Why You Need a Fender/Squier Bass VI - ASK ZAC - EP 13

[@MrTimcoronel]

obviously well outside your country tastes, but Bass VI was used a lot in post-punk/new wave by The Cure, Joy Division/New Order, Cocteau Twins, The Church and others.

[@AskZac]

Tim, I certainly lean toward country. So would you rec some tunes from each of the artists you mentioned?

[@MrTimcoronel]

@@AskZac sure: here's one to start with kzbin.info/www/bejne/sKPLZp6XjMusg7M&feature=emb_logo

[@MrTimcoronel]

and here's Australian neo-psychedelic band The Church kzbin.info/www/bejne/mXrQdZl_YqeKipo

[@MrTimcoronel]

Scotland's most etherial Cocteau Twins: duelling Bass VIs on this track kzbin.info/www/bejne/f3nJoneDgrF8r5Y

[@MrTimcoronel]

The Cure: Pictures of You (live) kzbin.info/www/bejne/fYXQaYamebWCadU

[@michaelrocchetti8706]

I played a 4 string bass for over 40 years - but the repetitive stress of plucking injured my right hand. So I bought a Squire VM Bass VI in 2018, because it would be easier to play with a pick - since the strings are closer together. I also bought a Staytrem bridge and Labella flat-wound strings. I had the Bass VI professionally set up by a Fender-authorized technician. It took me awhile to develop a fondness for the instrument, but I have grown accustomed to it. I no longer play any of my 4-string basses. My playing style has adapted to this new instrument. I love the sound - it's distinctive. I also get a lot of positive comments from other bass players who are fascinated when they see and hear me playing it.

[@sornord]

A lot of folks complained about the string spacing but I, and apparently Jack Bruce, had no problems with it.

[@michaelrocchetti8706]

@@sornord At first, the string spacing was very hard for me to get used to. Now I am OK with it. I pluck the Bass VI on a couple of songs that have fast-paced staccato bass lines, but mostly I use the pick when I am playing the Bass VI. I wouldn't recommend the Bass VI if you were playing in a funk band. It's just not the right bass to use for funk-style bass playing.

[@dancassidy7471]

How to get a statement beidge?bridge? Staytrem!

[@paspallum]

The BEATLES John Lennon and George Harrison used the Fender VI on Let it Be and the White album - love you vids Zac

[@patrickmcguire5019]

A band mate back in high school bought one of the original Fender VI guitars in 1963. He was a sax player at the time but after high school went to music school in Chicago and switched to guitar. He played jazz with a number of groups until his retirement. Along the way he played a number of gigs as a bass guitar player using the Fender VI with Jethro of Homer & Jethro after Homer had passed away. There are some videos on KZbin including at least one with him playing with Chet Atkins. It worked just fine to play it as a straight bass through a bass amp. Best of my knowledge he still has it fifty seven years later.

[@AskZac]

VERY COOL

[@jumpingman8160]

fuzz and reverb. It's such a fun instrument that begs to be played. Especially for drones and heavy stuff. I pair mine with a tele baritone and a synth. Glorious

[@mixedfruitjam]

Fuzz and reverb with a bass amp or a guitar amp? What’s your recommendation?

[@markbrooks4471]

Many people comment on the lightweight strings used on these basses as not having the punch of a P bass for instance. But through a big cab (I use a 2 x 18") with a powerful amp head they can rattle your neighbours windows. An incredibly versatile instrument.

[@JaneoAjena]

Robert Smith from The Cure used this instrument on most songs, it’s why ima get it💕

[@earwormcovers522]

Same!!! He’s the reason I’m buying one!

[@guiguih2998]

The same for me ! 😊

[@brianprada8929]

Me too 🤘🏽

[@ThatBaritoneGuitarGuy]

I would say Robert Smith is more synonymous with a Schecter Ultra VI. He also had a signature Ultra VI called the "Ultracure." If you want a bass VI because of Robert Smith, I suggest going for a Schecter Ultra VI or Ultracure. Fair warning, the Ultracure looks like an Ultra VI melted, and got sat on. it is quite ugly. But, if you like Robert Smith, then you might be able to tolerate the Ultracure aesthetics.

