six string bass guitar

[Deleted]

After I watched the Jet Harris documentary I decided to get hold of a six string bass. Budget was my only way so, I got myself the Squire Vintage Modified bass v1. I am using my Behringer v-amp 3 and, so far, it doesn't seem to be a bad guitar. The extended range is very useful but, chords are a little strange sounding, the closer you get to the nut. Other than that, the neck feels great, not too thick and, very comfortable. I am no bass player so, any tips from more experienced players would be gratefully accepted.


Regards
Roger

[salvo]

Hi Roger

about the chords, I think is normal...the bass VI is not exactly for strumming or chords, although is not forbidden
...I think this guitar is not born for strumming,but for bass parts and melodies, a la Jet

I've never seen Jet played chords with Fender Bass VI, and also Duane Eddy with Danelectro U2 baritone guitar...only melody playing

is possible to play the Bass VI also with an amp for guitar...it will be perfect a Fender bassman...anyway is not necessary a bass amp.
for a tipical Jet sound, is necessary the echo, of course....and playing with plectrum...no finger like in the bass.


about strings,etc...I posted a thread last year, with a few suggestions about the gauge,brands,etc...

if you like to see, here's the link:
soundandtechnical.proboards.com/thread/2373/bass-vi-strings

I hope is useful

Best Wishes
Sal

[Deleted]

has a bass player I have never seen the need to use more than 4 strings as you can play all the notes on them , and I don't play chords I leave that to the other instruments, when you start to get too technical with the bass ,it stops becoming what it was designed for, Fill and body , you are supposed to feel the bass not hear it ,

[Viv]

Jan 7, 2015 22:55:02 GMT @davedroug said:

As a bass player I have never seen the need to use more than 4 strings as you can play all the notes on them , and I don't play chords I leave that to the other instruments, when you start to get too technical with the bass ,it stops becoming what it was designed for, Fill and body , you are supposed to feel the bass not hear it ,

Everything you say I agree with Dave,

To add further, the bass guitar originally replaced the "double bass" which was obviously a nightmare for groups who travelled. That was it's role and that's the way it should stay.

As a former bass player as well I wondered what was going on when the first 5 string and then 6 string came along. All I could ask is why?  Was it some sort of marketing ploy?

Same goes for normal guitar. 6 strings is enough for me.

[salvo]

Hello

I think also that a bass with 4 strings is enough, but maybe there is a little confusion about the Fender Bass VI
it is not a bass, is not a baritone guitar...is a only a guitar with 30" scale neck, tuned like a guitar one octave below and played like a guitar.

the original idea was not to replace the bass, although The Beatles(Harrison & Lennon)used Fender Bass VI on a few recordings as a bass...but
it's just to play melodic lines and obtain a more deep twang sound.

some interesting informations on Wikipedia:
en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Fender_Bass_VI

Best Regards
Sal

[Deleted]

Hi Sal, Viv. I know you are right about the purpose of the bass but, I wanted to try something Jet(ish). I have tried bass before but, even with four strings I tend to stray towards melody or close to the melody. I have difficulty sometimes, to hear notes in the lower register so, I am finding ways to get the most out of the instrument. Whatever I achieve will probably be nothing outstanding but, the joy of the whole thing is having the instrument in my hands and, seeing what comes out. I will never be a Jet but, maybe I can achieve a short flight in a glider .
Thanks guys

R ger

[Viv]

Jan 8, 2015 7:39:27 GMT gpicker said:

Hi Sal, Viv. I know you are right about the purpose of the bass but, I wanted to try something Jet(ish). I have tried bass before but, even with four strings I tend to stray towards melody or close to the melody. I have difficulty sometimes, to hear notes in the lower register so, I am finding ways to get the most out of the instrument. Whatever I achieve will probably be nothing outstanding but, the joy of the whole thing is having the instrument in my hands and, seeing what comes out. I will never be a Jet but, maybe I can achieve a short flight in a glider .
Thanks guys

R ger

Hi Roger,

I wasn't condemning you but just putting forward my view which is possibly a bit traditional.  Given that you're not originally a bass player you are fully entitled to try new things.

As Sal said, it's a bit like a baritone guitar in some ways.  Also the fret spacing does wonders for stretching exercises.  I often play my bass for that purpose.

I was shot down in flames on another forum because I fitted my 6 and 12 string acoustic guitars with Zero Frets.  At least 30 postings followed telling me I was a nutter.

Anyway, Chet Atkins insisted that his Gretsch guitar was factory fitted with a Zero Fret so what's the problem?

Give it you're best shot and let us know how you get on.

Viv

[salvo]

Hi Viv

I'm a big fan of zero fret...as in early Eko italian guitars

Ciao
Sal

[Viv]

Jan 8, 2015 8:15:33 GMT salvo said:

Hi Viv

I'm a big fan of zero fret...as in early Eko italian guitars

Ciao
Sal

Hi Sal,

Soon my Stratocaster will have a Zero Fret.  That will put it into a different league.

Cheers

Viv

[Deleted]

I didn't think for one second, you were condemning me Viv. My pal in the States is a bass player and, when he comes over we always have a jam on guitars. If I start on my old Hofner bass, he keeps telling me I am playing too many notes and, should simplify what I do. I am finding the spacing very useful for stretching my fingers. Of course, the fact that the tuning is exactly the same as a six string gutar(an octave lower) means I dont have to learn new chords(I can be lazy).
I am also a big believer in the zero fret.


