The Joy Of Six String Bass | A Brief History & Comparison

[@RobertBakerGuitar]

ME this morning: I finally have enough guitars. RJ: Here's why you need a 6 string bass.

[@RJRonquillo]

I’m sorry but it’s true.

[@tedfloyd4203]

Poor Robert! 😥

[@Harp_and_Guitar_Moving_Forward]

Mr. Baker guitar man

[@_s827]

Wait til he convinces you to buy a baritone guitar, too

[@damienalvarez2957]

Dammit, now I feel the same!

[@YouTube_User_9]

As a bass player... I have been using these things as a bass for over 10 years. Its funny the bass 6 will always be a strange instrument. It can be a baritone or a bass or even sound like a guitar. Every bass and guitar player should have one. When you break the wall down between bass and guitar you find amazing things.

[@BobPapadopoulos]

It is a bass

[@thedefonegamer636]

@@BobPapadopoulosbut historically it’s most often used as a “baritone” guitar. Even though yes it is a bass.

[@JustinWoo]

Love it! For me, I'm after The Cure's sound, and that's why a Squier VI is the next guitar on my list.

[@skraegorn7317]

I love these things, I was in a band where the bassist had one of these. He played more like Thundercat, he had a Danelectro he tuned to Drop D with flat wounds plugged straight into a Fender Rumble.

[@eficer04]

That’s awesome

[@javierortiz70]

The Hooky Bass 6 Pro is fantastic. I bought one and I love it. It’s much more of a bassists instrument than the Squier VI. The string gauge on the Hooky (.30-.40-.50-.60-.85-.105) is noticeably heavier than the strings on the Squier. I grew up listening to post-punk and new wave, so to me the Fender/Squier VI is the sound of The Cure, whereas the Hooky Bass 6 Pro is the sound of Joy Division/New Order.

[@djpage7]

I too have a Hooky 6 but believe the strings I received are lighter gauge: 92, 78, 54, 45, 36, 24

[@kevincognito3575]

@@djpage7 I agree 105 gauge is a normal bass guitar gauge I mean on my base I have 110 for the e string so there you go

[@57precision]

No setup issues with yours? It intonates well? I've heard some of the nut slots can be cut too slow which would be a pain to deal given its weird nut size.

[@soundbyjacob]

ugh. now i’ve gotta have BOTH after your description lol

[@RockStarOscarStern634]

BTW Fender had just updated their Bass VI set, it now goes 24, 34, 44, 65, 80, 100. So it's basically a Bass VI version of a Balanced Light set. The reason why it now ends on a 100 for the Low E String is because Fender was having some intonation issues with the 84 Gauge Low E String on their Bass VI.

[@Damage_Kase_99]

Bout time they did that

[@RockStarOscarStern634]

@@Damage_Kase_99 Yes basically a Bass VI version of Balanced Lights.

[@mistercheetah9717]

I jumped on a Schecter bass VI that was going at a reasonable price and will never regret it... whenever I played 4 string I would get told I played it like a guitar anyways, but I had no idea I would enjoy these this much.

[@kingstumble]

I saw Jack Bruce in 1965 when he was with the Graham Bond Organization playing a Fender VI. He was playing fingerstyle like a conventional bass guitar. 12 months later I saw Cream's first official gig and he was playing a Gibson EB-3 which of course was about as far as you could get from the Fender!

[@sabaurae]

koooo0l

[@semajdis]

Always good to see Peter Hook getting a mention. So many interesting players from that genre and era, some technically gifted, some not but all got people up on their feet moving.

[@fishchips5121]

8:40 - 9:30 I'm in love how this sounds. I gotta practice it when I finally get one.

[@olliesound67]

One of the best Bass VI videos I‘ve seen so far! I play the Fender VI for over 30 years and it has always been underrated. I also have a Danelectro Bass VI and various baritones. But you can‘t beat the Fender strung with flats!

