Great review! Well-done and unbiased..which is refreshing!
Couple of points...
1. Thicker strings definitely help give it more of an old-school Bass VI vibe. The traditional gauge set is .095>.025. LaBella sells both rounds and flats for the Fender Bass VI in this gauge set or you can also make up your own set of strings in any gauges you want on the LaBella site. That said, if you really want mostly a surf, "detective" or baritone sound the lighter original set is probably better suited to that.
2. Fender has also released a MIJ Fender Bass VI LTD with much more traditional specs for around US$1,399. Limited availability, just at a few retailers, Sweetwater, the Musiczoo and Elderly are among them.
3. If you really want a VI also check out the very well-made ones from Schecter (the Hellcat VI and Robert Smith UltraCure VI). They go for US$750/$999 respectively. Both have 3 genuine Seymour Duncan SJAG-1 pups. No trem BUT can get very inexpensive strings in rounds (stainless or nickel) or flats from LaBella especially made for the Schecters (No, they don't fit the Fenders.) There are also less expensive versions from Agile/Rondo (they call them "Extended Range" guitars.
VIs are really great. Have fun. Sound best (IMO) through bass amps. And they love pedals! Also, definitely try them out with flats. As always...YMMV.......
Squier Vintage Modified Bass VI
in Bass Guitars
Posted
Great review! Well-done and unbiased..which is refreshing!
Couple of points...
1. Thicker strings definitely help give it more of an old-school Bass VI vibe. The traditional gauge set is .095>.025. LaBella sells both rounds and flats for the Fender Bass VI in this gauge set or you can also make up your own set of strings in any gauges you want on the LaBella site. That said, if you really want mostly a surf, "detective" or baritone sound the lighter original set is probably better suited to that.
2. Fender has also released a MIJ Fender Bass VI LTD with much more traditional specs for around US$1,399. Limited availability, just at a few retailers, Sweetwater, the Musiczoo and Elderly are among them.
3. If you really want a VI also check out the very well-made ones from Schecter (the Hellcat VI and Robert Smith UltraCure VI). They go for US$750/$999 respectively. Both have 3 genuine Seymour Duncan SJAG-1 pups. No trem BUT can get very inexpensive strings in rounds (stainless or nickel) or flats from LaBella especially made for the Schecters (No, they don't fit the Fenders.) There are also less expensive versions from Agile/Rondo (they call them "Extended Range" guitars.
VIs are really great. Have fun. Sound best (IMO) through bass amps. And they love pedals! Also, definitely try them out with flats. As always...YMMV.......