[@timvanboening9432]

@@ThatBaritoneGuitarGuy yeah, no. Bass VI all the way. He only is associated with the Hellcat VI because around 2000, he couldn’t find a modern Bass VI that felt and sounded as good as his vintage, which he didn’t want to take out on the road. So, Schechter made the VI around the time the band got endorsed by them. But, ask nearly any Cure fan who plays guitar, and they’ll say the Bass VI.

[@onionheadguy7094]

When I get mine i'm plugging it straight into a fuzz pedal and DOOMING till the sun comes up!

[@isherwoodme]

Just a note. A lot of people say to flip the entire bridge saddle assembly to fix the intonation issue with the low E. Then the screw has the length you need.

[@hhectorlector]

Typically when people barely play in their reviews-it’s because they can’t play. You can play. I hope to see you play more nowadays. Subscribed.

[@sornord]

Jack Bruce used a "Fender VI" in his later days with the Graham Bond Organisation, and on the first Cream album, "Fresh Cream." (The Squier version is more true to the originals than the current Fender version. Indonesian quality seems fine.) He's the reason I bought one, mostly. (The Beatles using them is another.) I'm preparing for an overseas move where I'm very limited in what I can bring. Because of its versatility, the Squier VI will be one of the guitars I bring.

[@sportcompactdc5]

There was also Gibson's take on the 6-string bass called the EB-6. The first iteration had one pickup and a semi-hollow body similar to an ES-335 the second was a 2 pickup solid body that was based on the then new SG.

[@DevinBellROCKS]

This is really cool! Robert Smith of The Cure is my favorite Bass VI user.

[@rickbearden6041]

Always a treat to learn or remember forgotten things. Six string bass. Awesome. Thanks again Zac. Well done.

[@AskZac]

Thanks, Rick!!

[@thefoss5387]

Eric Haycock, the Hollies original bassist was a Fender Bass VI player. I never saw film of him with any other bass.

[@stevestonesongwriter]

Indeed, according to Alan Clarke, he was one of the first bass six players although I suspect both Jet Harris and Jack Bruce may have had them. Bernie Calvert replaced him but used a jazz bass

[@ianskelding5827]

I believe John Entwistle of the Who played a bassVI for a while in the mid 60s, I think Peter Green originally used a bassVI live on Green Manalishi

[@audiotechlabs4650]

I just subbed because between this video and the one about the Deluxe Reverb and the history of the B-Benders, you got me! I am embarrassed to say I did not know who you are. I am sorry! You are a fantastic guitarist! You have not been producing videos on KZbin for long, but you are becoming a "go-to" site for guitarists. Your choice of topics is different than others and that sets you apart from others. I look forward to your next post! Thanxz

[@AskZac]

Thanks for the sub, and kind words!

[@clysher]

I was listening to your video while working on my identical black Squier VI. I had a forum post pulled up with your video in the background when you played the Twin Peaks riff. That riff is likely the subconscious reason I wanted a vintage style baritone, as I sat up immediately and clicked back to your video, disappointed momentarily that you had only played those first two notes.

[@DogGuy19]

Good video, thanks for this! These are $375 black Friday deals on Amazon & Sweetwater, I just ordered one. I also added your playlist to my Spotify. Thanks again, enjoyed that.

[@LesViperesMusic]

Facecam, no cuts, no bullshit ! Great stuff and really entertaining ! Keep going Zac !

[@AskZac]

No edits. Thanks

[@LesViperesMusic]

@@AskZac the format is awesome !

[@AskZac]

It is the only way I know how. Thanks

[@ocduff]

I remember hearing Patsy Cline’s “Heartaches” as a kid and being mesmerized by the tic-tac bass MIRRORING the upright. It just sounds so liquid smooth. Another winner Zac.

