The Fender Vintera II '60s Bass VI Rosewood Fingerboard Fiesta Red revives one of the most innovative instruments ever produced by Fender. Sitting somewhere between a bass guitar and a baritone guitar, the Bass VI delivers a completely unique playing experience, combining bass frequencies with familiar six-string guitar tuning. 

Originally introduced in 1961, the Bass VI became a favourite among studio musicians, producers and adventurous players looking to create sounds that standard basses and guitars simply couldn't achieve. Tuned E-to-E one octave below a regular guitar, it allows players to explore deep bass lines, atmospheric textures and chordal arrangements using familiar guitar-style fingerings. 

The Vintera II '60s Bass VI faithfully recreates the feel and tone of the original models with vintage-correct appointments including a 30" scale length, trio of vintage-style single-coil pickups, floating tremolo system and period-correct neck profile. 

Finished in classic Fiesta Red, one of Fender's most iconic custom colours, this instrument perfectly captures the look, feel and character of Fender's golden era while offering modern manufacturing consistency and reliability.

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Why Choose The Fender Vintera II '60s Bass VI Fiesta Red?

A Unique Instrument Unlike Anything Else

The Bass VI occupies a sonic space that neither a conventional bass nor a standard guitar can fully cover.

Its extended range makes it ideal for creating bass lines, melodic hooks, atmospheric textures and layered arrangements from a single instrument. 

Familiar Guitar Tuning

Unlike traditional bass guitars, the Bass VI is tuned E-A-D-G-B-E, one octave below a standard guitar.

This allows guitarists to transition quickly while unlocking entirely new tonal possibilities. 

Vintage-Style Early '60s Pickups

The trio of vintage-style Bass VI single-coils deliver everything from warm, woody bass tones to bright, articulate melodic sounds.

Combined with individual pickup switching and the famous low-cut "Strangle" switch, the tonal palette is exceptionally broad. 

Authentic Floating Tremolo System

One of the Bass VI's defining features is its vintage-style floating tremolo.

Perfect for surf-inspired vibrato, ambient textures and cinematic soundscapes, it adds another layer of creative expression unavailable on most bass instruments. 

Vintage-Correct Playability

The mid-'60s "C" neck profile, 7.25" radius rosewood fingerboard and vintage tall frets recreate the feel of classic Fender instruments while remaining comfortable for modern players. 

Iconic Fiesta Red Finish

Fiesta Red remains one of Fender's most recognisable and sought-after vintage colours.

Combined with the offset body shape and parchment appointments, it delivers unmistakable vintage Fender style.

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Why Choose A Bass VI?

The Bass VI appeals to musicians who want more than a traditional bass guitar can offer.

Benefits include:

• Familiar six-string guitar tuning

• Bass-range frequencies

• Chordal bass playing

• Baritone-style textures

• Expanded songwriting possibilities

• Unique recording applications

• Alternative and experimental sounds

Many studio musicians use a Bass VI as a creative tool for overdubs, soundtrack work and arrangements that need something beyond standard guitar and bass parts. 

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Who Is It For?

Beginners

Not typically recommended as a first instrument unless the player specifically wants the Bass VI concept and already has some guitar experience.

Intermediate Players

Perfect for guitarists or bassists looking to expand their tonal palette and explore new musical territory.

Advanced / Professional Players

An outstanding studio and performance instrument for professionals seeking sounds that stand apart from conventional guitars and basses.

Particularly Recommended For

• Studio musicians

• Alternative rock players

• Indie musicians

• Surf musicians

• Ambient players

• Film and TV composers

• Post-rock musicians

• Experimental artists

• Songwriters

• Producers

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Product Story / Background / Heritage

The original Fender Bass VI was launched in 1961 as a six-string bass designed to bridge the gap between guitar and bass.

Although initially a niche instrument, it later achieved cult status through its use in alternative rock, soundtrack work, surf music and studio production. Over the decades it has remained one of Fender's most distinctive creations. 

The Vintera II Series celebrates Fender's heritage by faithfully recreating classic instruments using vintage-correct specifications, period-inspired pickups and authentic playing feel.

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Associated Artists / Songs / Performances

While this specific Vintera II Bass VI is not a signature model, Bass VI instruments have been associated with:

• Robert Smith (The Cure)

• George Harrison

• John Lennon

• Jack Bruce

• Jet Harris

• Nigel Godrich

Bass VI-style instruments have appeared across alternative rock, surf music, soundtrack composition and countless studio recordings.

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Product Comparisons

Fender Vintera II '60s Bass VI vs Squier Classic Vibe Bass VI

The Squier offers an affordable introduction to the Bass VI concept.

The Fender Vintera II delivers more vintage-correct specifications, upgraded hardware, premium finishing and enhanced long-term durability.

Choose the Fender if authenticity and premium build quality are priorities.

