The Last Bass Outpost
Gear Discussion Forums => Fender Basses => Topic started by: Chris P. on January 10, 2013, 09:28:29 AM
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Fender will release two new basses in the Pawnshop Series.
First is a Bass VI in CAR with two single coils and a Jazzmaster pickup.
Second is a white Mustang with blue competition stripes and a Wide Range Humbucker. I'm in love.
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I am actually somewhat curious about the mustang.
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They're really grasping at straws, aren't they?
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Interesting. I came THIS close to buying a Squier Mustang last week, but it got away. Reports on the Mustangs are pretty good.
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The Mustang with the competition strips and the Humbucker looks wicked cool. I'll buy one just because.
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(http://assets.fender.com/frl/805fa9cdfb5e3c4e9e83dd4b33a41c92/generated/86ceb3c861ac3d7b0737b2ccde488ca3.png)
(http://assets.fender.com/frl/fb7693d252062dfd99331e268b445382/generated/86ceb3c861ac3d7b0737b2ccde488ca3.png)
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I've always liked the competition Mustangs, too bad they couldn't just reissue that instead of this goofy Pawnshop series.
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someone please explain to me this pawn shop series thing? are they squierish?
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I'll take a Bass VI please, hold the onions.
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someone please explain to me this pawn shop series thing? are they squierish?
The prices look Mexican or Japanese to me.
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someone please explain to me this pawn shop series thing? are they squierish?
The idea is that they're basses and guitars that Fender never made but somebody somewhere probably modified theirs like them and they wound up as pawnshop specials worth little. So Fender makes them for you! Just like they relic guitars for you. Very authentic. ;)
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The shoddy story is not so important. Fender is offering more pickup options on all their models. That's not a bad thing, unless you are a purist.
The Mustang with the Tele Mk II pickup looks nice. I have always thought that the little Mustang pickup looked a little unmanly. Now there's a shiny piece of chrome there to go with the large bridge plate and control plate, the sparkly CAR finish and the racing stripe.
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I agree, the concept is a bit goofy, but these two latest offerings are nice IMHO and much better ideas than the first 3 offerings. I definitely will pick up the Bass VI, something I've wanted for years. I'm going to make my own someday and having one to work off of would be cool too. As for the Mustang, I think it has possibilities too! if you don't like the pup, you can do a new guard and put in anything you want! Not a bad deal, really.
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Before the end of the week, I will have one of these in my hot little hands!
Should make an interesting companion to my black Bronco with the Gretsch 2202 pickup. These basses balance great and play nicely.
(http://assets.fender.com/frl/61ca434e667206f482b4baa368e54acc/generated/86ceb3c861ac3d7b0737b2ccde488ca3.png)
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Before the end of the week, I will have one of these in my hot little hands!
Should make an interesting companion to my black Bronco with the Gretsch 2202 pickup. These basses balance great and play nicely.
(http://assets.fender.com/frl/61ca434e667206f482b4baa368e54acc/generated/86ceb3c861ac3d7b0737b2ccde488ca3.png)
You got the Squier?
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You got the Squier?
Yup. Had a chance to grab the Squier version with humbucker - the bass is supposed to be like-new, and I picked it up for under $200. To me that's worth a try. If I don't like it, I can turn it and break even.
My experience with the Squier line is that I find them equivalent to the MIM J-bass I have; very playable, nice sounding, solid value.
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They're not badly done or anything like that, and I'm no purist when it comes to Mustangs. I just think the concept of the series is ridiculous.
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They're not badly done or anything like that, and I'm no purist when it comes to Mustangs. I just think the concept of the series is ridiculous.
It does seem odd to me that Fender is making two series - one "Fender", one "Squier" and presenting nearly identical products at two very different price points.
Maybe that's why GM makes Chevrolet and Cadillac.
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... and BMW makes Mini's and Roller's... ;D
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I just think the concept of the series is ridiculous.
Which series? The Squier VM series??
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Which series? The Squier VM series??
No, the Pawnshop series. The idea of a series based on real or imaginary modifications people have done that would have reduced the value of their guitars so much that you might find them in a pawn shop.
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No, the Pawnshop series. The idea of a series based on real or imaginary modifications people have done that would have reduced the value of their guitars so much that you might find them in a pawn shop.
I agree with Dave about the Pawnshop Series. Really dumb-headed if you ask me. Why not just come out with more authentic repros and not have them done in the Custom Shop for scads of dollars? If they made an accurate Bass VI in Japan and asked $1200 or less street price, I'd buy one in a heartbeat. Same with a competition stripped Mustang. The Pawn Shop thing is just plain dopey. I wonder what the Fender nerds in the FDP think of these anomalies?
