felt pick actually works well to bridge that divide between fingerstyle and pick playing... it dulls the attack, but the pick makes it easier to get into the tighter string spacing.
@@HANKUS tuning stability is vastly improved, no chance of a string slipping out of its saddle, better sustain. The Mastery fits in with no drilling required which is nice! I guess these are all the typical issues that the Mastery helps resolve in something like a JM or a Jag
I love my BassVI, but I came to realize it is much more useful, at least to me strung up B to B with baritone strings. My absolute favorite baritone sound!
I have a passion for my Bass VI that started with Jack Bruce. All 6 octave down from Standard ( E to E) for those that may not know. My Baritone Guitars, (B to B) a different scale length then the BassVI. Truly love both of theses very different instruments.
I myself could see this possibly working in a live scenario as a two piece band: one Bass VI player and a drummer, playing basslines to a looper and lead lines up high with the bass cut switch. Interesting side note: Gibson apparently made a six string bass many many years ago called the EB-6, apparently it’s become quite rare!!
I've had the Squier version since it was released. One of the most versatile instruments I own. Double a bass line an octave up, double a guitar line an octave down, use it as a bass, and use it as is for melodies that require a "different sound". It's not a one trick pony for sure.
I love your second song you did. It really emphasizes that “creaky, rocking ship at sea” feeling/sound I associate with it, that’s well on display in a lot of The Cure’s use of the Bass VI (I don’t know if that makes sense to anyone but me, but it makes me think of sailing in a wood ship). So excited for mine I just ordered to arrive in the mail!
Bass player and Fender VI enthusiast reporting in: Can confirm that this is indeed the most underrated instrument in the electric guitar/bass family (and I agree that it lives in its own category). Whenever I show up to a writing or a jam session with my Fender VI people are pretty blown away by it. The bass sound is fat and heavy because of the shorter scale. The chord voicings are surprisingly rich and full. The melodic capabilities are wholly unique and beautiful. 10/10 recommend.
VI here, a mid 90s MIJ in sunburst, & it's a lovely thing. I changed the bridge (a common mod) to even out the radius a bit, & found a set of black tapewounds. magical.
Definitely try this with both round and flat wound strings (La Bella strings for these are awesome), totally different feel and tone, so pick the one you like.
Listen to The Cure's Disintegration. The Bass VI is all over that album, though there are regular guitars and bass and keyboards and drums, but the Bass VI is often where Robert Smith, the song writer, starts the song writing process.
I've been playing bass for a couple of years, but recently, I've been enjoying playing acoustic guitar a lot. I really like how the acoustic guitar feels, even more than the standard bass. So, I'm thinking about getting a bass VI to use in my band. Do you think that's a good enough reason to get a bass VI?
I bought the Fender pawn shop version with different pickups in 2014 and LOVE it! I really like the humbucking pickup in the bridge but I think the bass cut switch would be a nice addition.
Damn Rhett, I wish my dad was still around to hear your playing. My taste in music is 100% his doing, and your playing would have had him floored. Thanks for helping bring him back for just a minute.
As someone who plays both bass and guitar, i bought the squire version and i am in love. Not only can you use it as a bass, but I've run it through my guitar rig it, and it sounds so cool and unique. Im ordering the antigua finish next. Why stop at one? Also, im a MIM guy. im not a fan of squires because quality wasn't the best when i was high school. But Squires now are amazing. Do not overlook the squire version. As someone with expensive taste in my instruments, it's worth the 500 bucks. Squire also has more finishes i feel like please correct me if im wrong and show me where i can see more of the fender ones. They came out with the antigua this year i think. For the bass 6 so yeah i need that.
I have had the hots for a Bass VI for about 4 years now! I was trying desperately to find the "Pawn Shop" version of one. I even tried to work with a well known company out of Puyallup , WA. to design a body and neck pocket so I could build my own custom version of one. They would not accommodate. Pity! 🤔So I set it aside. So glad Fender is at least releasing this version! (if you build it, they will come). I will struggle to get one of these but I must have one! Thank you for doing this review. This expression of tone deserves it's sonic space beyond a short life in decades past! Keep Doing That Voodoo That You Do! 👊
Couldn't agree more. I build 'em. Parts are a beetch to find, but if ya look under the right rocks they can be found. Each build is pretty damn unique for that reason
Right?! Ha! When I started playing guitar around 2000, a MIM Fender standard strat and tele were $350, a Gibson LP standard was $1,999, and the Gibson Flying V and Explorers were $999. 😂😂😂
It’s funny to think back about how good we had it - through the early 00s, people talked $h1# about the excellent fender and Squier models coming out of Mexico just because those were lower-tier models
Always interested in this one, great video… seems the sweet spot might be for a rhythm player…? Anyway thought I was all set w/ guitars & basses for now but all of a sudden I’m thinking this would fit nicely in my music room
I own the Squier Classic vibe version. It is a great tool for me as a guitarist when I play bass. I can get the low end without changing my technique much. It sounds killer in a trio with a small drumset and an acoustic guitar.