[@teeteetoto]

This, Kids. The labella flatwounds make the squier version come alive. You're not battling the roundwounds tendency to shreiky treble overtones.

[@eduardomussi4192]

wow; a Bass VI video that does not mention Robert Smith. I'm crying gothic tears....

[@rickc2102]

The whole video my brain was playing Cure songs. Oh, well.

[@resofactor]

Blasphemy ain't it? xD

[@cjsilvestremusic]

Me too. The only reason I wanna get one is to play Cure songs from Disintegration.

[@chinmeysway]

Or was it a baritone guitar rather...?

[@SwirlyWhirlyXYZ]

@@alexsmith5511 Doug McCombs would challenge him

[@Shred_The_Weapon]

I bought a Squier Bass Six in January 2019. I played it on almost every cut from my second solo release, Brooklyn Bridge. Even though I have since purchased a Carvin fretless bass which has become my go-to, I still enjoy having this model around. Because I play with a classical guitar technique, I’ve never had issues navigating the closeness of the strings, and the sound-shaping options can’t be beat. I have considered swapping the pickups (economized Squier Jaguar pickups) for a different set that are as hot as the ones in my fretless. Wouldn’t mind being given a recommendation. It’s easy to compare the Peter Hook model with the Stingray, because that single humbuvker is scorching hot. One of the things I enjoy about the Six has to do with how all three pickups will buck when activated together.

[@createlovehappy]

I knew before i even clicked on this video that this demo of the Bass VI would be the best on the internet. Your playing is phenomenal. Love all the sounds you got out of it. I really want one now. I don't have an electric guitar anymore, so maybe I can save up for the Squire Bass VI.

[@Smwigglyd19]

I finally got the Eastwood Hooky today and let me tell you, it was worth every penny. Now, I have an instrument where I can play guitar and bass without having to switch.

[@funkingitup1805]

This is more than a guitar channel. This is music history and education. First video I've seen of yours, and I gave it a subscribe half way in. Good job.

[@dmanorozco]

Definitely getting the Squire Bass VI and playing Cure covers for the first few months. Great video

[@bb1111116]

The Beatles, John & George played a Fender VI bass when Paul did not play bass on a track. I wish I knew this when I was younger. I would have gotten one for my own recording.

[@GuillermoCarrasco]

Like a Baritone guitar but instead of been tuned a 4th lower (B), it is an octave... isn´t it ?

[@EnjoyYourLife2000]

I love your playing R.J. Especially your finger picking tune that you did. Very cool!

[@altbouch]

I have the Eastwood Sidejack Bass 6. It's more like the Fender. Back in the day, the BOC guys fantasized about a power trio that we'd call Air Brake that would 2 bass players and a drummer. Maybe that could be yet another side project for me, playing the Bass 6.

[@electron7373]

Boy, RJ is a versatile guitar/bassist!

[@jasonsterlace1369]

This is fantastic, it answers questions I didn't know I had. Thank you.

[@room34]

Great video! Nice mix of history and demos. (Great playing too!) I'm primarily a bass player. I have a guitar but rarely use it. I'm selling it now and plan to buy a Squier Bass VI to replace it… best of both worlds! (Best of neither world?) Anyway… since I've never really been using the guitar to its fullest potential or in the ways a guitar should properly be played, I think the Bass VI will suit me better for my quirky stuff.

[@nynoah]

wow your peter hook bass playing is amazing

[@paulschauerman2052]

Nice to see a Bass VI review where the pickup configurations are talked about.

[@NealVan]

Thank you very much for doing an excellent job on not only giving specs, but plenty of examples you played or from older recordings. As electric instruments were becoming universally used and the upright double bass was being drowned out. It seemed logical for early guitar builders to give anyone the same chance to be heard in an electrified band, or as just for something different. I know nothing about the Hookie, but it was very fascinating. I wonder if you have or might choose to do a video on the first 12-string bass made by Hamer for Tom Petersson? Among tons of other basses and guitars I was lucky enough to own and perform love with was the Hamer Chapparal 12-string USA in solid black. It was very difficult to play unless played constantly, and it gave me tons of respect for dUg Pinnick from King’s X for using it so wonderfully in the studio as well as live. This video of yours has answered many questions I had as an upcoming musician in the 1960s that I did not know previously. Old dogs CAN still learn some new ‘old’ tricks! Best wishes to you and your channel!!