[@AskZac]

Thank you Mr. Duff!!!

[@nahnope8581]

I didn't realize that sound I was hearing in the race is on was one of these till recently, now its a 100% necessary purchase

[@Shred_The_Weapon]

I purchased my Squier Bass Six in January 2019, after at least half a decade of contemplation. It was partly a budget issue, partly a matter of determining if I needed it. I knew that I didn’t want to play it like most people do, forgoing using it like a bass and using it more like a guitar tuned down an active. It was about utilizing the tonal capabilities of the three pickups & their switches, married to the presence of the two extra strings, to play traditional baselines with harmonic accentuations thrown in. I was partly motivated by the fact that Jack Bruce had played one in the early days of cream and that one was shared between John Lennon and George Harrison during the last three Beatles albums. During the time I was considering getting it, I told myself a little joke. It’s as though the.original 1961 edition of this model was the result of a Stratocaster and a Jaguar mating with a Jazz bass.

[@johnreilly9748]

Jack Bruce used a Fender six in Cream, Roy Babington of Soft Machine as well not country but great players nontheless! Good topic.

[@AskZac]

Thanks!

[@PeterKeaneMusic]

Just received my brand new Squier Bass VI today (‘twas inevitable since first seeing this video a couple months back). Brilliant! Thanks so much.

[@AskZac]

Great to hear!

[@glenhill7604]

Great insight into a very underrated instrument. Keep them coming.☺

[@AskZac]

Thanks, Glen

[@rexterrocks]

I play an old Gretsch Bass VI which is 29 and 3 quarters scale but it's really difficult to get strings for as it has a Bigsby trem which requires longer strings, particularly on the D and G. I have to use 2 packs, D, Addario and Ernie Ball to get a decent set I like. The first time I saw a Bass VI was when Jack Bruce used one with Cream and Glen Campbell playing the bass solo on 'Wichita Lineman'. I use mine as a lead instrument.

[@SuperShecky]

German retailer Thomann sporadically offers (they go out of stock quickly) a Harley Benton 6 string bass inspired by the Fender. It looks nearly identical in shape and style, but has a Tune-o-matic bridge/tailpiece instead of the Jazzmaster style vibrato bar. It also uses a strat style 5 way switch, but lacks the bass cut switch. Quality is quite good, and they sell for about $200USD. But shipping to the US is getting prohibitive. I wanted to try flatwounds, but they cost a mint. Cheap Ernie Ball roundwounds barely fit the Harley Benton (not long enough for the vibrato of the Bass VI), but they work OK. I use a tremolo pedal, but I'm going to have to find a vibrato pedal, too. It was sounding pretty impressive.

[@captaincat40]

Probably the best video on the Squier Bass VI that I have seen yet. Just bought one through Zzounds. Should arrive Thursday. I had previously owned the Fender Pawn Shop version but wasn't too thrilled with it. Thanks Zac.

[@flossypup]

Sid Vicious I changed to a mustang bridge and fitted Newtone .024 - 100 gauge strings. Much better now 🙂

[@flossypup]

Sid Vicious no problem. Hope it works out ok for you, these are fun and interesting instruments once up and running. I definitely think fitting a thicker low E string helped a lot.

[@erikbrooks7712]

I got the Fender made in JAPAN CUSTOM SHOP in l1998. most expensive guitar i ever got . Ordered it in Nov. 97 got it April 98. I used it to play Bass with ran it through a Ampeg portaflex also used a peavy head with gibson cabinet with 2 15" speakers , I'd be afraid of blowing up the speaker in the deluxe if you rock out on Peter gunn. it does fill in good with the chords too,

[@AskZac]

Very cool Bass VI

[@Mistertbones]

The Bass VI and similar instruments have such a unique tone. The first time I heard a Bass VI was as a kid, listening to Richard Bennett playing it on "Guitar Town", but at the time, I thought it was just a normal guitar.

[@voiksmusifan]

I always thought "Guitar Town" was played on a Baritone Guitar?