I love these kinds of videos when you do them. The other day I was in a guitar center in Des Moines and they had a ‘75 Takamine 12 string that sounded freaking amazing and the gal behind the counter and I were talking about your Takamine video. Cheers man!
This is my first time hearing the Bass VI, I really like its vibe and tone. Also, I've been going through Sweetwater for years, I'll have to remember to use your link the next time I buy from there
Mike Rutherford used a microfret six string bass (bass vi but not fender) on the lamb lies down on broadway and a custom VI on a trick of the tail, my favorite use of it is “Back in NYC” live where he takes advantage of the higher strings to double the guitar/synth arpeggio.
Well, you can use the Bass VI as a bass without any problems. Change the strings to a set of La Bella flatwound strings made especially for the Bass VI. You'll be amazed how good this sound. Another trick is to take the bass cut swtich out and rewire so it acts as series switch for the neck + middle and the middle + bridge pu or all 3 pu's in serries. Really killer bas tones...
somewhat unrelated but that spring verb on the bass sounds so good. Wouldn’t normally expect to hear bass going through reverb but it works great with that sound
I'd call the Fender VI a Bass Baritone Guitar like the term used for a voice Bass Baritone. The 4th switch which engages a .0033 uf capacitor (similar to the Rickenbacker capacitor on the 4003 bridge pup .0047uf) is effectively a High Pass Filter, I'd try a .1uf capacitor as John Entwistle said he couldn't get enough bass out of it and the .1uf cap is used in P basses so I think it would darken the sound subtly when engaged.
Great Vid Rhett. I never knew this instrument existed before this vid. As you stated I’ve heard it in many songs with no idea it was a bass vi and in an actual bass. Keep this type of vids coming.🤘
Roy Babbington played a Fender Bass VI when he was the full-time bass player for Soft Machine, on albums 7 and later (73-78), when Soft Machine was a jazz fusion band.
I have cousins who are in a gigging band. They do about a venue a week with multiple shows in a row based in Indiana and the range about one state in each direction. For the most part, they are fairly traditional. Every once in a while they will use a off the wall instrument like a Theremin in one of their originals. I was at one of their practices just checking them out and I noticed the bass player had one of these Bass Six guys on his rack. I pulled it out and noodled around on it. Very versatile and very odd feel. Your description of half bass, half guitar is spot on. He had his tuned in a split. The bottom three were tuned lower and the top three were higher. So while he wasn't doing low end work, he could hit some notes in the rhythm guitar range. Very cool concept
I’m a bass player who was called upon to play guitar for a special event. I played some chords, but mostly played lead guitar parts…but I used my fingers instead of a pic. I also played bass on some songs and had to switch back and forth. Wish I would have had a BassVI at that time. Mine arrived in the mail today. 😉
I have been dialing in my 1980 model jc120 sound overall but it is not quite where I want it yet. I have been trying to decide If I should play the bass vi through the jc 120 or through a bass amp like Robert Smith/ Cure does. I think I am finding nice 120 clean is nice yet often too razor sharp so I am experimenting with lowering some of the hi eq looking for that sweet spot. Does anyone have any suggestions ?
Cool! I’ve always wanted one, but when I lived in vintage guitar world, approximately 25 years ago (maybe a little more), you could still find beaten up ‘67 or ‘68 Telecasters with Bigsbys for the equivalent of, give or take, 1500 dollars in today’s value. Because nobody at the time was really interested in them I guess. But I remember one of the vintage guitar dealers having no less than 5 beautiful looking Bass VI’s. One of them was in Sherwood Green Metallic and another one in Candy Apple Red. Anyway, the cheapest one was twice the price of the aforementioned Telecasters. A couple of years ago Fender started to make these cheap versions and I immediately saw my chance of buying one of those. Just a Squier. I wasn’t going to spend crazy amounts of money for an instrument you barely use. Unfortunately it never happened. I still want one, but my wish list is long and priorities shift every day. 😳
I played a white squire one at guitar center. when i was in highschool. I was blowm away and i had choice between that and 5 string jazz bass i chose the five string. I regret that every single day, but i am about to buy the fiesta red one and i am beyond excited for that.
I have my 6strings 30inch scale baritone guitar ! And I felt in love that instrument ! I mostly play Djent kind riffs but I can play major or minor chords or just jump into guitar solo. Super usefull instrument. I am planning make my new songs with this baritone guitar. Lead part is my 4way Tele, rhythm part is my baritone. I spend great time with my new song making.
The first one to use a Fender Bass Vl as a solo instrument was Terence "Jet" Harris, the original bass player with the Shadows. In 1962 he recorded the Main Title Theme from The Man With The Golden Arm, Diamonds, Scarlet O'Hara, Applejack and Besame Mucho, with Diamonds reaching #1, Scarlet O'Hara #2 and Applejack #4 in the UK charts in 1963. I remember vividly the first time I heard The Man With The Golden arm - the sound and Jet's performance blew my mind. Geez, I must be old... In 2010, Harris was presented with a special award from the US Fender guitar company for his services to their company in effectively launching their bass guitar in the UK in 1960. Harris died in 2011.