[@multi.instrumentalist]

Saw a classical guitar ensemble using an acoustic bass vi, which I tried to play afterwards. The strings were so close together, my fingers couldn’t fit in between to pluck with! No wonder it was quiet in their performance lol

[@onbedoeldekut1515]

I really liked both for their tones and individuality.

[@liamtahaney713]

I have a schecter hellcat bass vi. It is absolutely amazing. absurd high quality. White open pour finish. Love it to death.

[@chriswareham]

Really enjoyed your playing on this video - from the classic "tic-tac" stuff on the Squier to the chorus inflected, new wave stuff you did on the Hooky bass. As a huge Joy Division and New Order fan I put a deposit on the Hooky bass as soon as I found out about it. I also used to own one of the Squier Bass VI models, since at the time it was the closest I could get to the Shergold (also helped that I'm a fan of The Cure). As a bassist, I found the Squier hard to adjust too with it's much closer string spacing whereas the Hooky bass was instantly comfortable.

[@RockStarOscarStern634]

EXL 156 Bass VI Strings will work, plus they have Color Coded Ball ends which makes it easier to see which string is which.

[@TheFeelButton]

I knew nothing about these basses! Great stuff R.J!!

[@madfranklin.]

The Gretsch Baritone and the Eastwood Sidejack VI are mine and really fun to play.

[@cabbycabby1770]

Love Bass VI. Cure vibes all damn day long.

[@foto21]

Nice job covering some very different styles. Props to you. I didn't expect you to peel out on some credible Peter Hook influenced lines.

[@adriengahery9471]

Great video. Loads of info, great value for me, as I am a bass VI owner. I find my bass VI to be a demanding instrument. I own a fender-type one. It requires accurate finger positionning on the fretboard. The sound is mellower than a guitar's due to its lower register, yet its attack is more percussive. It's a peculiar spot I feel I have to re discover each time I'm playing!

[@jameslewis2635]

The tone at 5:20 reminded me of the theme to an old TV series called Twin Peaks. It seemed almost an exact match.

[@arborinfelix]

It would be so nice if they made 4 string versions of those bases.

[@shuruff904]

just take a tenor guitar and tune it down an octave, maybe add some thicker strings...might have to make the tuner holes (can't remember the proper name lol) bigger with a drill, but that shouldn't be too hard

[@jimlabos]

Got a Cabronita baritone and keep it tuned to either A or B on bottom. In that range you can still chord and do single not runs or solos even. Its another flavour and can give you another angle to play from instead of the same regular standard range. Alternate tunings or slide on Baritone I have yet to try but I bet it would be added bonus. But for me it was not to replace a Bass or go down as low. Its to add a more sombre dark mood to songs.

[@jamesbranum1062]

Killer video, I’m building a 30” scale six string bass now. This video is a great inspiration to finish my lefty frankenbass.

[@ChristopherStandardTime]

thanks man, i had no idea. picked up a squier vi and this has set me on the right path.

[@basschris58]

I didn’t see you mention the Witchita Lineman solo on a 6 string bass (Danolectro ).

[@jerryjaystone9444]

Great demo! I've been really wanting a Bass vi by fender but the Danelectro UB 2 really caught my eye. Then I saw prices. AND the electronics that the Bass vi have are much more versatile. Thanks for the history too, I did not know that

[@silentgd]

it's the Squier bass VI for me...bought one last year..a welcome addition to my bass arsenal, lots of fun to play.

[@skatetron1798]

just ordered one. your vid is making me stoked to get that Squire in the mail.

