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Average Price: $450
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$400
$1001+
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Description
Meet the Squier Vintage Modified Bass VI - your gateway to an unforgettable sonic experience. This short-scale marvel is your ticket to a world of rich, throaty tones, effortlessly bridging the gap between the resonance of bass and the articulate pitch of baritone guitars. Inspired by a classic Fender design, it's a nod to the timeless sound of legendary bands such as The Beatles and Cream. With three single-coil pickups, mute switches and a master bass cut, it's not just about recreating vintage tones, it's about giving the modern player a palette of unique, flexible voices.
Key Features:
- Squier Vintage Modified Bass VI - a perfect blend of old-school cool and modern versatility
- Short-scale design - offers a unique playability and tonal range
- Three single-coil pickups with mute switches - provides a variety of tonal possibilities
- Master bass cut - allows for precise control of your low-end frequencies
- Inspired by a classic Fender design - loved by legendary bands such as The Beatles and Cream
Product specs
| Brand | Squier |
| Model | Vintage Modified Bass VI |
| Finish | 3-Color Sunburst, Black, Olympic White |
| Year | 2014 - 2018 |
| Made In | China, Indonesia |
| Categories | 5- and 6-String Basses |
| Active / Passive Pickups | Passive Pickups |
| Active Preamp | No Preamp |
| Body Material | Basswood |
| Body Shape | Double Cutaway |
| Color Family | Black, Brown, White |
| Finish Pattern | Sunburst |
| Finish Style | Gloss |
| Fretboard Material | Rosewood |
| Model Family | Squier Bass VI |
| Neck Material | Maple |
| Number of Frets | 21 |
| Number of Strings | 6-String |
| Offset Body | Non-Offset Body |
| Pickup Configuration | SSS |
| Right / Left Handed | Right Handed |
| Series | Squier Vintage Modified |
| Wood Top Style | Opaque, Plain |
FAQs
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What is the scale length of the Squier Bass VI Vintage Modified, and how does it affect playability?
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The Squier Bass VI Vintage Modified has a 30” scale length, which is shorter than most standard bass guitars. This scale length, combined with its tuning an octave below a standard guitar, offers a unique playing experience suitable for both bass and guitar players.
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What type of pickups does the Squier Bass VI Vintage Modified have, and what tones can I expect?
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The Squier Bass VI Vintage Modified features three custom single-coil Jaguar pickups with a reverse-wound/reverse-polarity middle pickup for hum cancellation. This configuration provides a bright, clear tone with the ability to switch between pickups for versatile sound options.
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Is the Squier Bass VI Vintage Modified suitable for beginners?
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Yes, the Squier Bass VI Vintage Modified is suitable for beginners due to its shorter scale length and comfortable "C"-shaped neck profile, making it easier to play than some traditional basses.
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How does the "strangle" switch on the Squier Bass VI Vintage Modified work?
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The "strangle" switch on the Squier Bass VI Vintage Modified is a bass-cut slide switch that reduces the low-end frequencies, allowing for a thinner, more treble-focused tone ideal for cutting through a mix.
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What materials are used in the construction of the Squier Bass VI Vintage Modified?
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The Squier Bass VI Vintage Modified features a basswood body, a maple neck with a "C"-shaped profile, and a 21-fret Indian Laurel fingerboard with white pearloid block inlays, providing a blend of durability and playability.
Videos
Guitar Center
Squier Vintage Modified Bass VI | Demo and Overview
Reviews
PROS
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Versatile tuning: Standard guitar tuning, octave lower, offering both bass and guitar capabilities
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Multitude of tones: Three Alnico V Jaguar pickups provide a wide range of sonic possibilities
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Comfortable neck: Narrow and smooth neck makes fingerpicking natural and playing enjoyable
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Inspires creativity: Unique hybrid design encourages exploration and creative play
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Affordable alternative: Offers significant value compared to more expensive Fender models
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Lightweight and portable: Convenient size and weight for gigs and travel
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Smooth neck action: Fast and comfortable, especially above the body fret
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Aesthetic appeal: Classic design and pearl block inlays enhance visual appeal
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Tremolo bar included: Adds expressive potential for both bass and guitar roles
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Ideal for studio use: Versatile sound makes it a valuable studio tool
CONS
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Requires setup: Not playable out of the box without adjustments and modifications
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Bridge and tailpiece issues: Stock setup leads to poor string tension and playability
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String gauge concerns: Stock strings are too light, affecting performance and sound quality
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Muddy low-end: Lower strings can sound unclear without proper setup and string change
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Inconvenient electronics: Phase switching seen as unnecessary and impractical by some users
Owner Insights
We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about Squier Bass VI Vintage Modified.