Mike Rutherford of Genesis played a couple different custom instruments that were a double neck 12 string and 6 string bass that was tuned in t he same fashion. It was around 1975-1976 and primarily live.
I'm primarily a bassist playing a Jag bass, but I occasionally play a standard tenor Jag. So, of course, I have a Bass VI as well. I think you're right on the money with your analysis. I always have an identity crisis when I play it and I've been trying to crack to the code for a while. What it comes down to is that it's not really good as a conventional bass or a guitar. What is does well is work as an easier to play bass for a guitarist, a bright sounding pick bass for those Carol Kaye-inspired licks, it does the tic tac Country sound well, it's convenient for adding some double stops to a bass line, and probably most of all, it's works as a baritone lead instrument with the low cut on. However, I think I still prefer the sound of a Dan-o. Not to mention, it will be more comfortable for a guitarist to play an instrument with a standard Baritone scale. I also owned a Squire Baritone Jazzmaster awhile ago and thought that one sounded much better than this one. Mixed feelings on this one.
I just bought one of these on Reverb today for a great deal. Now the question is, do I get a bass amp to play it through or run it through one of my guitar amps?
These are absolutely stellar guitars. I have a Fender Pawn Shop Bass VI, a Squier Classic Vibe Bass VI, and a Squier Baritone Jazzmaster. They all have been my mainstay for so long, that they have become synonymous with me. Ask anyone who even knows who I am, and they will describe one of those three guitars. That is how much I love and adore them. I do treat them as baritones, not basses. They way I see them, they are a 30" Jaguar, and the Baritone Jazzmaster is exactly that, a 30" Jazzmaster. Once you see that, you start playing them the same way you would a Jaguar or Jazzmaster. If you can get your hands on one, I HIGHLY suggest them.
Finally you got one ! I use one as a serious production tool, it turned out to be very useful on my "neo-surf-recordings" i did 2 years ago! For fattening up melodies in the low register + a mandoguitar in the high register, or as a solo instrument or doubling the bass etc...... The history of electric 6-string basses or The Bass VI started in the fifties with danelectro. Fender came later in the 60ies (to get a piece of the cake) ! These instruments were used to get the typical sound of doubling (classical) upright-basses in the recording process which lead to the "Adi-Eislinger click-bass" in the 60ies used extensively on "easy listening music" ( Bert Kaempfert Orchestra) and movie themes and in surf and early popmusic.
My often-faulty memory has dredged up the memory of black-and-white photo from looooong ago, with Jack Bruce sitting on steps outside some building with the Bass VI, during Cream's heyday. I could be misremembering but I believe he was singing (
When I think of the Fender Bass VI I always think of Harold Bradley bringing one to a session. Once he started playing it he was quickly asked where the Danelectro was.
I sold my Dano baritone, not because I didn't like it but because I rarely played it. The guy who bought it from me is going to use it for recording. It is in better hands now. Awesome guitar and sound.
Great work with the lines for the outro on "Wichita Lineman". Bass IV is what Glen used on his show to play the song. It's kind of strange to think that Fender develoa guitar in response to something that Danelectro had come up with. But we are all the better for it.
As well as the Fender and the Dano, there are the Ibanez SRC6 (I have 2 of them, one set up baritone), the Schecter Hellcat, Musicman Silhouette (and OLP MM5), Eastwood/Shergold Hooky (Peter Hook of Joy Division) and Eastwood Sidejack 6 and TB64
I have a Squire Bass VI - love it, have a lot of fun in the band with it. It’s great for adding some twangy bits sitting between our bassist and the other guitar player.
I’ve always wanted something like this. I’ve never taken to the bass and the idea of the different tuning on the baritone doesn’t appeal to me. I really want to try one of these out. Thanks for the video!
Always was interested in the bass 6, loved it in Wichita lineman and remember seeing John and George use it and Keith Richards too. Thanks for the review. What do you string this thing with?
The Bass VI (and other instruments in its class) are my favorites. Are the strings too close? Yeah. Are the pickups too noisy? Yeah. Would it be better with a fixed bridge? Yeah. But those toggles, and that sound... it makes my scalp relax in ways regular guitar and bass can't.
What are pot values on the Vintera II Bass VI? I’ve seen wiring diagrams showing that the version 2 of the Bass VI used 1 Meg pots with Jaguar pick ups. I have a MIJ Bass VI, and it has 250K pots with muddy sounding pick ups.
Loathe use Bass VI style instruments for their guitars. But they tune that down even further to something akin to drop C#. I think the bass player uses a 4 string tuned to the same low note.
As a bass player, I agree that the most underrated guitar is, indeed, a bass.
Bassed.
I fucking love this comment soooooooo much!! You sir are a hero.
The most underrated bass guitar, is a polyphonic octave effect, used on a normal guitar. 😆
well played, sir !