[@Mistertbones]

@@voiksmusifan Same here, but I learned that it was indeed played on a Danelectro Six String Bass.

[@stephenstarr6388]

06:10 Only video I've seen that explains the different scales and different tunings between Baritone, Fender VI and regular guitar. Thank you! Could we also say that VI is 6-string guitar that is tuned an octave lower and has a shorter scale than regular bass? (but longer scale than a baritone).

[@AskZac]

Thank you, and yes

[@TimmieB]

John used one on Helter Skelter! I definitely like your country/ honky Tonk twang with it. Great insightful video. Thanks man

[@AskZac]

Glad you enjoyed it

[@jaysmith418]

Excellent! Tremolo and Vibrato sound amazing with that bass.

[@AskZac]

Thank you, Brother Jay!!!

[@jimmyc5498]

Hey Zac, love the interviews and found this channel which is great. I have a bass VI too, switched to LaBella 767-6n (tried the round wound) changed A 075 to 078 and E 095 to 102 to get rid of loose string tension, also got a larger heavy duty bridge with more saddle travel from a guy in England. Seems better. Anyway. these are blast to play, thanks, jimmy

[@AskZac]

How much improvement does the bridge make?

[@les047]

Ask Zac Staytrem....worth every cent....doesn’t ship to US direct, you will need to use a freight forwarder...

[@jimmyc5498]

Timothy West Yeah. That’s the one, Staytrem. Sorry, had to find the old email from the guy John in England. He just included the shipping in the price. He was running low on these but maybe has some left. Ask to include the plastic sleeves to eliminate bridge pivot movement, I would, up to you. I’m local in Murfreesboro if you want me to bring it over so you can check it out. I’ll get his info. Jimmy

[@jimmyc5498]

Ask Zac Ok, it’s [e-mail]. If he still has some they’re great, very solid build. I think around 108.00 with shipping. Email me [e-mail] I can send photo or meet over in Franklin. jimmy

[@disabledartistsofnorthamer7001]

@@jimmyc5498 I am currently in the midst of an epic battle with a Squire Bass VI. I have tried changing to heavier strings with very little change. I modified the bolt on the bridge, which is something several people suggested. I am hesitant to spend another $40--$50 on LaBellas. I was going to try to order brass cylinders to keep the bridge from wobbling. I am on the fence: sell the damn thing or try to get the Staytrem, and LaBellas. Would you mind if I tried to reach out to your contact and see if I could get the proper bridge? THANKS. Sorry for the rambling comment. -- Craig

[@paul_grimsley]

Magnificent. Stumbled upon this after talking about the Bass Vi used by John and George in the recent Let It Be film series. Such a great versatile guitar sound that you're achieving with the LaBellas. Am I right in thinking some of the innovation was that the strings it came with at launch were round wound? The beatles got a really great bass sound out of the thing too! Not surprising people like Entwistle and Jack Bruce used them. 30" and E to E is hardly 'Baritone' after all is it. Great video.

[@efolson]

I’ve been investigating the Bass Vi, and thinking about getting one ever since I saw John Lennon playing one on Get Back!

[@hotwheel6663]

Love the Twin Peaks riff my fave show!

[@barthrvatin8297]

Thanks for making this episode Zac! Very inspiring sounds throughout.

[@AskZac]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@lamarpecorino4240]

Hey Zac. Great show as always! I recently watched a show on The Hollies. Their original bass guitarist Eric Haydock played a Fender Bass VI throughout his tenure with them. Bill Pitman (who turned 100 last month) played a Danelectro 6 string bass on the theme for "Wild, Wild West". Thanks for the tip regarding flats on the Bass VI. It's on my list of instruments to acquire.

[@AskZac]

What are some tunes where I can hear Haycock? Certainly aware of Pitman. Thanks!

[@lamarpecorino4240]

@@AskZac Here's some live footage of The Hollies using a Bass VI in concert.