[@garymessersmith4855]

I predestined the Squier 2 days ago. I can’t wait to play it!

[@shawnhuff3920]

I got one a fender vi and I play it with heavy distortion and I plug into a Marshall guitar stack

[@UsTheMusicTVOfficial]

Thanks for representing the BASS 6! It's a great instrument, I recommend using it with String Joys 26-95 (I tune lower to AEAEGC)... that New Order Bass is pretty cool too. Never knew they had others out at the time. Would love to try it one of these days.

[@raymcallister1309]

Great video, only problem is I can’t choose between the two. I am leaning much more towards the Eastwood but the classic Fender VI tones are very inviting.

[@RockStarOscarStern634]

You can put a Capo on Fret 7 for Dave Matthews songs such as Stay or Leave.

[@IsaiahGrande]

Great video! I bought and sold and squier intake modified bass vi and regret. Will def be getting another bass vi. Maybe the classic vibe.

[@innocentoctave]

Bassist Roy Babbington used a Fender Bass VI in a variety of jazz-rock contexts in the 70s. In a video of The Soft Machine live in 1974 he plays it throughout, and he has an unaccompanied solo in which you can hear the instrument first straight, then through a fuzz pedal. kzbin.info/www/bejne/fYqoq6FujKmnmas (starts around 21:28, through to 26:40). It sounds completely viable as a bass, monstrous through the fuzz, and he plays it fingerstyle.

[@puma4322]

Thanks for the great comparison. I was holding off on the Hooky 6. Saw your three videos with it and just when I went to order they announced the Fac51 version. made the deposit. Fits my style and the Fac51 version is also something special for me. Love your videos.

[@gogreyhoundmusic]

is this not the same thing as a 30" scale baritone (ala the Squier Jazzmaster Baritone that came out a few years ago)? I'm looking at the band Loathe as this is their primary "guitar"

[@EnjoyYourLife2000]

I have a Squire VI and it's fun to play. The tuning is a bit unstable on the low E but that is remedied by installing a bridge upgrade. I bought a Staytrem wide bridge that is not expensive and just drops in.

[@jegeleye]

Bro!!! I don’t usually comment too much on youtube but you brought me right back to the 80’s. Thanks!!!

[@j4mbs]

I had a Schecter Ultra VI about ten years ago, loved it, but never found a place for it in the music I was playing at the time. Still regret getting rid of it, but so it goes.

[@cooghoublaga7555]

Thank you for the history lesson on bass guitars, very informative, i'd go for the squier just because it's more like a guitar but the sound of the other one was really good so i'd end up with both if i started, but a nice change of style and nice to see you playing something other than a guitar, i'm guessing you can play just about anything with strings, have a great new year and all the best to you !!

[@mattdelahunt301]

Good to see your doing good R.j

[@bustabass9025]

Your's is the best explanation of the six string bass guitar and its relationship to the guitar, the baritone and the electric bass. It's my understanding that the six string bass while tuned EADGBE like the traditional guitar, its pitch is actually an octave below that of the guitar. The electric bass as we know, while notated an octave below the guitar, is actually pitched, or sounded two octaves below. That would put the six string bass guitar right in between the electric bass and the guitar, if my understanding is correct. The baritone guitar would represent something somewhat off the grid of this comparison given its outlier tuning configuration, if my assumptions are right. Any thoughts?

[@Turba80]

That New Order style bass line was beautiful!

[@SpartanLaserCanon]

I would totally use one of those Fender's to record some bass parts. I love how you can get bass tones on that without the strings being super thick like on regular bass which are thicker. You could play next level solo guitar playing or you could combo it with a regular guitar with a loop pedal. Nice demos of those. I have an 8 string which would be good for solo playing, but having a 6 string tuned guitar bass hybrid is next level.