Aye 😁🤣
Robert Smith of the Cure uses it like a lead instrument - Pictures of You, Lullaby etc. but you can go back as far as Faith in 81 when he started using them. He even ended up with a signature Schechter Bass VI inspired guitar.
And i think High is the only billboard 100 song to feature TWO bass VI's playing at the same time. :)
Also check out the Church Priest=Aura - Steve Kilbey recorded all the bass on that album with a Bass VI.
Thank you for this info. I always loved The Cure's sound but never listened to a whole album by them, considering how many acclaimed ones they've got. Any suggestions about where to start?
I have a Squier version Bass VI. I use it whenever my band covers The Cure. Sounds great with the right effects dialed in.
@@unacuentadeyoutube13Disintegration is their best album imho. Bass VI is all over that record.
@@SignificanceOfThePassageOfTime I've heard that. The thing is, I was wondering if I should keep it as the icing on top after listening to all their previous albums first
@@unacuentadeyoutube13 Their early stuff was Minimalist Post Punk(Boys dont cry.) Faith, Seventeen Seconds and Pornography used drum machines and the production wasn’t the greatest. Head on the door is when the production improved greatly. You can start with Head on the Door, Kiss me, Kiss me, Kiss me., Disintegration and Wish. That was peak Cure imho. After that period, the song writing was hit and miss.
Nice rendition of Witchita Lineman. One of my favorites!
seconded
I hate that song with a passion and still liked this rendition.
@@NoBrakes23 I've never liked that song either.
@@NoBrakes23give it another shot pal, that lyric in that first chorus is unreal like
It’s an AMAZING song
The bassist from Quicksand plays a Bass VI live *the whole set). I believe the their latest album is all Bass VI.
Also, Failure uses a Bass VI. One song live they both play one. Others, it's Bass and Bass VI played.
Might be used more than we think.
Both excellent bands.
Sergio kills it
Sergio Vega also used the Bass VI throughout Deftones’ album Gore
Tv priest is a UK punkish band that use it to good effect
If I remember correctly, the riff on “Back in the Saddle” is played by Joe Perry on a Fender Bass VI. The lead guitar is all Brad Whitford whereas Tom Hamilton, who usually plays bass in Aerosmith, is on rhythm guitar.
And it sounds odd with a regular bass
Joe Perry tuned it A-A and used it all over that album.
@@allengroom8441 Which tuning?
@@allrequiredfields Standard tuning but tuned down an entire 5th compared to a normal guitar.
Turned 57 last week - picked up my first 6-string in 1979 and have been making noise of and on ever since… and this is the first I have ever heard of the Bass VI!!! Amazing - thanks for the eye-opener. We never quite stop learning in this world… great stuff Thanks
Robert Smith with The Cure has done some amazing things with a Bass vi
Cool stuff. I bought the Squire version of this Bass VI. It was a lot of fun until old age killed my left hand.
Nice tribute to Glenn Campbell and the Wrecking Crew.
There is a great review of this bass on youtube by someone who also had a Squire version, illustrating how the Vintera II version fixed the intonation issues of the Squire version with a different bridge.
You might try the carnivore or keto diet. People say it works for arthritis or ligaments and joints.
@@x00p3 - Thanks for the suggestions. I don't eat meat. lol
I'm hoping my tax dollars will soon cover some kind of injection which will relieve the pain in my left thumb.
The last time I tried to get back in guitar playing shape, it took me a year to get back into good condition. Maybe 85% of my former capabilities. Even if I can get rid of the pain, I may not live long enough to make it worthwhile.
This is one of the finest videos you've ever made. I went into this video somewhat understanding what a "Fender Six" was (I saw it on the "Get Back" documentery) but you really showcased why the Fender Six exists as a hybrid between a traditional bass and a baratone that can do the "guitar" thing. The music and playing were superb. Now I want to go out and buy one.
Really appreciated this video.
Picked up guitar in 2002
Found out about Bass VI a week ago. I did grow up on Guam, but still. lol. So much to learn in a lifetime haha.
Been on my short list to add to my stable in the studio - great video Rhett!
Bass VI and the UB-2 are some of my favorite instruments. Such a cool and unique sound from the too, gotta love lipstick pickups.
i'd love a reissue of the ub-2
@@chrisd3852The Danelectro ‘56 and Longhorn baritones are basically rebranded six string basses. The 29.72” scale length should be indistinguishable from the original UB-2’s 30” scale length. I’ve been thinking about getting one of the Longhorns since they came out this past year.
I’ve had three of these, including a Custom Shop that I’ve kept. Absolutely fantastic, and I do think they are so under utilized including for heavier music
I had an early '90s MIJ VI. I wish I'd kept it. I wish I could afford an FCS one too.
