Fender Bass VI 1961

The Fender Bass VI, introduced in 1961, was a groundbreaking instrument that bridged the gap between the bass and guitar worlds. With its extended scale length and six-string configuration, it provided bassists and guitarists alike with a unique tonal palette. While it shares visual similarities with the Jazzmaster and Jaguar, the Bass VI features a 30″ scale length, allowing for deep bass tones while maintaining playability very similar to a guitar.

This particular Bass VI is an early 1961 example, with both the neck and body dated October and the pots dated week 33, 1961. It has been professionally refinished in Olympic White, a classic Fender custom color. The headstock has some overspray, but the correct early-style logo remains intact. It has been refretted and tuners have been changed. The tremolo arm is missing, and it does not include a case. Weight is 3880g.

This early Bass VI still has the Strat-style pickups, unlike later models which had more Jaguar-style pickups. With the refret, it plays absolutely wonderfully and very similarly to any other 60’s Fender, and is above all else simply fantastic fun. A great example of early 60’s Fender innovation in electric stringed instruments.

SPECIFICATIONS

Body: Alder
Neck: Maple, bolt-on construction
Fretboard: Rosewood with clay dot inlays
Scale Length: 30″
Frets: 21 (refretted on this example)
Pickups: Three Fender single-coils (early Stratocaster-like design)
Controls: Individual pickup on/off switches, master volume, master tone, “strangle” bass-cut switch
Bridge: Floating bridge with individual saddles
Tremolo: Jazzmaster-style floating tremolo (missing arm on this example)
Tuners: Replaced but matching original design and style
Finish: Olympic White (refinished)
Weight: 3880g
Case: Not included