Anyway, I did put my order in for the Bass VI. Aside from the bridge pickup, it's pretty close to the original. Enough for me at this price point!
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Sounds intriguing, Bill. Let us know what it's like when it comes in.
I agree about the Pawn Shop series to me it's one of those "what were they THINKING?" ideas.
By the reports I've read those are good instruments, so my question is why they didn't just build them right and keep the finishes nice...?
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Will do Al. Let us know how you like the Squire Stang.
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Got a call today. My Bass VI, CAR finish, will be in soon! Wow, it seems only the sunbursts will be a couple months. CAR and black are ready for shipment. I was thinking a sunburst, but I'll take a CAR if I can get it in a week or so. CAR is my weakness! ;D
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Got a call today. My Bass VI, CAR finish, will be in soon! Wow, it seems only the sunbursts will be a couple months. CAR and black are ready for shipment. I was thinking a sunburst, but I'll take a CAR if I can get it in a week or so. CAR is my weakness! ;D
Gee, try not to suffer too much settling for CAR. :sad: Buck up!! ;) ;D
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Gee, try not to suffer too much settling for CAR. :sad: Buck up!! ;) ;D
I know, it's such a cross to bear!!! But I have big shoulders! 8)
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They're not badly done or anything like that, and I'm no purist when it comes to Mustangs. I just think the concept of the series is ridiculous.
Fender seems to have quite the hard-on for making nice new instruments and then ruining their finish. I'd rather they save cost the labor on 'relic-ing' and charge less. I've NEVER met a single musician who wanted a new bass that looked old, so I'm halfway convinced these are being marketed as wall decorations and first-instruments for aging Gen-Xer's with disposable income. Let the guitar players worry about being fashionable; just give me an instrument that sounds good and plays well.
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exactly
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I agree with all of the above, however, in this instance (and this one only), I am craving a Fender-made Bass VI. So, this one will suffice for now. I also noticed that the Bass VI does not appear to be a reliced instrument. No mention of that on the Fender web site. Overall, this looks like a decent execution of the idea without going overboard with the Pawnshop treatment.
We'll see after I get my paws on it! I'm also looking forward to the Mustang version as well. I've often thought about doing the same thing myself to Mustang. Should be interesting!
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Fender seems to have quite the hard-on for making nice new instruments and then ruining their finish. I'd rather they save cost the labor on 'relic-ing' and charge less. I've NEVER met a single musician who wanted a new bass that looked old, so I'm halfway convinced these are being marketed as wall decorations and first-instruments for aging Gen-Xer's with disposable income. Let the guitar players worry about being fashionable; just give me an instrument that sounds good and plays well.
I agree with this, except I suspect the target market is 18 year olds who lack the patience to buy an instrument and wear it in. I think they're trying to buy whatever "mojo" is and they're poseurs. Some of these kids are really good players, but I don't like fake wear and I don't agree that buying a reliced instrument adds cool. YMMV.
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Yeah, I tried one reliced Fender bass and it was OK. I have to say, it sounded really good, but the finish was a bit silly IMHO. I jut figured one J bass was enough for this guy!
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http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_embedded&v=jqnCNwcvYSs
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I always figure the "reliced" ones were the ones where they accidentally buffed through the finish, rather than shooting on another coat and trying again, they called it "reliced".
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http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_embedded&v=jqnCNwcvYSs
Am I mistaken or is that a baritone tuning? (I have little knowledge of that...)
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I can't tell what the tuning is, but mine will be E to E using LaBella Bass VI flats. Sounds great in the video!
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Damnit damnit damnit. I wasn't the slightest bit interested till I saw the video.
I can't tell what the tuning is, but mine will be E to E using LaBella Bass VI flats. Sounds great in the video!
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The Mustang demo isn't helping either. I can't figure out how to post the actual video but here's the link.
http://youtu.be/jpbmoi-BUKs (http://youtu.be/jpbmoi-BUKs)
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Damnit damnit damnit. I wasn't the slightest bit interested till I saw the video.
I have always been intrigued by the VI. Even if I didn't use it a lot, I love the sound of them and the six strings are cool!
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I've always loved them. I've owned four but never a Fender. I had a Jerry Jones, Burns Barracuda, Eastwood Sidejack VI and now a Lakland. The Lakland is amazing but pricey. But it's still cheaper than a new Fender CS Vi. Fender Japan is making an accurate Fender VI I think they're around $1100-$1200. I don't know what the pawn shop model is retailing at but I'd hope it is cheaper than that.