I bought a squire one and put a hot rail in the bridge and put a hard tail bridge on it and use it on some songs in my heavy rock band. I’m the bass player but sometimes I wanna play guitar parts too hahaha
the band TTNG has a very intersting trio set up, they have a guitar switching between open tunings with a capo, playing very fast arpeggios and tapping, and the singer playing a bass VI, doing the upper chord structures for the guitarist while also playing the bass lines, this set up kinda works like left + right independent hands on a piano, fun stuff, probably the best use of a bass VI i've seen so far
That Wichita Lineman at the beginning was BEAUTIFUL!!!
I bought the Squier Version about a year ago and it's been fun as hell. It was extremely wonky out of the box but I spent some time with it, added a Mastery Bridge (fits perfectly) and got a proper setup at my local shop. I'm a songwriter tracking my own stuff at home and it fits that niche perfectly. It's almost too easy to track out a decent bass part for a demo.
I've found that a heavy wool felt pick actually works well to bridge that divide between fingerstyle and pick playing... it dulls the attack, but the pick makes it easier to get into the tighter string spacing.
what have you noticed improved with the mastery bridge addition?
@@HANKUS tuning stability is vastly improved, no chance of a string slipping out of its saddle, better sustain. The Mastery fits in with no drilling required which is nice!
I guess these are all the typical issues that the Mastery helps resolve in something like a JM or a Jag
I have been enjoying mine for many years, heck Jack Bruce played it with Cream in the beginning and, of course, the Beatles used it a lot😊
I love my BassVI, but I came to realize it is much more useful, at least to me strung up B to B with baritone strings. My absolute favorite baritone sound!
I have a passion for my Bass VI that started with Jack Bruce. All 6 octave down from Standard ( E to E) for those that may not know.
My Baritone Guitars, (B to B) a different scale length then the BassVI. Truly love both of theses very different instruments.
I did the same thing. Huge baritone sound!
does the Bass Vi work nicely with baritone strings/tunings?
@@HANKUS for me it works perfectly!
This Fiesta Red model is my favorite by far
I myself could see this possibly working in a live scenario as a two piece band: one Bass VI player and a drummer, playing basslines to a looper and lead lines up high with the bass cut switch. Interesting side note: Gibson apparently made a six string bass many many years ago called the EB-6, apparently it’s become quite rare!!
The EB-6 is a similar scale length too (30 inches vs 30.5 inches for the EB-6).
There's also a photo of Elvis Presley playing an SG-style Gibson double-neck, a six-string guitar combined with a 6-string bass! 😀
I've had the Squier version since it was released. One of the most versatile instruments I own. Double a bass line an octave up, double a guitar line an octave down, use it as a bass, and use it as is for melodies that require a "different sound". It's not a one trick pony for sure.
I love your second song you did. It really emphasizes that “creaky, rocking ship at sea” feeling/sound I associate with it, that’s well on display in a lot of The Cure’s use of the Bass VI (I don’t know if that makes sense to anyone but me, but it makes me think of sailing in a wood ship). So excited for mine I just ordered to arrive in the mail!
Bass player and Fender VI enthusiast reporting in: Can confirm that this is indeed the most underrated instrument in the electric guitar/bass family (and I agree that it lives in its own category). Whenever I show up to a writing or a jam session with my Fender VI people are pretty blown away by it. The bass sound is fat and heavy because of the shorter scale. The chord voicings are surprisingly rich and full. The melodic capabilities are wholly unique and beautiful. 10/10 recommend.
I think this intro was the most interesting music I've ever heard you play on your channel. Very nice.
Really loved the vibes of these jams, great tones and playing! Want me one of these!!
VI here, a mid 90s MIJ in sunburst, & it's a lovely thing. I changed the bridge (a common mod) to even out the radius a bit, & found a set of black tapewounds. magical.
That sounds sick. Black tape wounds are an underrated treasure too. I have a set of LaBelle's on a cheap Hoffner, and it's tone is unbelievable.
That version of lineman is fire 🔥😍👏🏻 So well done!
Definitely try this with both round and flat wound strings (La Bella strings for these are awesome), totally different feel and tone, so pick the one you like.
fascinating, would like to hear a whole album with this guitar as the main instrument.
Listen to The Cure's Disintegration. The Bass VI is all over that album, though there are regular guitars and bass and keyboards and drums, but the Bass VI is often where Robert Smith, the song writer, starts the song writing process.
@@jacethdavis4783 very cool, thanks
I've been playing bass for a couple of years, but recently, I've been enjoying playing acoustic guitar a lot. I really like how the acoustic guitar feels, even more than the standard bass. So, I'm thinking about getting a bass VI to use in my band. Do you think that's a good enough reason to get a bass VI?
The musical arrangements are by far your best! 😊
I bought the Fender pawn shop version with different pickups in 2014 and LOVE it! I really like the humbucking pickup in the bridge but I think the bass cut switch would be a nice addition.
Damn Rhett, I wish my dad was still around to hear your playing. My taste in music is 100% his doing, and your playing would have had him floored. Thanks for helping bring him back for just a minute.
