The Fender Bass VI BBS

lungimsam · Joined: 27 Dec 2009 Posts: 12

I have wanted a VI for years, but they are too pricy for me (American VI). How much do the Japanese re-issues go for? I hear you can get them for less.

VI · Joined: 10 Dec 2009 Posts: 16

Ankhanu · Joined: 23 Oct 2007 Posts: 49 Location: Atlantic Canada

These days I don't see VIs going for much less than $2000 (usually closer to or over $3000) for originals, reissues, NOS or what have you.

twenex · Site Admin Joined: 01 Oct 2005 Posts: 28

VI · Joined: 10 Dec 2009 Posts: 16

Very weak and middly sounding compared to an original. I bought one when they were first released in 1995. I had to import it from Japan as they were never supposed to be sold outside of Japan.

I could never work out why it didnt sound right, I assumed it may be just me but then I read an interview with Robert Smith of The Cure, and he said exactly the same thing.

Then a few years ago a friend bought one after seeing my originals..he quickly discovered like me it didnt sound as good..but he persevered and bought some vintage 60's jaguar pickups to see if it improved things. Suprisingly it did hardly anything. He gave up and sold it on.

johngaryb · Joined: 09 Jun 2008 Posts: 51 Location: Toronto

Tim Bucknall · Joined: 14 Jun 2008 Posts: 29

do you reckon i'd ever find one for around £1000? ,
i can't really justify spending any more than that,
speaking as a bedroom musician on disability benefit who never plays live and will never be a virtuoso.

i'm considering just settling for a short scale 4

johngaryb · Joined: 09 Jun 2008 Posts: 51 Location: Toronto

Tim Bucknall · Joined: 14 Jun 2008 Posts: 29

good links many thanks