[@Arnuski]

when you played la bamba, it all made sense, now I'm convinced to carve and build my own fender VI

[@offbeatbassgear]

Bass players should also give the Bass VI a try. I bought a Squier VI from Fender on Black Friday and it's interesting and a lot of fun. There are some nut issues with them, but a fine replacement is available for under fifteen dollars. If you try the pickups at the mid/bridge setting, the tone replicates the Rickenbacker nicely. It's even possible to play finger-style though it really isn't that friendly to any thumb techniques. The bass roll-off tone is pretty thin, tonally so that's something that you should be aware of. There are chords that sound full on these too. I've found that triads are clear and project well on this, though not all barred chords in the lower registers.

[@TheRWE12]

I just got a Gretch baritone... so I'm getting there.

[@natestorm1436]

No that is a baritone not even close

[@andybaxter4442]

The Gretsch is only half an inch off of these, you can string it as a bass vi just fine. It and the danelectro baritone currently available as a reissue were originally designed as basses.

[@keirp123]

When these were originally released they came from the factory as a Bass VI before being rebranded as a baritone. Slap some thicker strings on there and BOOM you are there.

[@piperofsimms]

Hi R.J., What a fantastic look at these 2 instruments. I gotta have one now. Beautifully done R.J. Thank you Tucson, Arizona

[@ue4058]

This is such a great channel. Thanks for sharing all the knowledge and the great playing!

[@Brijoolz]

Excellent demo. Well explained.

[@evansmith4615]

Thank you so much for this video. I've been thinking about getting the Fender Six for a while now, I've just never seen one in person or knew how it would sound. I'm grateful to you for demonstrating both of those for us. My question is, can you play either one of those on a bass or a guitar amp? Thanks again for sharing, it was cool!

[@Bass_Bea_R]

Some years ago i converted a Harley Benton Short Scale precision: cheap strat bridge, Di Marzio Model P, Firebird PU in roughly MM position. LaBella Flatwound strings. I use it to combine Guitar chords/Soloing and real bass lines. Needs some compression otherwise the guitar parts are too aggressive. But i love that instrument.

[@charlesboyle9223]

Excellent demo! Thanks,RJ!

[@ambientblow7571]

Happy New Year! RJ 🇵🇭

[@paulpmanhowland7818]

Great video. I have a minor critique, the scale length of the Fender Bass VI and the Eastwood Hooky Bass 6 PRO is the same, 30".

[@jpcote70]

I had a 6 strings Hagstrom back in the early 70s. Was an early 60s long neck. Was great with a whawha

[@danielcruz1263]

Great video man! Just purchased an Eastwood TB64 can't wait to play it :)

[@MeshuggahDave.]

It’s amazing, I can feel the bass so well in my hands from my phone speaker. That’s amazing

[@damagecontrol60]

Great demo and analysis! Thanks RJ I subbed!

[@jessievasser6293]

I have the Fender Pawnshop Bass VI and I absolutely love it. I wish it were easier to find strings for but is a must have for me and is an inspiration machine.

[@RockStarOscarStern634]

It's basically a Bass-Baritone Guitar. It's actually an Electric Bajo Sexto.

[@l.g.5899]

I have the Squier VI. It's the typical instrument that you think to sell after you realize you almost never play it... after a while you want to buy it again (so did I)... I replaced the strings (heavier) as I use it as a bass, basically, and I like it.

[@gregorystiller975]

Sweet, these guitars have been a mystery to me for years. Thanks for the video,

[@ThaRealChuckD]

He's got the downpicking style right though. Hook uses a 1mm pick using one of the top two wider corners of the pick (not the corner that you'd normally use on the pick). Hooky is a huge fan of Dee Dee Ramone who downpicked as well. I do the same thing but use my thumb for the up stroke in an alternating picking style like Victor Wooten. But everybody's different. You have to use what works for you.

[@icarusi]

I got a Squier Bass VI a while ago. I have other basses so I moved all the strings down one position and put a higher top string on, for an alternative range. I found the 30" scale length a bit long for a 'guitar' playing. I have some 8-strings now and prefer 27" max., 26.5" or a 27-25.5" fanfret. I still like the 'twang' of the Bass VI and its whammy bar.