As someone who plays both bass and guitar, i bought the squire version and i am in love. Not only can you use it as a bass, but I've run it through my guitar rig it, and it sounds so cool and unique. Im ordering the antigua finish next. Why stop at one? Also, im a MIM guy. im not a fan of squires because quality wasn't the best when i was high school. But Squires now are amazing. Do not overlook the squire version. As someone with expensive taste in my instruments, it's worth the 500 bucks. Squire also has more finishes i feel like please correct me if im wrong and show me where i can see more of the fender ones. They came out with the antigua this year i think. For the bass 6 so yeah i need that.
Fender 24-100 Gauge Strings would make it sound amazing
Nah, gotta be flats. My '61 has flats and it sounds phenomenal
I have had the hots for a Bass VI for about 4 years now! I was trying desperately to find the "Pawn Shop" version of one. I even tried to work with a well known company out of Puyallup , WA. to design a body and neck pocket so I could build my own custom version of one. They would not accommodate. Pity! 🤔So I set it aside. So glad Fender is at least releasing this version! (if you build it, they will come). I will struggle to get one of these but I must have one! Thank you for doing this review. This expression of tone deserves it's sonic space beyond a short life in decades past! Keep Doing That Voodoo That You Do! 👊
Couldn't agree more. I build 'em. Parts are a beetch to find, but if ya look under the right rocks they can be found. Each build is pretty damn unique for that reason
no way! custom built bass vi sounds so cool, where can i check some out?
One of the most interest instrument overviews I've seen out of dozens on YT. Well done.
Love this. But $1300 for made in Mexico. Ouch. I remember getting my first strat, squire, MIM, for $180! (1993)
Right?! Ha! When I started playing guitar around 2000, a MIM Fender standard strat and tele were $350, a Gibson LP standard was $1,999, and the Gibson Flying V and Explorers were $999. 😂😂😂
Damn you should go back in time and get me one so I don’t have to work so hard to get it
It’s funny to think back about how good we had it - through the early 00s, people talked $h1# about the excellent fender and Squier models coming out of Mexico just because those were lower-tier models
MIM has come a long way in the last 30 years, you might give MIM Fenders another chance.
Mim are on par with the mia guitars.
Always interested in this one, great video… seems the sweet spot might be for a rhythm player…? Anyway thought I was all set w/ guitars & basses for now but all of a sudden I’m thinking this would fit nicely in my music room
2:23 the lick
I own the Squier Classic vibe version. It is a great tool for me as a guitarist when I play bass. I can get the low end without changing my technique much. It sounds killer in a trio with a small drumset and an acoustic guitar.
6:30 While Glen played the solo on Wichita Lineman, I believe the bassline was played by Carol Kaye on a P bass.
Bill Laswell plays a Bass VI! It gives a lot of extra range to his free-jazz rock noise jams
I’m definitely getting a Bass VI soon. Played a Squier and it was floored. I’m a fan of Bass, Baritone and Guitar so I need one in my collection.
I love these kinds of videos when you do them. The other day I was in a guitar center in Des Moines and they had a ‘75 Takamine 12 string that sounded freaking amazing and the gal behind the counter and I were talking about your Takamine video. Cheers man!
Hey Rhett, are those the Meze open back headphones? What do you think of them? I would love to see you make a video about your favorite headphones
The music you produced in this video is my favorite you've produced so far. Very cool.
Just picked up a Squier version of this on Friday. It's the secret sauce on so many tracks. Cheers Rhett!!
This is my first time hearing the Bass VI, I really like its vibe and tone. Also, I've been going through Sweetwater for years, I'll have to remember to use your link the next time I buy from there
get one! it was game changer for me
The vintera ii series I think is better overall than one just cause it had some cooler things in it. Like the 70s mustang
That cover of Wichita lineman is killer! One of the best songs out there! Im excited too see the rest of this video now.
Mike Rutherford used a microfret six string bass (bass vi but not fender) on the lamb lies down on broadway and a custom VI on a trick of the tail, my favorite use of it is “Back in NYC” live where he takes advantage of the higher strings to double the guitar/synth arpeggio.
I've worked on several of these for customers and they are certainly unique. Great video!
Well, you can use the Bass VI as a bass without any problems. Change the strings to a set of La Bella flatwound strings made especially for the Bass VI. You'll be amazed how good this sound. Another trick is to take the bass cut swtich out and rewire so it acts as series switch for the neck + middle and the middle + bridge pu or all 3 pu's in serries. Really killer bas tones...
somewhat unrelated but that spring verb on the bass sounds so good. Wouldn’t normally expect to hear bass going through reverb but it works great with that sound
I'd call the Fender VI a Bass Baritone Guitar like the term used for a voice Bass Baritone. The 4th switch which engages a .0033 uf capacitor (similar to the Rickenbacker capacitor on the 4003 bridge pup .0047uf) is effectively a High Pass Filter, I'd try a .1uf capacitor as John Entwistle said he couldn't get enough bass out of it and the .1uf cap is used in P basses so I think it would darken the sound subtly when engaged.
Don't forget about Robert Smith of the Cure. He uses the Bass 6 on a lot of songs.
