Fender Vintera II '60s Bass VI Rosewood Fingerboard Lake Placid Blue Electric Bass Guitar, (Open Box)
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The Fender Vintera II '60s Bass VI Rosewood Fingerboard Lake Placid Blue recreates one of the most distinctive and influential instruments in Fender history. Positioned between a guitar and a bass, the Bass VI offers a unique playing experience that has inspired generations of musicians seeking sounds beyond the conventional boundaries of either instrument.
Featuring a vintage-correct 30" scale length, alder body, rosewood fingerboard and three vintage-style single-coil pickups, the Vintera II '60s Bass VI captures the character, feel and versatility of the original 1960s models while delivering the reliability modern players demand.
Whether you're creating cinematic soundscapes, recording layered studio parts, performing alternative rock, exploring baritone-style textures or searching for an instrument that bridges the gap between guitar and bass, the Fender Vintera II Bass VI opens up a huge range of creative possibilities.
Finished in the iconic Lake Placid Blue, this model combines vintage Fender aesthetics with one of the most unique voices ever produced by the company.
Why Choose The Fender Vintera II '60s Bass VI Lake Placid Blue?
Unique Guitar And Bass Hybrid Design
The Bass VI occupies a sonic space all of its own.
Tuned one octave below a standard guitar (E-E), it allows guitarists to access bass frequencies using familiar chord shapes and playing techniques, while giving bassists access to melodic and chordal possibilities that traditional bass guitars cannot easily achieve.
Authentic Vintage Fender Tone
The three vintage-style Bass VI single-coil pickups deliver a remarkably wide tonal range.
From deep, supportive bass lines to jangly baritone textures and atmospheric lead sounds, the Bass VI can cover territory that neither a standard guitar nor bass can fully replicate.
Vintage-Correct Floating Tremolo System
One of the most distinctive features of the Bass VI is its vintage-style floating tremolo.
Perfect for subtle pitch modulation, surf-inspired textures and ambient soundscapes, it adds another creative dimension unavailable on most bass instruments.
Comfortable 30" Scale Length
The 30" scale length sits between a traditional electric guitar and a standard long-scale bass.
This makes the Bass VI particularly appealing to guitarists transitioning into lower-register playing without the larger feel of a conventional bass guitar.
Extensive Tonal Flexibility
Independent pickup switching and a dedicated bass-cut "Strangle" switch allow players to shape a huge variety of sounds.
Whether you're recording, performing live or experimenting with new arrangements, the Bass VI offers exceptional versatility.
Stunning Lake Placid Blue Finish
Few Fender colours are as iconic as Lake Placid Blue.
Combined with the matching vintage-inspired styling and tortoiseshell pickguard, this finish perfectly captures the aesthetic of Fender's golden-era instruments.
Why Choose A Bass VI?
The Bass VI is often misunderstood because it doesn't fit neatly into either the guitar or bass category.
Players choose a Bass VI because it offers:
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Bass frequencies with guitar-style playability
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Familiar six-string tuning
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Chordal bass playing possibilities
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Baritone-style textures
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Unique recording options
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Expanded songwriting creativity
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Vintage alternative and surf-inspired tones
For many musicians, the Bass VI becomes a secret weapon in the studio thanks to its ability to fill sonic spaces that standard guitars and basses cannot.
Who Is It For?
Beginners
The Bass VI is not typically a first instrument, although experienced guitarists may find the familiar tuning system approachable.
Intermediate Players
Ideal for players looking to expand their tonal palette and explore arrangements beyond traditional guitar or bass roles.
Advanced / Professional Players
A superb studio and touring instrument for professionals requiring unique sounds, alternative tunings and creative flexibility.
Particularly Recommended For
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Studio musicians
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Alternative rock players
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Indie musicians
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Surf musicians
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Film and television composers
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Ambient players
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Post-rock musicians
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Experimental artists
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Songwriters
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Producers
Product Story / Background / Heritage
Introduced by Fender in 1961, the Bass VI was designed as a six-string bass tuned an octave below a standard guitar. It was originally intended to appeal to guitarists who wanted access to bass frequencies without learning a traditional four-string bass.
Over the decades, the Bass VI developed a cult following among alternative, surf and experimental musicians. Today it remains one of Fender's most distinctive instruments and continues to inspire players seeking sounds beyond conventional guitar and bass designs.
The Vintera II Series celebrates Fender's heritage by faithfully recreating iconic vintage instruments while maintaining modern build quality and consistency.
Associated Artists / Songs / Performances
While the Fender Vintera II '60s Bass VI is not a signature model, Bass VI-style instruments have been associated with artists including:
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Robert Smith (The Cure)
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John Lennon
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George Harrison
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Jack Bruce
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Nigel Godrich
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Peter Hook
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Jet Harris
Bass VI instruments have appeared on countless recordings across alternative rock, surf, soundtrack work and experimental music.
The Bass VI has become particularly popular among modern producers and composers looking for unique low-register textures.