Fender Vintera II '60s Bass VI vs Fender Player II Jazz Bass

The Jazz Bass is a traditional four-string bass designed primarily for bass duties.

The Bass VI offers six-string flexibility, guitar-style tuning and significantly broader creative possibilities.

Fender Vintera II '60s Bass VI vs Baritone Guitar

A baritone guitar extends the guitar range downward.

The Bass VI reaches fully into bass territory while retaining familiar six-string tuning and bass-specific capabilities.

Fender Vintera II '60s Bass VI vs Fender Jaguar Bass

The Jaguar Bass excels as a conventional bass guitar.

The Bass VI is designed for players who want to blur the boundaries between guitar and bass.

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Bass VI vs Standard Bass: Which Is Right For You?

A common question is whether a Bass VI can replace a traditional bass.

Choose a Bass VI if you want:

• Guitar-style playability

• Chordal bass arrangements

• Recording flexibility

• Alternative tunings and textures

• Creative songwriting tools

Choose a standard bass if you need:

• Traditional bass techniques

• Wider string spacing

• Conventional band bass duties

• Familiar bass ergonomics

Many musicians own both because they serve very different creative purposes.

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Looking For Advice?

Looking for advice on choosing the right bass guitar, Bass VI, baritone instrument or recording setup? Our experienced team of musicians can help by phone, online or in-store.

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Technical Specifications

Specification	Details
Product Name	Fender Vintera II '60s Bass VI
Product Code	0149240340
Series	Vintera II
Type	Six-String Bass Guitar
Body Material	Alder
Body Shape	Bass VI
Finish	Gloss Polyurethane
Colour	Fiesta Red
Neck Material	Maple
Neck Profile	Mid-'60s "C"
Fingerboard	Slab Rosewood
Fingerboard Radius	7.25"
Scale Length	30" (762mm)
Frets	21 Vintage Tall
Nut Width	42mm (1.650")
Nut Material	Synthetic Bone
Pickups	3 x Vintage-Style Early-'60s Bass VI Single-Coils
Controls	Master Volume, Master Tone
Switching	3 Pickup On/Off Switches, 1 Low Cut (Strangle) Switch
Bridge	6-Saddle Vintage-Style Adjustable Bridge
Tremolo	Vintage-Style Floating Tremolo with Lock Button
Tuners	Fender Vintage-Style
Strings	Fender USA Bass VI Nickel Plated Steel
Orientation	Right Handed
Country of Manufacture	Mexico

 

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Power Requirements

No external power supply required.

The Fender Vintera II '60s Bass VI features passive electronics and does not require batteries, charging or mains power.

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Pairs Perfectly With

Complete your Bass VI setup with:

• Fender Deluxe Hard Case

• Fender Professional Series Instrument Cable

• Fender Rumble Bass Amplifier

• Darkglass Bass Effects Pedals

• Compression Pedals

• Ambient Reverb Pedals

• Delay Pedals

• Studio Audio Interface

• Guitar and Bass Stand

• Spare Fender Bass VI Strings

• Pedalboard Power Supply

• Selected Pre-Owned Fender Amplifiers

• Fair Deal Music Accessories and Care Products

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Why Buy From Fair Deal Music?

Fair Deal Music is a family-run independent music retailer that has been serving musicians since 1987. As Birmingham's largest independent music store, we pride ourselves on offering expert advice, competitive pricing and outstanding customer service.

With over 6,000 Excellent 4.9-star Trustpilot reviews, musicians throughout the UK trust Fair Deal Music for instruments, amplifiers, accessories and professional advice.

Our knowledgeable team is available by phone, online and in-store to help before and after your purchase. We offer fast UK delivery, secure online ordering and a fully stocked Birmingham showroom where you can try a huge range of products.

We also buy and sell pre-owned gear, with quality used guitars, basses, amplifiers and effects available both online and in-store.

If you're exploring Bass VI instruments, baritone alternatives or unique recording tools, our experienced team can help you compare options and find the perfect addition to your setup.

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Frequently Asked Questions

What is a Bass VI?

A Bass VI is a six-string bass guitar tuned one octave below a standard guitar, combining bass frequencies with familiar guitar-style tuning. 

Is the Bass VI a bass or a guitar?

It sits between the two. It can perform bass duties while offering chordal and melodic possibilities that traditional basses cannot.

Can guitarists learn Bass VI easily?

Yes. Because the tuning follows standard guitar intervals, most guitarists adapt very quickly.

What styles of music is it best suited for?

Alternative rock, indie, surf, ambient music, soundtrack composition, post-rock and studio recording applications.

What does the Strangle switch do?

The low-cut "Strangle" switch reduces bass frequencies to create a brighter, more focused sound. 

Can it replace a traditional bass?

In many situations yes, although some players still prefer a standard four-string bass for conventional bass roles.

Can I try one in-store?

Yes. Contact Fair Deal Music to check current showroom availability.