[@lamarpecorino4240]

kzbin.info/www/bejne/qF61e3luma59etE

[@lamarpecorino4240]

The Hollies Documentary is entitled The Hollies: Look Through Any Window

[@FaultyHammock8791]

Damn it, I'm really sorely tempted to pick one of these up during this quarantine, seems like it'd be great fun, and it's actually in my price range. Another piece written with one of these instruments is "The Choice" by Gustavo Santaolalla for The Last Of Us, and he made use of it a few more times in The Last Of Us Part II's score as well, and he uses it in an absolutely beautiful way.

[@cactus-mcjacktus]

the Twin Peaks theme has Bass VI all over it, and it's just beautiful sounding.

[@wmdbassplayer]

As a life long bass player (almost 50 years) who never learned guitar, my biggest challenge was getting used to the more guitar like feel and string spacing of my Squier Bass VI. Got mine in 2016 and mainly use it to fake guitar parts when I'm recording. I stick with double stops, power chords, and triads and also soloing. Makes for some interesting sounds! I love the tonal versatility of the 3 pickups and strangle switch, plus the novelty (for me!) of a bass with a tremolo.

[@zenmaster6780]

I’ve got one on order! You represent it well! Those are some great tips. I have the la Bella flats inbound as well. I loved the country rockabilly you did

[@AskZac]

Glad it was helpful!

[@markbrooks4471]

I forgot to mention Roy Babbington of Soft Machine who played standup bass exclusively as a session musician but switched to playing a Bass VI when he joined Soft Machine. He's particularly interesting as he is one of the only players I've seen play the VI with his fingers. Plus the fact he is an extremely compident Jazz musician.

[@onsesejoo2605]

Terence "Jet" Harris used it with the instrumental duo Tony Meehan & Jet Harris, "Diamonds" being a huge hit in the UK. "Theme From Man With The Golden Arm" was another hit.

[@roberthdahlquist]

And thanks (again) for including a Spotify playlist; a great reference!

[@AskZac]

Absolutely

[@joemasse4568]

The Beatles are using one on the Hey Jude video on David Frost show 68, they also used it on White album, Let it Be .

[@robertiaccarino4363]

It may have been used on Shabbey Road; their last album.

[@evgeniydragondog]

I need this for post punk!

[@bb1111116]

The Beatles (John & George) used the Bass VI when Paul didn’t play bass. The Get Back documentary shows the Bass VI being used on some songs.

[@jonathanhorne6503]

There is even a scene with Billy Preston playing it. His infectious grin shows how much fun they were having.

[@roymontero4066]

Great content man! A gem of a channel

[@AskZac]

Thanks, Roy!!!

[@Rsmitty1974]

Zac, a great video and semi instructional for this. JUST BOUGHT one. I will receive it at Christmas! yahoo! Can't wait to play on the worship team with this. We have a great bassist, and i hope to add higher end with this alongside our acoustic players and pianist. all the best to you! Merry Christmas!

[@guitarradioshow]

Here’s a weird one Zac, Aerosmith’s “Back in the saddle” is a six string bass. I imagine a lot of rock bands don’t really utilize this haunting instrument. Thanks for this post. Excellent!

[@AskZac]

Listening to "Saddle" now. Cool! Thanks

[@richie_b-1234]

True. Joe Perry has stated he used a Fender Bass VI on that melody line.

[@richie_b-1234]

From what I recall, Joe Perry was using the Music Man Silhouette Bass Guitar (6 string) from late 90's on.

