I have upgraded the Squier Bass VI (La Bella Strings)

[@MichaelJ023]

I upgraded the trem on my Squier VI with a jazzmaster trem, and it definitely made it more responsive and less squishy. I get much more pitch bend with less movement of the arm. Afterwards I looked carefully at the stock trem and I believe most of that must be due to setup, they are mostly identical except for only the trem lock. And that points to the problem. To properly set up this type of trem, the inner plate should be parallel to the strings. That is easy on the jazzmaster trem since you adjust the spring tension until the trem lock just barely makes contact when locked. That makes the break angle of the pivot point of the knife edge at it’s optimal point. That is extremely difficult to achieve on the stock unit since it is not easy to determine this without the lock. Also regarding strings. The Fender bass VI string sets have now been upgraded with a 100E and a larger A as well. They work great.

[@Shred_The_Weapon]

I acquired a preowned Squier Bass Six in January 2019. Other than possibly filing the nut down on the low E and the B, the main thing I would wish to change on it is that the pickups could be wired hotter to match the output of my other bass guitars (if I didn’t want to replace them with more traditional bass pickups). Since I play it less like a guitar or baritone guitar than like a bass, my own preference would be for it to react more like a bass (without needing to get a bigger amp).

[@Haze763]

Glad you did this follow up and you're more pleased with it. I stumbled on your first vid when I started researching the Bass IV. I still need to get mine. I do like the black more than the burst. I think your playing is fine. I heard some Cure and Sonic Youth sounds. Love both those bands! Playing thru pedals is great also. Love the fuzz and chorus. Good thing we have our instruments and music during these evil covid times. Keeps us from going insane. Have a nice holiday season. Cheers for motown Detroit.

[@DestroyingAmpsGearDemos]

Thanks so much for that! Really pleased you enjoyed the video. Stay safe.

[@guasonbcn]

Thanks for this video, cheers from Argentina!!!

[@elsantoateo]

I've been looking for a new bass for my punk bands and your videos about the bass vi were very helpful for me🔥 Can't wait to have one!

[@brandxsavior]

I have a white 2014 Vintage Modified Squier VI; I was fortunate to have been able to buy one of the Staytrem VI bridges directly before the company stopped exporting them to the US (and people on Reverb doubled the price). I have my VI strung up with the LA Bella roundwounds which have the same gauges as the original Fender VI. I love the sound of the VI, especially with the mods.

[@danielleinad6019]

Does the Classic Vibe Bass VI still need the Staytrem upgrade or is the bridge usable? I used to own a Vintage Modified many years ago and I remember all the upgrades I had to install.

[@brandxsavior]

@@danielleinad6019I'm pretty sure the Classic Vibe still has the smaller bridge that makes intonating the low E string saddle potentially problematic. On my Vintage Modified, the low E saddle was all the way to the back of the original bridge, but the Staytrem, with the full inch of space for the saddles, doesn't require the full amount of space.

[@clutchrobinson358]

Sold. Thanks.....Gonna go with the flat wounds as well. I use flats on both my squire bass and squire jazz master.

[@DestroyingAmpsGearDemos]

Nice one ! Flats for the win!

[@floridamankyle5461]

I would do the same if I had a Squier CV Bass VI, put on a better bridge with that awesome mute, put on a lockable trem and some La Bella or Ernie Ball Bass VI strings, to fix the intonation and make it more versatile, awesome video.

[@DestroyingAmpsGearDemos]

Thanks man!

[@Fredescu]

I love your Bass VI videos man, well done. I had similar issues with tuners on another Squier I bought recently. It was weird because the rest of the guitar was amazing, especially the fretwork. I have a feeling there's a big batch of bad tuners out there. I wish they still made a MIM Bass VI with slightly better hardware, but I think I'm going to get the Squier and just upgrade what needs upgrading (and maybe refin in transparent orange and get a anodised gold pickguard made... maybe). Also love your outro ramblings (if you don't mind me calling it that, I mean it in a nice way). Got a sub from me.

