so for the past couple months I have been dreaming of getting a Fender bass vi. I was wondering if anyone has experience with one of these, I'd definitely be going after one of the 90's re-issues, mainly because I don't have $3000 to drop on one of these haha. Any and all info helps as well as opinions!
 
~Taylor

I see that everyone's favorite spokesman Phil X has a review of one of the vintage Bass VI's.  
 

Hahaha that dude has got to be jacked on something! But I've actually watched most his videos on this and LOVE the sound, my plan is to be in a band with one other guitarist, a drummer, and a singer(I play bass) so I was thinking of playing this in any songs that need another high end part every now and then while still being able to play the bass part when necessary, I was  just wondering about personal experiences anyone has
 
~Taylor

wrong guy to demonstrate..same one who did the Alembic one.
Fender VI were baritone guitars, very nice in their sounds and unique.
Spoilt by this person's interpretation.
Depends on what you are wanting sonically and playability

Honestly, I dont like the fingerboard radius on these..... I had a Jerry Jones longhorn VI for several years, and it was one of my main basses with my trio. I probably used it in the same way you intend to, Ty..... I based my first custom Alembic on the bass VI E-E concept, and was delighted w/ the results:  
 
 
 
 

I had one for years. My guitarist bro played it mostly. I did not like it for bass, but my gear was not the best. I think an SF-2 would be the thing for it. I loved it as a guitar! the tone and spacing was really good. I changed the bridge and nut and put TOMASTIK Jazz flats on it and it sang. I don't know how the reissues are. Mine was a 64'  Good luck!
 
 
Nick

I have a real soft spot for the bass vi. We had a new reissue in a couple of years back and it was very nice.
 
It was the subject of a fraudulent Amex purchase - subesequent to which Amex pulled our merchant account even though we followed correct procedures.

I had a reissue Bass VI for a little while before trading for an older Martin classical and cash.  I got the Bass VI in a trade with a guy who used it in a band where they all dressed as Hasidic Jews and played traditional Jewish songs (think Hava Nagila) in surf style.  Really twisted and wonderful.  He played lead on the Bass VI with gobs of reverb.  It worked quite well.  It really is more of a baritone guitar than a true bass.
 
Bill, tgo
 
(Message edited by lbpesq on September 03, 2011)

Let see if I have this right, Bill - you had a reissue Bass VI; you got an older Martin and cash for it?  Well done, my friend!
 
Peter  (who used to have a copy of the Klezmonauts' Oy To The World, where they did Xmas carols klezmer style.  Did your guy's band do any recording?  I love twisted!)

Peter, my friend.  The guitar is a Martin 00-18-C - not exactly the most valuable, but I hadn't owned a gut string in over 30 years.
 
As for the band, they are called Meshugga Beach Party.  Their site can be found here.  
Enjoy!
 
Bill, tJgo.  (the Jewish guitar one)

Is this the guitar being discussed?
It's being played by John Lennon in this clip of the song Let it Be.
 
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RdopMqrftXs&feature=related
There is a few seconds of it at 2:42 into the video.
 
Jazzyvee

I have a Fender Jaguar Custom VI. It's Japanese made and now discontinued.  It has the Jaguar body shape and electronics, with the Bass VI 30 scale.  It has a stop bar tailpiece rather than the Bass VI vibrato.  I find it quite a cool instrument.  It works better as a Bass rather than a Guitar.  The strings are too closely spaced to play with your fingers so it has to be played with a pick. When played as a Bass, it sounds like a Bass.  It sounds too weird to be played as a Guitar.  Chords are too heavy and muddy. I feel it's really meant to be played as a Bass with a pick. The high B and E strings are useful if you like Guitar patterns and phrasing.  Overall, I prefer a Bass or a Guitar over it. It's more of a novelty (to me) than anything else.

The guy from the Beatles tribute Rain has one of those Jaguars.... Thanks for refreshing my memory, Rami~ I knew it didn't have a tremolo bridge.

Wow Bill, that is a band pic I would enjoy to see, ha!

I would take a look at the Schecter Hellcat VI before I made a purchase.
http://www.schecterguitars.com/Products/Guitar/Hellcat-VI.aspx