[@wedgenstein]

Apparently he was inspired by and was going after a Peter Green thing he had heard... Green played solos on it live on Green Manalishi, just him and Mick Fleetwood... very cool instrument thats on a lot more stuff than we realize

[@johnnyhansen5091]

I have a Squire Bass VI, sunburst and in mint condition in my guitar and bass rack that has been standing forgotten and unused for years. It is strung with LaBella flats and sounds great. It was actually in perfect tune when I took it out just now. This video makes me want to begin playing it again. It has always fallen between when I chose a bass or a guitar. Maybe because it didn't fit into my music taste and preferences. Have to give it an other try. Thank you for this great video and discussion thread. Cheers, JohnnyH-DK

[@JohnHancotte]

Two things that may have been mentioned by you or in the comments by now: it sounds like a Bass VI in Richard Cory by Simon & Garfunkel. I hear a little vibrato on that riff. Also, sometime in the last few years a higher gauge string set has been released that fixes the low E intonation issue. I read that many do replace the tuners and even the bridge. I don't think many want to spend the money to upgrade as this is a niche instrument and not a main gigging one. I want one! Maybe that new one in Antigua color - a Chicago Music Exchange exclusive. So cool!

[@DeFiSiYT]

Got on of these on my wishlist! Such a cool instrument! The Beatles also used one. Not sure of the details but definitely during the Let It Be/Get Back sessions.

[@spacejamgoliath]

Good stuff. I'm def guilty of sort of writing off these cool instruments but you've made me see the light

[@ericthompson3383]

Its definitely recognizable when you hear it. Awesome videos Zac!

[@AskZac]

Thanks!

[@brownmonkeybananayellow]

Haha I was waiting for that Twin Peaks intro! I need one now. Oh boy.

[@AskZac]

I waited a bit to do it. Was going to start with it.

[@Baci302]

Wow. Very cool! Always love your videos. Thanks for teaching us so much!

[@AskZac]

Glad you like them!

[@captainzeb1969]

I just ordered a Squier by Fender Classic Vibe Bass VI - Laurel - 3-Color Sunburst. Can’t wait to try it out.

[@AskZac]

Yes!!

[@RjBenjamin353]

I just love your history into the guitars and amps. You are one great guitarist

[@AskZac]

Thank you kindly!

[@cletussea-ray944]

So cool! Great sound..and playing of course! Thanks Zac

[@AskZac]

You are so welcome

[@tracerx6324]

The live band of the norwegian female singer Aurora uses this bassguitar, it's a big part of her music and very important for the sound of her songs. I also bought the Squier VI today, can't wait to check the possibilities. Great video! 🙂

[@two-tone6934]

Hey Zack thanks for another great video I just bought one of these I couldn’t resist any longer

[@tylerflint5447]

Can't believe this instrument was introduced in early 60s and getting its praise only for past some years. It gets me thinking that Fender and other big companies should bring back some obscure models from the past and see how it goes. There's saying, the one who risks, never takes a risk.

[@BobcatOneManBand]

Listen to The Arkhams "Six Feet" or "Three Months, Two Weeks, Two Days" for great use of the Danelectro Six String Bass.

[@mbberry135]

2 of best Bass VI albums are Disraeli Gears by Cream. Disintegration by The Cure?. Both albums feature the earlier version 1 Fender Bass VI.

[@Deliquescentinsight]

Jack Bruce played a Fender VI for the first year of Cream, I think he enjoyed that guitar-like possibility!

[@sornord]

The psychedelic paint job that was done to it made the neck too sticky to play, he said in an interview. Sad, or maybe not, but he went through a Dano then started playing the EB-3. THAT one became iconic because of him. (It's why I bought two EB-3s, and my Squier VI, actually! They are both quite versatile basses.) Had the neck not been sticky, who knows what he would have done with it.

[@sornord]

At risk of overposting, a "bucket list" item for me is to play something "classical" (perhaps Yes's "Mood For A Day") on a "Bass VI." I really think would sound intriguing, for the musicians in the audience, and just "cool" for the others.

[@lucnejame]

Great video! Very entertaining

[@kevmac1230]

The Fender Bass VI string set with a 100g E string solved my intonation problem easily.

[@bobbaumeister5243]

Great thanks Zac! This type of guitar had been forgotten by me, but I've always been looking for it. It's great that you played with it and mentioned the cut strings. That is exactly what makes the sound. Thumbs up for this content!

[@AskZac]

Thanks Bob!