Salvo, I have had a few Eko guitars in my collection from time to time. The one I miss most is the Eko E20 acoustic I had in the Seventies. The neck was so comfortable and the sound really nice.

R ger

[Recycled Rock Chick]

Jan 8, 2015 8:23:40 GMT gpicker said:

Salvo, I have had a few Eko guitars in my collection from time to time. The one I miss most is the Eko E20 acoustic I had in the Seventies. The neck was so comfortable and the sound really nice.

R ger

I think you really meant to say that you have had every guitar that has ever been made at one time or another, including the Eko E20 didn't you Roger

[guitarphil]

I still have an Eko Ranger 6 Acoustic (my first ever guitar!). Zero fret on that too, as has the Burns Marvin, my most recent acquisition.

It solves all the issues that can arise from badly cut nuts

Phil.

[Viv]

Jan 8, 2015 16:08:48 GMT guitarphil said:

I still have an Eko Ranger 6 Acoustic (my first ever guitar!). Zero fret on that too, as has the Burns Marvin, my most recent acquisition.

It solves all the issues that can arise from badly cut nuts

Phil.

Hi Phil,

I found that after installing the Zero Fret on my Fender acoustic 6 string the guitar came alive. It has a beautiful tone and pain free low action.

Same with the Ibanez 12 string.

Viv

[Foot Tapper]

I have a Burns Marquee with a zero fret and tonally it sounds good,different sound to the Strats but pleasing to the ear.


Pete

[Deleted]

The last thing any of us guys need is badly cut nuts. I do favour the neck with the zero fret. My Burns Marquee is the same Pete. I have a few other guitars with zero fret too.

If I had every guitar that was ever made Sandra, I would be fulfilled but, I still strive to one day, have a collection of the guitars I have always wanted(needed).

I am still looking for an Eko E20 in good nick. Found a few on Ebay but, either too dear or, in bad condition. I will keep looking.

R ger

[salvo]

Hi Roger

this is interesting...and is my town!
www.mercatinomusicale.com/mm/a_eko-e20-made-in-recanati-anni-70-ultimo-ribasso_id3330675.html

Best Wishes

Salvo

[Deleted]

Thank you Salvo. It does look in very good condition. I worked it out that the price is reasonable but the shipping cost would be on top of that. I don't speak Italian but am I right in thinking it says it is a private sale?

R ger

[Deleted]

Thank you Salvo. It does look in very good condition. I worked it out that the price is reasonable but the shipping cost would be on top of that. I don't speak Italian but am I right in thinking it says it is a private sale?

R ger

[salvo]

Hi Roger

yes...I think the cost for Great Britain is about 40 euro(see pic)

England is Zone 1 and the weight of acoustic guitar include the package is about 8/9 kilos

anyway...if one day you will decide, remember that I can help you
...I could ask a discount, I can test the guitar...I can think about the relations,etc...

you know that I'm here

Best Regards
Sal

Attachments:

[Recycled Rock Chick]

Be careful Sal as he will be inviting himself over for a few weeks holiday so that he can bring it back with him

[Deleted]

Thank you so much for your kind offer Salvo, I am very grateful. Sandra is way off the mark though. If I were to come and fetch the guitar myself, I would fly in my private jet and, stay at one of the most expensive hotels in Italy. I would of course then, send Sandra the bill .
Thank you again Slavo.

Regards
R ger.

[salvo]

Hello Roger

yeees...and I prepare Spaghetti and other good things for all
and I wiull buy many bottles of italian wine for Sandra, of course

Best Regards, Ciao
Sal


p.s.

about bass VI...this is an interesting French site with a lot of informations:
www.wikicure.com/tikiwiki/tiki-index.php?page=Bass-VI+reissues+Fender+Japan+et+US+equivalents

[twang46]

Well seeing as the 2015 "get together" is postponed it looks like there will be a small gathering at Sals place to celebrate Vodka/wine/whisky drinking with sunshine & music

June would be a good time ......................

Dick.

[audrey]

What a good idea Dick!! Please can I come and share Sandra's wine?

Good luck with your new bass VI Roger

Best wishes
Audrey

[Recycled Rock Chick]

Jan 9, 2015 7:36:12 GMT gpicker said:

Sandra is way off the mark though. If I were to come and fetch the guitar myself, I would fly in my private jet .

If you can supply the jet then I will get my licence renewed and get checked out on it so that I can fly us all over to Sals Roger

[Deleted]

Ok Sandra, thats fine. I dont have a problem with women pilots, as long as there is a man there to park it.

R ger

[Deleted]

Hi Audrey
I have had the bass about a week now. I am struggling but, I watch some of Jet's videos on Youtube, just to see how he managed to get such a great sound from his six string. Maybe one day, I will get a decent sound out of it . Thank you for the good luck wishes.

R ger

[whitefalcon]

I too bought the Squier VM six string bass, but never played it as when I play bass I prefer my Precision.
If we were to do a Jet number, I can set up the octive on my FX and get a similar effect.