[@DestroyingAmpsGearDemos]

Hey thanks man! Appreciate it. Yeah I think you are correct regarding tuners. Not a big deal to upgrade but a shame all the same as the vintage modified tuners were great. If you do those upgrades I would love to see them! Cheers

[@timcrane8030]

You sold me on the VI. Thanks for a thorough explanation of your mods process, and showing the range of the instrument during the playing phase. Hoping to find a deal on the discontinued white-body model as I already have the black/tortoise shell combo on my Fender Jazz V.

[@DestroyingAmpsGearDemos]

Thanks man I really appreciate that. I see them coming up now and then. So hopefully you will be able to snap one up.

[@timcrane8030]

@@DestroyingAmpsGearDemos I found one via Reverb. Can you clarify which tuning pegs you switched to? Thanks, and have a great holiday.

[@DestroyingAmpsGearDemos]

@@timcrane8030 nice one! Any genuine vintage style klusons should do it. Thanks and you too!

[@dezb1]

Really enjoyed the soft furnishings

[@DestroyingAmpsGearDemos]

Haha thank you

[@RockStarOscarStern634]

Destroying Amps Gear Demos News update the 250B6 String set is now 24-100 because Fender was having intonation issues w/ the current strings on their Bass VI. By bumping up the gauges of the 3 Lowest Strings by a significant amount, the intonation is better, & the sound is bigger & fuller. Luckily the 100 Gauge Low E String is wound in multiple layers of wrap wire so that it's more flexible.

[@DestroyingAmpsGearDemos]

Ah yeah I saw that on a Facebook page. I just wish they were flats!

[@RockStarOscarStern634]

@@DestroyingAmpsGearDemos They're Round Wounds but they're wound in a way that protects them from scratching the frets.

[@DestroyingAmpsGearDemos]

@@RockStarOscarStern634 if I ever break the la bellas I will give them a try. Cheers!

[@RockStarOscarStern634]

@@DestroyingAmpsGearDemos Good idea.

[@RockStarOscarStern634]

@@DestroyingAmpsGearDemos Of course the Fender 250B6 24-100 Gauge String set is kinda a Bass VI version of a Balanced Light set so they're really good. String Joy Guitar strings is known for making Balanced string sets especailly those w/ a Flexible Wound 3rd, & eventually all wound strings because Octave4Plus makes wound strings as thin as .010w, .009w, etc.

[@cullenstephen]

Thoughts on flipping the bridge 180 degrees when modding? I've seen other mods do this in order to achieve proper intonation.

[@DestroyingAmpsGearDemos]

Yeah, I have seen people doing that. But once I had one I don't think you get anything extra, as at least on the cv model I have. If you screw the saddle back towards to trem. The spring slides into the saddle so you achieve the same thing as turning the bridge round the saddle but tight up against the bridge. The saddle would still need filing back to get that extra mm or so you need for intonation.

[@cullenstephen]

@@DestroyingAmpsGearDemos Got it, thanks!

[@DestroyingAmpsGearDemos]

@@cullenstephen no problem!

[@Reprodestruxion]

Could you link to the tuners? Are they gotoh?

[@DestroyingAmpsGearDemos]

Kluson. But gotoh are good too.

[@dotcom_dotau8510]

Maybe you should start mixing gauges, I'm sure with lighter highs and heavier lows, I'm sure you can get the intonation right on the lows and keep the tension right on the highs to keep the bends easy

[@DestroyingAmpsGearDemos]

Maybe worth a try. Although I am used to the feel of it all now so less of an issue.

[@UsTheMusicTVOfficial]

Nice bro, rock out that Bass IV!!!

[@DestroyingAmpsGearDemos]

Thanks!

[@stuartanguish5111]

What model tuners did you get ?