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where is the bass in bass 6 ?
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... I also noticed that the Bass VI does not appear to be a reliced instrument. No mention of that on the Fender web site. ...
AFAIK none of the Pawn Shop instruments are reliced. Haven't seen one in person, though. You'll find out soon enough.
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where is the bass in bass 6 ?
It's in the string gauges. The low E, for instance, is typically 83 to 90. Depending on brand.
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AFAIK none of the Pawn Shop instruments are reliced. Haven't seen one in person, though. You'll find out soon enough.
I agree. I saw a couple of the first PawnShop basses at the HOG and they weren't reliced. The web site pics don't show relicing either.
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where is the bass in bass 6 ?
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CKDuevCr90Q
Roy Babbington uses a Bass VI in a purely "bass" role. Isn't the first Cream album also Bass VI? Imagine if Jack Bruce had stuck with that - the Last Bass Outpost might not exist! :o ;)
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Yep, the Beatles, too!
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i saw that version of soft machine. don't remember much about it, however. :sad:
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Mustang in Da House....
Weight and other characteristics are a pretty good match to the Bronco...which would only be surprising if it were not true. The bridge is string-through, and the action came set very nicely. Looks like the previous owner gave it a good setup. Balance is excellent.
I like the metalflake a lot! The racing stripe is inside the clear finish. The fret ends are a bit sharp, but picky picky, and a file will cure that.
The Bronco's Gretsch 2202 pickup is hotter then the Fender humbucker, but both sound good. The rounds on the Mustang make it much, much brighter than the Labellas on the Bronco. Heck, when I pull a finger even slightly sideways I can even hear a "ping" when I lift a finger off the roundwound strings and the flesh pulls free of the windings. That's one reason this Mustang will probably be growing flats very quickly. I'll need to find a non-Labella set for this 30" bass. I'll measure when I get home, but either a 32" or 34" set will surely fit this string-through setup.
Pickshoors....
(http://i83.photobucket.com/albums/j306/apowell1/Electric%20Basses/Squier%20Mikey%20Way%20Bass/20130118_122940.jpg)
(http://i83.photobucket.com/albums/j306/apowell1/Electric%20Basses/Squier%20Mikey%20Way%20Bass/20130118_122951.jpg)
(http://i83.photobucket.com/albums/j306/apowell1/Electric%20Basses/Squier%20Mikey%20Way%20Bass/20130118_123007.jpg)
(http://i83.photobucket.com/albums/j306/apowell1/Electric%20Basses/Squier%20Mikey%20Way%20Bass/20130118_123114.jpg)
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Roy Babbington uses a Bass VI in a purely "bass" role. Isn't the first Cream album also Bass VI? Imagine if Jack Bruce had stuck with that - the Last Bass Outpost might not exist! :o ;)
Fresh Cream and part of Disraeli Gears was recorded with the Bass VI.
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I've got one of those mustangs set up with flats, and its ended up super thumpy. Plays great, and get lots of compliments whenever I gig with it!
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Nice Al, it looks really cool!
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I tried out the Mikey Way bass this weekend and it sounds good. I left the rounds on it for now, and playing in the mix covers the finger noises that I make while shifting positions.
The bass does balance well, and it plays very nicely. I can't say it's doing much that my Bronco won't do, and the Bronco pickup is hotter. But I REALLY like the silver metalflake finish and the black color-coordinated headstock. The action is somewhat lower than the Bronco as well.
This may turn out to be a short-time toy, but in the meantime I'm going to enjoy it.
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The Mikey Way looks real good IRL!
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I can't wait to get my hands on the Bass VI. If I like it, I might even go for one of the Music Zoo ones later on.
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Got the call. The CAR Bass VI is in! I'll be picking her up tomorrow.
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My local GC had a sunburst Mustang Bass in. Looked pretty nice but not $799 nice! :o
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My local GC had a sunburst Mustang Bass in. Looked pretty nice but not $799 nice! :o
New MIJ?
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I believe the new ones are MIM.
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That price isn't too bad IMHO. Online sellers might be less. The MIJ ones were more, I think.
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Damnit damnit damnit. I wasn't the slightest bit interested till I saw the video.
+1. need to resist. I am unemployed!!
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The Mustang demo isn't helping either. I can't figure out how to post the actual video but here's the link.
http://youtu.be/jpbmoi-BUKs (http://youtu.be/jpbmoi-BUKs)
fender mudbuckers in the sweet spot sound pretty good. In the neck position just no clarity at all.