Killer intro. Would be cool to hear Glen’s vocal on it.
Great Vid Rhett. I never knew this instrument existed before this vid. As you stated I’ve heard it in many songs with no idea it was a bass vi and in an actual bass. Keep this type of vids coming.🤘
Roy Babbington played a Fender Bass VI when he was the full-time bass player for Soft Machine, on albums 7 and later (73-78), when Soft Machine was a jazz fusion band.
I have cousins who are in a gigging band. They do about a venue a week with multiple shows in a row based in Indiana and the range about one state in each direction. For the most part, they are fairly traditional. Every once in a while they will use a off the wall instrument like a Theremin in one of their originals. I was at one of their practices just checking them out and I noticed the bass player had one of these Bass Six guys on his rack. I pulled it out and noodled around on it. Very versatile and very odd feel. Your description of half bass, half guitar is spot on. He had his tuned in a split. The bottom three were tuned lower and the top three were higher. So while he wasn't doing low end work, he could hit some notes in the rhythm guitar range. Very cool concept
I’m a bass player who was called upon to play guitar for a special event. I played some chords, but mostly played lead guitar parts…but I used my fingers instead of a pic. I also played bass on some songs and had to switch back and forth. Wish I would have had a BassVI at that time. Mine arrived in the mail today. 😉
Damn dude, That solo in the intro was fire. Thanks.
Got my VII Bass VI and I love it. The roland JC-120 is the perfect guitar amp for it
I have been dialing in my 1980 model jc120 sound overall but it is not quite where I want it yet. I have been trying to decide If I should play the bass vi through the jc 120 or through a bass amp like Robert Smith/ Cure does. I think I am finding nice 120 clean is nice yet often too razor sharp so I am experimenting with lowering some of the hi eq looking for that sweet spot. Does anyone have any suggestions ?
I put LaBella flatwound strings on my bass vi and that helps with that!
Cool! I’ve always wanted one, but when I lived in vintage guitar world, approximately 25 years ago (maybe a little more), you could still find beaten up ‘67 or ‘68 Telecasters with Bigsbys for the equivalent of, give or take, 1500 dollars in today’s value. Because nobody at the time was really interested in them I guess. But I remember one of the vintage guitar dealers having no less than 5 beautiful looking Bass VI’s. One of them was in Sherwood Green Metallic and another one in Candy Apple Red. Anyway, the cheapest one was twice the price of the aforementioned Telecasters.
A couple of years ago Fender started to make these cheap versions and I immediately saw my chance of buying one of those. Just a Squier. I wasn’t going to spend crazy amounts of money for an instrument you barely use. Unfortunately it never happened. I still want one, but my wish list is long and priorities shift every day. 😳
Sometimes I skip the jam at the beginning (not just this channel, either) but your cover of Wichita Lineman was exquisite. Well done.
Fun bit of trivia. The guitar in Spinal Tap that Nigel won't let anyone touch with the price tag still on it is a Bass VI.
I played a white squire one at guitar center. when i was in highschool. I was blowm away and i had choice between that and 5 string jazz bass i chose the five string. I regret that every single day, but i am about to buy the fiesta red one and i am beyond excited for that.
Great version of Witchita Lineman! The video is already worth watching just for this
I have my 6strings 30inch scale baritone guitar !
And I felt in love that instrument !
I mostly play Djent kind riffs but I can play major or minor chords or just jump into guitar solo.
Super usefull instrument.
I am planning make my new songs with this baritone guitar.
Lead part is my 4way Tele, rhythm part is my baritone.
I spend great time with my new song making.
The first one to use a Fender Bass Vl as a solo instrument was Terence "Jet" Harris, the original bass player with the Shadows. In 1962 he recorded the Main Title Theme from The Man With The Golden Arm, Diamonds, Scarlet O'Hara, Applejack and Besame Mucho, with Diamonds reaching #1, Scarlet O'Hara #2 and Applejack #4 in the UK charts in 1963. I remember vividly the first time I heard The Man With The Golden arm - the sound and Jet's performance blew my mind. Geez, I must be old...
In 2010, Harris was presented with a special award from the US Fender guitar company for his services to their company in effectively launching their bass guitar in the UK in 1960. Harris died in 2011.
We just got a Dunable Bass VI and it sounds lovely. Chorus loves Bass VI's too! It really gets you playing outside the box which is fun.
Mike Rutherford of Genesis played a couple different custom instruments that were a double neck 12 string and 6 string bass that was tuned in t he same fashion. It was around 1975-1976 and primarily live.
I'm primarily a bassist playing a Jag bass, but I occasionally play a standard tenor Jag. So, of course, I have a Bass VI as well. I think you're right on the money with your analysis. I always have an identity crisis when I play it and I've been trying to crack to the code for a while. What it comes down to is that it's not really good as a conventional bass or a guitar. What is does well is work as an easier to play bass for a guitarist, a bright sounding pick bass for those Carol Kaye-inspired licks, it does the tic tac Country sound well, it's convenient for adding some double stops to a bass line, and probably most of all, it's works as a baritone lead instrument with the low cut on. However, I think I still prefer the sound of a Dan-o. Not to mention, it will be more comfortable for a guitarist to play an instrument with a standard Baritone scale. I also owned a Squire Baritone Jazzmaster awhile ago and thought that one sounded much better than this one. Mixed feelings on this one.