[@bciecko1]

My Buddy chimes in to ask about the mute, he didn’t know I already have it. I’m looking mostly for any info on installing it. Specifically, what size bit to use and how deep to drill for the plunger? I’d appreciate that info if you have it.

[@DestroyingAmpsGearDemos]

I don't recall which bit I used. I just used something a bit bigger than the plunger, so it is free to move. The depth is important. You want the top of the plunger and spring to sit level with the body with the guard off. So measure the spring sitting in the plunger to get the correct depth. From memory it gives you about 10- 15 mm of body wood left under the plunger.

[@DestroyingAmpsGearDemos]

Actually found a link that describes it pretty well adamiecho.com/BrooklynGuitarWorks/Tutorials/ITFM.html

[@bciecko1]

@@DestroyingAmpsGearDemos I know the plunger sits at the top of the hole, the screw pushed against the bottom of the plunger with the spring sitting inside the plunger and spring first into the guitar body. I’ve read about the spring pushing into the wood of the body so I’m going to put a little stainless washed in the bottom of the hole for the spring to rest upon. I did not know if the plunger should be toght fitting or easily able to move in the hole. That bit definitely helps. Thanks.

[@DestroyingAmpsGearDemos]

No worries man good luck!

[@TheoAndHisPedals]

Great vid. On a side note, should you want a great set of rounds for the VI, Newtone Strings do one and also do custom orders. I'm not affiliated with them, but I got myself a .106 set of rounds to help with the tension. I've also got the LaBellas on my other VI but still find the bottom E a bit floppy. I love the crunchy tones you're getting with the flats and distortion.

[@DestroyingAmpsGearDemos]

I was this close to getting the newtone strings! But in the end I was hell bent on getting flatwounds. Mostly to remove finger noise but I am also on a vintage string mission at the moment. I might hit up La Bella to see if they can suggest something for the low E. Thank you for checking out the video friend! Most of the dirt was the mtsl you're and your and the mooer rat clone sometimes combined. Cheers

[@TheoAndHisPedals]

@@DestroyingAmpsGearDemos I agree about the flats removing the finger noise. I'm finding flats help alot with fret buzz too, which is pretty rampant with my rounds. As an aside, the Squier VI also makes an amazing Baritone. Before I put flats on my black one, I had it tuned up to B, suddenly the Low-cut switch becomes insanely useful. I'm tempted to get a third VI just to have a baritone.

[@DestroyingAmpsGearDemos]

@@TheoAndHisPedals yeah a pal suggested turning it into a baritone. If I find a deal on one! Haha you are a bad influence!

[@Grandpa-js7xv]

Sounds good man. I did some similar upgrades to mine. What is the fuzz you are using at around 15:05?

[@DestroyingAmpsGearDemos]

I believe it was probably the mooer black secret. However it was combined with the whammy starting off on 1 octave up Harmony then 1 octave down Harmony. Cheers

[@ejmusicofficial]

How hard was it to put the bridge mute?

[@DestroyingAmpsGearDemos]

I have a video of the installation on my channel

[@timruiz8848]

Cool! What fuzz / overdrive pedals are you using ?

[@HLinc.]

Hey brother, quick question.. which Kluson deluxe tuners did you get? Link? Thank you 🙏🏻

[@DestroyingAmpsGearDemos]

just the regular guitar ones.

[@HLinc.]

@@DestroyingAmpsGearDemos awesome, thank you!

[@DestroyingAmpsGearDemos]

No problem!

[@chriscarey2571]

Hi, when you changed to the Klusons, did you have to change the bushings as well?.

[@RockStarOscarStern634]

It sounds fantastic

[@DestroyingAmpsGearDemos]

Thank you

[@RockStarOscarStern634]

@@DestroyingAmpsGearDemos Those Flatwound Strings not only have better intonation but they'll not wear out the frets. This is why Flatwound Strings sound great on both Fretless and Fretted Basses.

[@DestroyingAmpsGearDemos]

I agree awesome!