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After hearing the clip, I might have to snag one of those Mustangs too!
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comes down to the price
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Got the Bass VI and it is terrific! The 5-way switch is really bitchin'. So many different tones that you can get out of it. The round wound strings are really nice too, might leave them on for awhile rather than switch to flats. The neck is a breeze to play, a little fat front to back, but very comfortable. Typical excellent poly finish. The strings are pretty close together, so this bass will get a lot "pick" playing time as your reporter has fat fingers!
The tone of the neck and mid pups together is excellent, very bassy and it has much more low end than I imagined it would. You can get some nice low end growl out of the pups and rounds together. The bridge pup is nice and nasal if that's your style. BTW, it is MIM and well done. Comes with a Fender gig bag. I was surprised by that.
Well, gotta get back to playing her. For the money, a vintage Bass VI just may not be worth the money unless you're an investor.
(http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y16/drbassman/Basses/DSCN0922_01.jpg)
(http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y16/drbassman/Basses/DSCN0923.jpg)
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Got out theLaBella flats and tried the low E string and the often dreaded 30" scale lifeless thud reared its ugly head. The .90 gauge string just doesn't sound good at all. So, the round wound LaBella is going back on. It sounds great, with lots of ring and bassiness. Just for grins, I'm gonna try a set of the LaBella rounds with the gauges starting at .95 for the low E. that is pretty beefy. In fact I probably have one that size in my string box of leftovers that I might try. More reports later.
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Got out theLaBella flats and tried the low E string and the often dreaded 30" scale lifeless thud reared its ugly head. The .90 gauge string just doesn't sound good at all. So, the round wound LaBella is going back on. It sounds great, with lots of ring and bassiness. Just for grins, I'm gonna try a set of the LaBella rounds with the gauges starting at .95 for the low E. that is pretty beefy. In fact I probably have one that size in my string box of leftovers that I might try. More reports later.
I have .95-.25s on my VI. They make a HUGE difference in terms of "baseiness".
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Got out theLaBella flats and tried the low E string and the often dreaded 30" scale lifeless thud reared its ugly head. The .90 gauge string just doesn't sound good at all. So, the round wound LaBella is going back on. It sounds great, with lots of ring and bassiness. Just for grins, I'm gonna try a set of the LaBella rounds with the gauges starting at .95 for the low E. that is pretty beefy. In fact I probably have one that size in my string box of leftovers that I might try. More reports later.
NICE looking bass, Bill! I agree, if the flats aren't doing it, put the rounds back on and enjoy them. If you leave them on for a while they'll calm down a bit and you'll probably end up with a responsive and full sound that isn't quite so bright. That may be a very nice middle ground.
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I have gas...
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I have .95-.25s on my VI. They make a HUGE difference in terms of "baseiness".
I'm on it!
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NICE looking bass, Bill! I agree, if the flats aren't doing it, put the rounds back on and enjoy them. If you leave them on for a while they'll calm down a bit and you'll probably end up with a responsive and full sound that isn't quite so bright. That may be a very nice middle ground.
Right Al. I am gonna up the rounds to the bigger LaBella set, should really sound huge as Salty said. She's a beauty. My wife liked it too and gave me the green light to buy a vintage Bass VI if I can get a good deal on one sometime. Man, she is unbelievable!
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I have gas...
You know the cure for that!
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(https://healthy.kaiserpermanente.org/static/drugency/images/CHA00190.JPG)
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Then there's $$$$$ also. They relieve a lot of gas too!
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Lots of dollar signs usually scares the ... ah... family show...
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Lots of dollar signs usually scares the ... ah... family show...
:vader:
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I played the VI at practice tonight and it rocked! I haven't used a pick since 1975! The guys got a charge out of how it sounded. It really doesn't resemble a baritone with the heavy gauge strings it sports. It really sounds like a short scale bass. It was easy to play and the pick adds a new dimension. Now I can experiment with the extra strings!
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I played the VI at practice tonight and it rocked! I haven't used a pick since 1975! The guys got a charge out of how it sounded. It really doesn't resemble a baritone with the heavy gauge strings it sports. It really sounds like a short scale bass. It was easy to play and the pick adds a new dimension. Now I can experiment with the extra strings!
Good to hear! I still haven't played my VI reissue in a band context - keep meaning to with my new group...
Have you tried playing it with your fingers? It is possible, just takes some adjustment.
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Good to hear! I still haven't played my VI reissue in a band context - keep meaning to with my new group...