Setup and maintenance
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A forward-leaning bridge position is recommended for stability and to prevent intonation screws from hitting strings.
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The bridge setup is critical; heavier strings like a .095" or .100" low E are often needed over the stock .084".
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Neck shimming may be needed to reduce action height of the low E string, preventing buzz and clankiness.
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Mods and upgrades
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Switching to La Bella roundwound strings with tighter windings enhances playability and provides a smoother feel.
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Brass saddles add sustain and a slightly mellower tone; they require fiddly adjustments for precise setup.
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Gotoh staggered tuners improve tuning stability, addressing the stock tuners' inadequacy.
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Features and functionality
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The vibrato is functional but can click if pushed too far, similar to VM Jaguar/Jazzmaster models.
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The strangle switch offers unique spaghetti western sounds, adding versatility to the instrument.
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The stock pickups produce a warm, gnarly tone with a cool growl, especially notable with roundwound strings and a late '60s Bassman amp.
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The strangle switch effectively tightens boominess in the low end, useful for balancing tone.
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Build quality
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Watch for neck angles to ensure strings don't slip off the fretboard edge, a common issue with offsets.
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Critic Reviews
4.0 out of 5
Based on 14 Reviews and 58 Ratings
161
secret weapon
I used this thing on just about every song on the new Foxes Have Holes album. I doubled the thunderbird a few times, it is the bass guitar on Jolly Green Planet Earth, and it's the over the top fuzzy baritone sound on 11:38
120
great sounding guitar!
f both surf music, and 80's goth music (especially The Cure) I just had to have this when they re-issued it. I put tapewounds on it (La Bella) because I wanted to bring the brightness down a little
819
I beg to differ
Robert Smith never used Squiers, there were no Squier VIs back then... he used the original Fender VIs, he has a lot of them, maybe 6 or so. Nowadays he's using the Ultracure VI, which is a recreation of the Fender VI from Schecter (it's the one on the profile picture).
Artist usage
Add artist
"Chappers & the Captain go 60s tastic with the re-issued Bass VI guitars from Fender & Squier."
Rob can be seen playing this bass at :56s in this #product-demo.
Cole can be seen standing beside a Squier Bass VI whilst recording 'Deceiver'
Matt Freeman, the bassist for Rancid, is confirmed to own a Squier Bass VI Vintage Modified, as evidenced by the serial number ICS13186870. This information is supported by a listing on Reverb titled "Squier Bass VI Owned by Matt Freeman Of Rancid."
Sergio confirms via this post on Reverb that he used a Squier Bass VI. The serial number of the Bass VI (ICS16057191) confirms that it is indeed a Squier Vintage Modified Bass VI made in 05/16. Per the description in the post:
"Used live to play songs off of gore and interiors (Deftones/Quicksand)" - Sergio
There are several videos of Debbie playing the Squier Bass vi as part of the Thurston Moore Band in the late twenty teens. Definitely a Squier not Fender.
In an Instagram post, Sarah Lipstate shares a photo celebrating her birthday with the Squier Bass VI Vintage Modified, highlighting its impressive sound when paired with the Dr. No Effects Octavia pedal.
In his 41st "Sketch", Andy performs a short song using a six string Squier bass.
Album Usage
The Squier Bass VI Vintage Modified has been featured on the following albums:
Genre Usage
Based on how artists on Equipboard use this gear, it is most commonly found in the following genres.
Used With
Based on how musicians on Equipboard use Squier Bass VI Vintage Modified, it is most commonly used with the following gear.
Community setups
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