[@RockStarOscarStern634]

@@DestroyingAmpsGearDemos Another bonus is that Flatwound Strings are also great for Jazz playing cause Jazz guys use them. Orchestral String Instruments always use Flatwound Strings because they have great bow responce.

[@RockStarOscarStern634]

@@DestroyingAmpsGearDemos Those Flatwound Strings are also tight enough to where they won't flop when you strum especially really hard. Daddario EXL 156 Bass VI Strings will work too cause their Color Coded Ball Ends make it easier to see which is which. Plus the Daddario EXL 156 Bass VI Strings are under just as much tension as these La Bellas but they're a bit easier to bend.

[@Haze763]

Hey man. Can you send me any info on the mute you got? Maybe a link or just tell me the brand and name of it so I can research it. Much appreciated.

[@DestroyingAmpsGearDemos]

The mute I got was a vintage fender one from the 60s I bought from Reverb. You can buy new ones from Fender. Search for Fender Jaguar Mute. Cheers

[@l.g.5899]

I read that you can get Staytrem bridge OR something like buzz mute (that you can't use with staytrem)... So are there more solutions, something like two different ways to solve bass VI problems? Which one is the best, in your opinion?

[@l.g.5899]

But i see you using new bridge and a buzz mute... Isn't it?

[@DestroyingAmpsGearDemos]

Same bridge and a Fender mute. Not to be confused a buzz stop.

[@DestroyingAmpsGearDemos]

Not tried the staytrem bridge on the bass vi but have only heard good things and the quality is really good. But I wanted a mute. A proper setup will solve any issues with factory squier bridge imo.

[@l.g.5899]

@@DestroyingAmpsGearDemos Ok, so you solved the issues with a mute, which is maybe also the cheaper and easiest solution, isn't it?

[@DestroyingAmpsGearDemos]

@@l.g.5899 the mute is just as a mechanical method of muting strings instead of using your hand. It doesn't solve any bridge issues you may have.

[@LittleFoilFish]

Would you go through a guitar amp or a bass amp with the Bass VI? Great video too!

[@DestroyingAmpsGearDemos]

Thanks! I guess it depends on how much low end you want. It sounds great through a guitar amp but more like useable bass through a bass amp. Through lockdown with all the family stuck in the house I've been mostly playing through my pc and guitar rig. The fender Bassman sim sounds really awesome with the bass vi. Cheers!

[@LittleFoilFish]

@@DestroyingAmpsGearDemos thanks! Between you, Puisheen and 60 Cycle Hum I'm having to rethink how I setup my offsets but in a good way obviously. I've got a JMascis Jazzmaster, SQ Jag CV and a SQ Bullet Mustang. I've just received the compensated Tele saddles and bridge for the Mustang thanks to your recommendation so this weekend is going to be dedicated to shimming it, saddling it, kill switching it and replacing the pickups as well as tuning heads and nut and so thanks again!

[@DestroyingAmpsGearDemos]

@@LittleFoilFish ah man that's awesome! Thank you for that. You can't go putting me @puisheen and @60cyclehum in the same sentence though! Those guys are the pros! But cheers. Good luck with the mods, let me know how it goes.

[@chickenlickin3820]

One for you to chuckle over, Margaret Thatcher Milk Snatcher!

[@rhythmjones]

Yeah, I'm thinking I'm gonna need to shim mine. In order to get to 8/64ths I had to get the bridge all the way to the deck.

[@mattylar2925]

What pedal are you using around 18:10 ?

[@DestroyingAmpsGearDemos]

Montreal assembly you're and your. One of my favourite fuzz pedals!

[@rhythmjones]

If you turn the bridge around you can go all the way out to intonate the low e without have to deal with taking the saddle apart.

[@jeffreyfago9035]

You wouldn't happen to be one of the dudes that used to post on ShortScaleGearDemos (demoing Kaoss pad and a XP300)?

