❌SOLD❌ Fender Bass VI MIJ Electric 6-String Bass Sunburst 1994

The Fender Bass VI first appeared in 1961 and managed to stay in the catalog till 1975. In 1994 and 1995, Fender Japan built a number of reissue models, including this very nice sunburst example.

Typically, instruments in this configuration have been used as Baritone guitars, but Fender chose to market this as a short scale, six string bass (with vibrato bridge) using the same type of hardware as on their new Jaguar model. It’s tuned EADGBE, down an octave from a regular six-string.

The Bass VI was never a big hit but was found on a fair number of stages and recordings, including the clip below of Cream, with Jack Bruce playing a Bass VI on ‘Strange Brew’.

The exact production date of this Bass VI is a bit uncertain, as the run lasted for about a year, starting in 1994 and ending in 1995 and intended for the Japanese market. Much of the production seems to have been during 1995, so we are using the ‘newer’ date.

This bass is in good playing order, and good, original physical condition. There is a finish chip on the treble cutaway edge and a few other small dings but overall it is pretty clean. The build quality of this entire production era was excellent, possibly exceeding the quality of US models.

Playability is good, but one must bear in mind that this is a fairly short scale bass with relatively thin strings tuned down. Rattling is likely to occur on lower frequency notes unless care is taken, and this is just due to physics. The Jazzmaster – Jaguar style bridge introduces its own issues on any instrument. The supports for this bridge design sit in ferrules so the bridge can rock. If the bridge is set to rest in the middle or rear, it is possible for the front edge of the bridge to touch the string and cause rattling. The simple solution is to push the bridge forward.

The original hard shell case is included.