[@skinnykarlos710]

I've been playing for over fourty years and I've never come across one of these. Funny how certain things just don't cross one's path. Great sound and I think that I'd really like to get one. I wonder if these strange gadgets are available in the far-flung Antipodes that is Australia? Another great episode, Zac. Thank you.

[@marcaononymous]

great video! fantastic amount of information on the VI bass

[@AskZac]

Glad it helped!

[@ERTROK]

Hey everyone, I’m traditionally a bass player who just had distal radius surgery on my wrist. Biggest fear has been the effect this surgery might have on my music. Was wondering if this guitar might work as a good interim solution while I build up my wrist strength again?

[@brandonaikin5445]

Wow, this video is just what I was looking for - very objective and well demonstrated. Thank you!

[@AskZac]

You're very welcome!

[@ericbgordon1575]

Though I bought my own Bass Six for traditional-style bass playing with the extra pickup & strings offering additional playing and sound-sculpting options (kind of like using a cult classic to reflect off of someone like Victor Wooten), I otherwise appreciate your demonstration. I realize that it is less intended for traditional playing than it is to kind of blur the line between guitar and bass. All the same, it holds down the low end on most of the cuts from my third solo release, *Brooklyn Bridge,* as well as one cut titled "Epicenter" from my 7th release, *Persistent Sunrise.* Thank you Zac.

[@roxville]

I've been a baritone fan since I heard The lead on Guitar Town by Steve Earle in the late 80's. C-C is also a popular tuning...Brian Setzer uses that with his big band with horn players. My fav tuning apart from B-B, is C#-C#. That gives you a E on the 3rd fret...so imagine a open G chord. It's nice to use different fingerings and chord shapes, because it just fills out so nicely in a band situation. I just discovered your channel through the Robbie Robertson story vid. Great stuff!🎸

[@rscc-td9jr]

Did I miss a mention of Bert Kaempfert? I think his orchestra used this instrument quite a bit.

[@worthmoremusic]

I bought a Squier FSR Classic Vibe Custom baritone 27"....still getting used to it and the many tunings one can use besides the standard BEADF#B. which is a full 4th down from standard E tuning...So one needs two be conscious of tunings when playing with others. There's also other great tunings such as AEADF#B....AEADEA (DADGAD equivalent) ...GDADEA...ADGCEA....GDGCEA. Oh the many choices ! p.s...I also use flat wounds . Although it came strung with 14-68 rounds the only baritone flats I found were LaBella 15-60. I used flats on my Telecaster too...D'Addario flats 11-50.

[@stevesuv]

Zac.... Thats my favorite part of the Wrecking Crew documentary. When Carol Kaye talks about crying in the grocery store hearing Glenn play that solo. And she came up with that intro. What I really want to know is what that greenish guitar, with the triangle shape hand cut out like on a JEM,is all about? Never seen one before.Glenn might have played five hundred number one hits on that ugly thing. What is it? PS you are the greatest.

[@AskZac]

The guitar is a Teisco T-60. Of all the made in Japan guitars of the 1960's, I think it looks the coolest.

[@VexxJam]

Great video 👍 we need a link to that Spotify Playlist

[@AskZac]

In the description

[@clayteasouth]

All good to use deluxe reverb with bass vi?

[@AskZac]

Sure. Only caution if you have an old speaker

[@musicmann1967]

I've seen footage of Jack Bruce using a Bass VI too. I don't know if he recorded with it, but I think he used it live occasionally. I love the flat wounds on that one you've got! I was going to ask you about that, then you mentioned it at the end. I had a Jerry Jones baritone in the early 90's that I wish I still had, but I'm thinking a Bass VI type instrument might be even cooler! Nice clip, Zac! (The vibrato and tremelo together really sounded great!)

[@AskZac]

I used to have (2) Jones instruments, a Bari and a Bass 6. I sold them. The Squier is much less investment for a fun non-main instrument.

[@musicmann1967]

@@AskZac Agreed. Especially now that Jerry Jones closed shop, the prices for used ones went up. But even if JJ was still around, the Squier is a ridiculously good deal for a fun instrument. like you said. Danelectro still has nice budget ones too.