[@DestroyingAmpsGearDemos]

A long time ago, but yep same guy ;)

[@jeffreyfago9035]

@@DestroyingAmpsGearDemos Great content then and now.

[@DestroyingAmpsGearDemos]

@@jeffreyfago9035 cheers man! Much appreciated!

[@chromecodec]

wow, blast from the past!

[@DestroyingAmpsGearDemos]

@@chromecodec haha yep. Well spotted!

[@stevenhurne9976]

I Love that cushion.

[@DestroyingAmpsGearDemos]

Cheers!

[@greenvelvet]

This is a vintage modified or a Classic Vibe?

[@DestroyingAmpsGearDemos]

Classic vibe

[@greenvelvet]

@@DestroyingAmpsGearDemos Thank you!

[@DestroyingAmpsGearDemos]

@@greenvelvet no problem

[@bendogga123]

I just bought one of these bad boys myself and cannot find strings anywhere in Australia

[@joecox1509]

Love your videos man, but please work on the audio the fact I dint know if it's the room ur in, but when you talk it just sounds like mumbles and low volume that even if I turn up my speakers I can't hear what your saying

[@ashfanman]

Love that cushion. 🤜

[@DestroyingAmpsGearDemos]

Cheers! Fuck the tories!

[@njp2k914]

I love your cushion!!

[@DestroyingAmpsGearDemos]

Haha thanks ! Birthday present

[@AvianSavara]

I know a secret or two about Goo

[@Great-Documentaries]

14:22 Advice: Change the name to Destroying Ears.

[@DestroyingAmpsGearDemos]

Haha!

[@MrSouthofBoston]

I just bought one. BTW, love the pillow. In our house we hate the Republican/ Fascist Party.

[@DestroyingAmpsGearDemos]

Sweet! Enjoy x

[@BobPapadopoulos]

As if the US democrats were any better, or even different for that matter. Pathetic American team sports politics. 😂

[@johns1159]

I know this is a few years old. I've been searching for Bass VI videos since I'm considering buying one. First of all, try adjusting your mike so you can be easily heard. Second, it would have been much more beneficial to not go through all the crazy effects. Based on what I heard here, I would not purchase this instrument. Fortunately I've checked other vids that make this instrument sound awesome. This is just my opinion. I'm not trying to be rude. Thanks for posting!

[@zazz63]

if karl pilkington played bass vi....

[@DestroyingAmpsGearDemos]

Ouch!

[@ivlipak]

most of your pedals are not good for bass VI. Try it with EH Big Muff for bass, or Behringer Vamp for bass. So you wont have Super Mario effects and Zelda sounds on your bass VI. Setup is ok, you upgraded it. Similar like I did. I reversed original bridge for 180 degrees so I can have more space for the right intonation, no need for another bridge or cutting anything. And bass Vi is meant for playing bass, and because of that is called the "Bass VI". so play it more like bass, on bass amp with bass pedals. If you want guitar sound (baritone), just turn on strangle switch, and play with EQ. The only guitar pedal that I found good on Bass VI is generally every good reverb pedal. All other guitar pedals cut all lows, and make it just a sad guitar, instead of mighty tool that Leo Fender gave us to show guitarists that we can play, too. I play bass VI in my garage/metal/punk band for some time, on orange combo with Vamp bass modeling preamp, it sounds unearthly. Now our guitarist wants me to take over soloing in band, as it sounds more sinister than his guitar for little children :D P.S. Also, another good pedal for bass VI is EH big muff Russian, he cuts only about half of lows, and gives wicked garage/motorhead sound. Ordinary guitar big muff is crap on bass VI (sadly, I bought it).

[@jonmatthews4254]

Maybe keep politics out of it. Disliking.

[@DestroyingAmpsGearDemos]

Make sure to subscribe though! X

[@9999plato]

Way too slow and incoherent.. Dragging this out makes me lose any interest in what you have to say.

[@DestroyingAmpsGearDemos]

Don't forget to subscribe x