[@MrKingalow]

RJ you are the man - I love your vids!

[@whatsupchicken]

Fantastic playing!

[@NealVan]

I wonder why the guitar builders jumped past the Baritone as was in long existence in the classical guitar world? Love the sound of the Hooky bass in this video. On the Fender/Squire, the low E sounds like a string tuned too low and is ready to pop off the nut. One thing understandably left out in this video are all the pedals/FX gadgets out there that can do a great job of dropping or raising by one or more octaves making those basses obsolete unless it’s a ‘player feel thing’. Great video of a little known instrument type.

[@davidlynch4338]

Yeah, I have one of the MIJ Fender Bass VI's from the 2000's and it is one of my favourite instruments. I started playing music as a bass player and moved to guitar so I always have this urge to play lines quite low. I love the Fender Bass VI's but prefer the tone of the Hooky/Shergold instruments, so I built a few of my own where I used the body shape of a Jazz bass, but made the neck more like the Bass VI with a 32" scale length (instead of the 30" from the others). I found the extra length really tightened up the low end. I also wired my instruments in stereo so I can send one pickup through effects and keep one clean. Either way the Bass VI is a great instrument for a trio with a guitarist/drummer or piano/drummer. So much room to play interesting lines and get chances for rhythm or melody.

[@BenCoombs]

Very cool and in depth demo RJ!! Cheers!!

[@sornord]

The first Cream album's bass was Jack Bruce playing his Fender VI. The Beatles used them too when Paul was playing piano. George or John would play it. The Hey Jude David Frost video shows George playing one.

[@lucianhartt3123]

5:40 Mario 1UP sound XD Great video!

[@Tigershark-qy2gq]

Awesome video and playing Brother. Subscribed!

[@MichaelUhler]

Great video! I’m a bass player, and I own a bass vi (which I love the sound of), but I like the idea of the string spacing of the hooky bass. I think it would be cool if someone made a bass vi with slightly wider string spacing with dual outputs, so you could plug into 2 amps and get the bass cut setting on a guitar amp AND the full bass tone on a bass amp. Any enterprising luthiers out there?

[@MyScooter57]

I’m glad I found your channel!

[@LightQuarterly]

Fun! Thanks for an informative video. I had my eye on a Bass VI for a while now, nice demo. Was interested in baritone before, especially when I found out I could just buy a conversion neck for my Jazzmaster- but dealing with the different tuning was more than I wanted to deal with. The Fender/Squire Bass VI sounds like it's really up my alley. I already have a short scale pawnshop bass (4 string) but definitely felt it would be nice to have something between my regular electric guitars and a bass. I've heard some get a wide StayTrem bridge that helps with the intonation, which being similar in tremolo design to the Jazzmaster I'm already familiar with what can happen ;) Rock on 😎

[@jessecappelletto5621]

As a bass player that plays guitar as well, they both interest me. Coll vid R.J.!

[@gwEmbassy]

very nicely put together video

[@MC-bz3mt]

Super cool! Where they must be plugged, into a guitar amp or a bass amp? Or a guitar head with a bass cabinet?

[@wmdbassplayer]

I've had my Squier VI for 6 years and love it! I'm a bass player who never learned guitar, so I had the opposite approach when I got it. That Hooky bass looks interesting and the more bass like feel is what really caught my attention. I use my Bass VI more as a bass, but I also use it to fake guitar parts when recording, and after 6 years, the more guitar like feel, primarily in the string spacing, still bothers me on occasion.

[@IceNein763]

I'm a big Cure fan, and when the Squier VI came back in stock at Sweetwater, I had to pick one up. I wasn't really looking to spend the money, but it's a Squier, it doesn't set you back a whole lot of cash, and as I'm somebody who primarily plays guitar, this was a must have. By no means does it replace a P Bass, but a P Bass can't do what a Bass VI can do either.