[@AskZac]

@@musicmann1967 The Squier is an AMAZING deal. And the trem and strangle switch to me make it better than the Danelectro reissues.

[@stevem7]

I just picked up one of those things a few weeks ago and I LOVE it! Highly addicting instrument to play. My only complaint is the low E. In my case, it's always buzzing the fingerboard and there's no obviously easy way to raise just that 1 string. You said you had to modify the low E saddle for intonation purposes...this seems to be a common complaint. Do you have any advice for how to not only be able to intonate that string but also to raise it's height?

[@wayfaringstranger5808]

Message to the nearest University to this man: Please hire him as your guest music Professor, this guy is an overwhelmingly rich repository of unwritten music knowledge.

[@GOVT-fy5pi]

Johnny Cash's guitarist used one of these on "Happy To Be With You"

[@richosburn]

Zak, that James Burton fuzz track...wow!! I had never heard that before... and I’m buying one of these immediately! Definitely appreciate the info...I need something new to keep things fresh and that is definitely it. Much appreciated! Cheers!

[@AskZac]

Enjoy!

[@CaptainCraigKWMRZ]

There are some great stories in the book about the Wrecking Crew where the bass players and guitar players talk about using the bass six on certain songs.

[@SwirlyWhirlyXYZ]

Brokeback is a great contemporary band with tons of Bass VI, especially their first two albums. Tortoise has some too

[@markbrooks4471]

I met Tortoise about a year after buying a '90s Fender Bass VI and spent an interesting hour with them discussing the instrument. I was surprised to see they played the bass VI through a standard Fender Twin on stage, which certainly gave it a more guitar like sound. Personally I like playing through a big bass rig, you can play simple chords and leave strings open which creates a huge drone, underpinning the tunes and making your band sound huge. Check out Placebo and the Cure (around Faith and Pornography) for more.

[@Mysticmonnz]

Really nice video! Im looking to be a soloist playing both guitar and bass and this is just down right wicked

[@robertsuszek2327]

Thanks Zac, I bought one and now I know how to use it!

[@AskZac]

Great!

[@brandonderman6508]

Great episode!!

[@teknomanning]

Thank you sir. I’m a fan now,and I’m getting one

[@AskZac]

Right on!

[@Martos59]

Brilliant review and info, thanks

[@AskZac]

Glad it was helpful!

[@Martos59]

@@AskZacTotally, I’m buying one after your review!! And the info about using a capo and intonation and of course your playing was wonderful!

[@s3hooligan]

Thanks for this review and history lesson. Really informative.....subscribed

[@AskZac]

Thanks for the sub!

[@WillyKidd]

Can't wait for your insight on this Zac! I had one of these Bass VIs at one point when they first released the Squier re-issue, and they're such an interesting tool for recording or writing. The ability to do some interesting "tic-tac" type bass parts, or even chord/melody type jazz playing is pretty incredible with one of these.

[@AskZac]

I hope you like it, Will.

[@justinreid8004]

Nice Twin Peaks reference 👌

[@THRASHMETALFUNRIFFS]

YEAGH MAN! This is what I was picturing on mine but I knew someone could really do cool stuff with it! I did some improvising basically and some Obituary and Sepultura covers on that 3rd D string

[@yourpalfranc]

Man, I love that you take the time to make the playlists!! I still play the Steuart Smith list all the time!! Glad to see another Shawn Colvin tune on this one!!!

[@AskZac]

Love Colvin! And love making the playlists.

[@yourpalfranc]

@@AskZac Actually, I have to credit you for turning me on to her!! I'd heard her name for years, but never checked it out. Seems like Larry Groce mentioned her on every MountainStage show I ever went to. But, thanks to you, I might actually try to catch one of her shows coming up in Annapolis in May. Well, I guess we'll see about that. I was forced to purchase her CD Fat City and love it!! Thanks again!!