I was today years old when I learned about the Bass VI. What a trip! Great vid, Rhett.
I just bought one of these on Reverb today for a great deal. Now the question is, do I get a bass amp to play it through or run it through one of my guitar amps?
These are absolutely stellar guitars. I have a Fender Pawn Shop Bass VI, a Squier Classic Vibe Bass VI, and a Squier Baritone Jazzmaster. They all have been my mainstay for so long, that they have become synonymous with me. Ask anyone who even knows who I am, and they will describe one of those three guitars. That is how much I love and adore them.
I do treat them as baritones, not basses. They way I see them, they are a 30" Jaguar, and the Baritone Jazzmaster is exactly that, a 30" Jazzmaster. Once you see that, you start playing them the same way you would a Jaguar or Jazzmaster.
If you can get your hands on one, I HIGHLY suggest them.
The first thing I think of when it comes to that instrument is Glenn Campbell and then you played one of his songs. Sounding good.
What an amazing groove to wake up to. Lineman gave me goosebumps.
Finally you got one !
I use one as a serious production tool, it turned out to be very useful on my "neo-surf-recordings" i did 2 years ago! For fattening up melodies in the low register + a mandoguitar in the high register, or as a solo instrument or doubling the bass etc......
The history of electric 6-string basses or The Bass VI started in the fifties with danelectro. Fender came later in the 60ies (to get a piece of the cake) !
These instruments were used to get the typical sound of doubling (classical) upright-basses in the recording process which lead to the "Adi-Eislinger click-bass" in the 60ies used extensively on "easy listening music" ( Bert Kaempfert Orchestra) and movie themes and in surf and early popmusic.
My often-faulty memory has dredged up the memory of black-and-white photo from looooong ago, with Jack Bruce sitting on steps outside some building with the Bass VI, during Cream's heyday. I could be misremembering but I believe he was singing (
When I think of the Fender Bass VI I always think of Harold Bradley bringing one to a session. Once he started playing it he was quickly asked where the Danelectro was.
Wich amp do you recommend for a Fender Bass 6? A bass or a guitar amp?
you have some serious gear in your studio. We need a studio tour or a show and tell on all the gear you have like compressors and mixbusses etc...
I sold my Dano baritone, not because I didn't like it but because I rarely played it. The guy who bought it from me is going to use it for recording. It is in better hands now. Awesome guitar and sound.
Great work with the lines for the outro on "Wichita Lineman".
Bass IV is what Glen used on his show to play the song.
It's kind of strange to think that Fender develoa guitar in response to something that Danelectro had come up with.
But we are all the better for it.
That Glenn Campbell in the beginning was a vibe
As well as the Fender and the Dano, there are the Ibanez SRC6 (I have 2 of them, one set up baritone), the Schecter Hellcat, Musicman Silhouette (and OLP MM5), Eastwood/Shergold Hooky (Peter Hook of Joy Division) and Eastwood Sidejack 6 and TB64
Thanks Rhett. Wonderful cover of Wichita Lineman. I have a Squire Bass VI and enjoy finding new sounds on it. Peace
I have a Squire Bass VI - love it, have a lot of fun in the band with it. It’s great for adding some twangy bits sitting between our bassist and the other guitar player.
the Squiers are fantastic
I’ve always wanted something like this. I’ve never taken to the bass and the idea of the different tuning on the baritone doesn’t appeal to me. I really want to try one of these out. Thanks for the video!
To add to the examples already mentioned, the Norwegian singer AURORA had had Bass VI players in her band for several years, too 🙂
That reminds me of Mary Spender’s Vigier guitar with the bass pickup in it although not quite as robust in features as the Fender.
Always was interested in the bass 6, loved it in Wichita lineman and remember seeing John and George use it and Keith Richards too. Thanks for the review. What do you string this thing with?
The Bass VI (and other instruments in its class) are my favorites. Are the strings too close? Yeah. Are the pickups too noisy? Yeah. Would it be better with a fixed bridge? Yeah. But those toggles, and that sound... it makes my scalp relax in ways regular guitar and bass can't.
Just got the vintera ii any good upgrade you would recommend
What are pot values on the Vintera II Bass VI? I’ve seen wiring diagrams showing that the version 2 of the Bass VI used 1 Meg pots with Jaguar pick ups. I have a MIJ Bass VI, and it has 250K pots with muddy sounding pick ups.
5:21 Yeah, uh, about that. It's actually Paul on his Jazz bass
Your rendition of Witchita lineman is excellent.
Loathe use Bass VI style instruments for their guitars. But they tune that down even further to something akin to drop C#. I think the bass player uses a 4 string tuned to the same low note.