It's funny that you posted that benson because i had literally just discovered those yesterday and was going to post about them!! there are some good videos of all the Schecter VI models(they have 3) and I'm leaning towards this one http://www.schecterguitars.com/Products/Guitar/Ultra-VI.aspx partly because i love silverbursts and also you can get any combination of pickups and split which ever ones you want at the same time!
 
~Taylor

Taylor,
 
I didn't know there were other Schecter VI models. I have a Schecter Stiletto Studio 8-string bass, which is my only experience with that company. It is a ridiculously good value.

yep! here are the 3 different models:
 
Hellcat VI(Maple neck, alder body, bolt on):
 
Ultra(Mahagony body and neck, set neck):
 
Hellraiser C-VI(same as Ultra VI): http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Jqzwc3EfYcc&feature=related
 
all of them are very cool and affordable but i feel like the Ultra has the widest range of sounds(and the most unique body shape of course!) so would choose that or the Hellcat VI
 
~Taylor

These recently discussed Schecter models and the Fender VI have me a little intrigued as another creative option.  Despite the fact that the Schecter only runs about $700, this sort of instrument would make a cool custom.  
 
Any suggestions regarding Alembic's models for the size/shape, neck recipe, woods, and  pup configuration/choice
for such an instrument?

Well, I have thought about it a little and I think it could be a Europa  body, 30 scale, 1 3/4 nut with 2 3/8 spacing at the bridge, and the neck recipe should be mahogany/ebony/ maple/ ebony/ maple/ ebony/ mahogany.  I think the core should be mahogany, but I can't think of what top and back wood would be nice to use with sandwiched maple laminations.

If you're looking for ideas, the Featured Custom section is usually a good place to start ...
 
Buckeye Burl - 30 scale 6er loosely based on a Jerry Jones

Wow Adriaan, the bridge on that Jerry Jones inspired 6er is wild.  Definitely an interesting departure.

It looks like a Danelectro bridge (with upgraded materials of course) that has been compensated. We have a Dano short scale at our house, on which we just swapped the standard bridge (non-compensated) for a metal adjustable one. Now it plays in tune but the tone changed somewhat.

I thought I posted in this thread but I guess not. I have one of the Fender Japan Bass VI reissues. Mine is from about 1996. It has an issue with the tremolo bridge - the spring is too strong or too weak, so the bridge is tilted all the way back, so the screw that holds the bridge saddle on the E string interferes with the string's vibration. Also, I didn't like the tortoise shell pickguard - it looks like a low resolution scan or something - so I had a black replacement made. Here's a couple of pics, one with the old pickguard (and my old cat Sadie admiring it), one with the new:
 


 
 


 
 
I don't play it much because of the E string issue, but I pulled it out today and played it through my amp - it sounded great! I want to get it fixed now. I consider this a short-scale, extended range bass guitar. I would play it like a bass, probably with pick but fingers is possible, though the string spacing is very narrow.  
 
One player who plays the Bass VI like a regular bass, and with his fingers no less, is Rob Babbington of later Soft Machine fame. Here's a pretty good video: http://youtu.be/3ws8TqsX2nM

Well, I have been exploring this sort of instrument.  No on has the Ernie Ball/Music Man Sihouette Bass and I tried the Schecter product but did not like their pups at all.
 
I did come across Robert Elrick who makes a 6 string piccolo although the price point is much higher than EB/MM or Schecter.  He uses Bartolini pups, a plus.
 
I know Alembic would do this tuning proud but I have 2 of their basses and 2 of their guitars already.

I hear you singing through the lines.
 

Thanks for posting that! I love the chords leading into the solo, cool solo too! Definitely seems live, the way he keeps messing with the controls at the beginning...
 
The Bass VI definitely strikes me as a versatile instrument. It would be fun to play with two Bass VI's and drummer! Also, I've got mine up and running - I just pulled on the bridge and it slid into place! Played it for a while today and had a lot of fun. I don't have much of a problem playing it with a pick, playing with fingers is a little weird but I can see getting used to it with practice. Plus it's fun to play an instrument tuned EADGBE again!

Crobbins,  thanks for the link.