Have you tried playing it with your fingers? It is possible, just takes some adjustment.
I have tried playing it with my fingers and it wasn't too hard to adjust to the closer string spacing. I wanted the pick just to see how much more edge I could achieve with my sound and it made a big difference. Unless I dial up the highs on my amp's EQ, finger picking is always a bit softer and less aggressive sounding. To be honest, the size and feel of the VI is wonderful and I could easily get hooked on playing it a lot because of its ease and sound. I will finger pick it some too. Just gotta practice on it some to get used to the spacing.
I did notice one issue with it last night. The G-string is quite weak, even when played with a pick. The other 5 rang out just fine, but I was disappointed with the G. Maybe that will improve when I move up to the heavier LaBella set when it arrives. In the meantime, I'm going to raise the pickups on the treble side a little closer to see if that helps. I had already raised the neck and mid pups to improve the output. The action needs some more adjusting too. It's a work in progress. But, for the money, it's a great little bass!
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You know if you are really GASING for a VI you really owe it to yourself to at least check out the newest Schecter Hellcat VI. This revised model has 3 genuine Seymour Duncan SJAG-1s pups instead of the Duncan-Designed mini-hums on the initial version (they were pretty poor imo.) Fit and Finish as well as the choice of components is top-notch. Separate On/Off switches for each pup. And the sound is fantastic! Importantly, this 30" scale Schecter comes set-up for .095>.025 strings. And the great news is specially manufactured LaBella strings are available for $6.95 (stainless or nickle rounds) and $13.70 for stainless flats - and they are excellent and readily available! http://elderly.com/search/elderly?terms=hellcat+VI+strings&x=8&y=10 No, these strings do not fit the Pawn Shop VI. One major difference vs. Fender is no tremolo BUT most people don't use them much if at all anyway. And the hardtail really holds a tuning and intonation much better. Unfortunately, the bottom line is we/you are paying a large premium for a Fender decal and headstock these days on many axes. Price? Typically $749 vs. $799 for the Pawn Shop VI (prices can be less if you follow specials and coupons of online retailers).
Schecter Hellcat VI site: http://www.schecterguitars.com/Products/Guitar/Hellcat-VI.aspx#
Available in Burst (Rosewood fretboard) or Black (maple fretboard)
(http://www.schecterguitars.com/Telerik.Web.UI.WebResource.axd?imgid=1e06272460c742fc8fac61097f246945&type=rbi)
(http://www.schecterguitars.com/Products/Telerik.Web.UI.WebResource.axd?imgid=ee5695620f644dd6b8375fc47f4c7fe8&type=rbi)
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Good points about the Hellcat. It is a nice looking bass for the money. I also liked the look of the Ultra VI. Really cool concept. Again, the only thing missing is a white one!
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Did someone mention "Hellcat"...? ;D
(welcome)
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I changed out the DA strings for LaBella Bass VI rounds. I think the G string is brighter. We'll see at the next practice. Meanwhile, it's a fun bass to play!
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I'd wanted one for years but it took me to 1990 before I got my first 6-string bass. I find they're great for songwriting; in addition to bass parts you can work out guitar chords too.
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I'd wanted one for years but it took me to 1990 before I got my first 6-string bass. I find they're great for songwriting; in addition to bass parts you can work out guitar chords too.
I am just learning to experiment with it. A lot of fun to play chords and little triads and such.
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New white/tort Fender Japan VI on ebay.
http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=170989356292&ssPageName=ADME:B:SS:US:1123
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Since I can't control myself, I am thinking about installing hotter pups in the center and neck positions. I'm looking around at the options.
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I know the SD Jaguar pick ups are highly regarded for VIs. I believe that's what's in the newest version of the Hellcat.
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Since I can't control myself, I am thinking about installing hotter pups in the center and neck positions. I'm looking around at the options.
The word "incorrigible" comes to mind.
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I know the SD Jaguar pick ups are highly regarded for VIs. I believe that's what's in the newest version of the Hellcat.
Yeah, I'm checking those out. Thanks!
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The word "incorrigible" comes to mind.
Me? Not me! 8)
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I know the SD Jaguar pick ups are highly regarded for VIs. I believe that's what's in the newest version of the Hellcat.
http://www.seymourduncan.com/products/electric/specialized/jaguar/sjag1_vintage_f/
The Hellcat does use the SJAG-1, according to Schecter's website.
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Me? Not me! 8)
As the kids say, denial is not a river in Egypt. ;)
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Ok, guilty! Bumping up the pups could be fun though!