Product Comparisons
Fender Vintera II '60s Bass VI vs Squier Classic Vibe Bass VI
Both instruments recreate the Bass VI concept.
The Vintera II offers upgraded components, vintage-correct specifications, superior finishing and enhanced long-term durability.
Choose the Fender if you're seeking a premium Bass VI experience.
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 strings, guitar-style tuning and significantly broader chordal and melodic possibilities.
Choose the Bass VI for maximum versatility.
Fender Vintera II '60s Bass VI vs Baritone Guitar
A baritone guitar is typically tuned between guitar and bass registers.
The Bass VI extends fully into bass territory while retaining six-string familiarity.
Choose the Bass VI if you need true bass-range capability.
Fender Vintera II '60s Bass VI vs Fender Vintera II Jaguar Bass
The Jaguar Bass focuses on traditional bass performance.
The Bass VI is designed for players who want to blur the lines between guitar and bass roles.
Bass VI vs Baritone Guitar: What's The Difference?
One of the most common questions players ask is whether they need a Bass VI or a baritone guitar.
A baritone guitar is usually tuned lower than a standard guitar but remains fundamentally a guitar.
A Bass VI is tuned an entire octave below standard guitar tuning and operates much closer to bass territory while maintaining six-string playability.
Choose a Bass VI if you want:
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Bass frequencies
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Guitar-style tuning
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Chordal bass playing
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Studio versatility
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Unique arrangement possibilities
For many players, the Bass VI becomes an entirely new creative tool rather than simply an alternative guitar.
Looking For Advice?
Looking for advice on choosing the right bass guitar, Bass VI, baritone instrument or studio recording setup? Our experienced team of musicians can help by phone, online or in-store.
Technical Specifications
| Specification | Details |
|---|---|
| Product Name | Fender Vintera II '60s Bass VI |
| Series | Vintera II |
| Type | Six-String Bass Guitar |
| Body Shape | Bass VI |
| Body Material | Alder |
| Finish | Gloss Polyester |
| Colour | Lake Placid Blue |
| Neck Material | Maple |
| Neck Profile | Early '60s C |
| Fingerboard | Slab Rosewood |
| Fingerboard Radius | 7.25" |
| Scale Length | 30" |
| Frets | 21 Vintage Tall |
| Nut Width | 1.650" (42mm) |
| Pickups | 3 x Vintage-Style Bass VI Single-Coils |
| Controls | Master Volume, Master Tone |
| Switching | Individual Pickup On/Off Switches, Strangle Switch |
| Bridge | Vintage-Style Floating Bridge |
| Tremolo | Vintage-Style Floating Tremolo |
| Orientation | Right Handed |
| Strings | Fender Bass VI Strings |
| Country of Manufacture | Mexico |
Power Requirements
No external power supply required.
The Fender Vintera II '60s Bass VI uses passive electronics and does not require batteries, charging or external power.
Pairs Perfectly With
Complete your Bass VI setup with:
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Fender Deluxe Gig Bag
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Fender Classic Series Hard Case
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Fender Professional Instrument Cable
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Fender Bass Amplifier
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Fender Rumble Series Amplifier
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Darkglass Bass Effects Pedals
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Compression Pedals
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Ambient Reverb Pedals
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Delay Pedals
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Clip-on Tuner
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Guitar and Bass Stands
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Spare Fender Bass VI Strings
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Studio Recording Interfaces
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Selected Pre-Owned Fender Amplifiers
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Fair Deal Music Accessories and Care Products
Why Buy From Fair Deal Music?
Fair Deal Music has been a family-run independent music retailer since 1987 and is proud to be Birmingham's largest independent music store.
With over 6,000 Excellent 4.9-star Trustpilot reviews, we have helped generations of musicians find the right instruments, accessories and professional audio equipment.
Our knowledgeable team is available by phone, online and in-store, providing friendly advice before and after your purchase. We offer fast UK delivery, secure online ordering and a fully stocked Birmingham showroom where you can explore a huge range of instruments.
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 the world of Bass VI instruments, baritone guitars or alternative bass setups, our experienced team can help you compare models and find the right instrument for your creative goals.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a Bass VI?
A Bass VI is a six-string bass tuned one octave below a standard guitar, combining bass frequencies with guitar-style playability.
Is a Bass VI a guitar or a bass?
It sits between the two. It can perform bass duties while also offering chordal and melodic possibilities similar to a guitar.
Can guitarists play a Bass VI easily?
Yes. Because it uses familiar guitar tuning intervals, most guitarists adapt very quickly.
What styles of music is it best suited for?
Alternative rock, surf, indie, soundtrack work, post-rock, ambient music and studio recording applications.
Can it replace a standard bass guitar?
In many situations yes, although some players still prefer a traditional four-string bass for certain styles.
What is the Strangle switch?
The Strangle switch reduces low frequencies, creating a brighter, more guitar-like sound.
Can I try one in-store?
Yes. Contact Fair Deal Music to check current showroom availability.