Fender AVRI Bass VI - Anyone else wish Fender would build these?

[Meriphew]

I keep hearing about how “the bass vi needs mods” and yet, I’ve had several Squiers and now the Vintera, they’re stock aside from string changes over the years. Never had an issue with playability, and I’ve gigged with them heavy.

Not sure what a non-Custom Shop American Bass VI would bring to the table for such a niche instrument. Past experience would say that Fender would streamline the electronics and make it modern in the same way they did the Jazzmaster and Jaguar in the AmPro/Per/Ultra lines.

OP, just buy the Squier or Vintera and learn to <3.

There are plenty of guitars/amps/fx that are "good enough" yet many of us spend more to get that extra 10-20% in sound, playability, feel, and reliability.

[andy_tchp]

So which upgrades are 'required'?

[Rob]

I Picked up a minty one for £1k just a month ago, the deals do still come up.

It was an OSG bro deal, but I got a Baritone Custom (the single coil version) for £750. It took about 5 years of patient waiting though, but as Johnny says the deals do crop up every now and then

I still have the one I got in 2006. Was just observing that the demand for anything even Bass VI-adjacent seems to be there.

[spaceghost]

If you’re cool to spend $2500 on a hypothetical USA model, that means you could spend $1000 tailoring a $1400 Vintera to your needs, and still come out “on top” so to speak. For that money, you could get all new electronics and a nitro finish, if that was of interest.

This is the thing, I feel like they would be at least $2500. The current AVII JM's are that much, and I reckon they'd charge a premium for a VI. I can't see myself floating that much scratch on one.

I could however get a Squier and make a bunch of upgrades. Had a good time making them, and I'm quite happy with it The fit and finish are much nicer than I expected, and it's really fun to play. Looks great next to my AVRI's too.

[spaceghost]

[BoringPostcards]

Black and tort is my favourite. Love these three. Especially the Jag. I had a black/tort AVRI Jag for several years. Foolishly sold it when money was short (there were other guitars I could have sacrificed at the time).

[mattygbass]

That is one sexy trio you got there. The vi looks right at place in there. Classic Vibes can be really great guitars when setup properly.

[superficial]

Squier tort is better than Fender ^^

[Powdered Toast Man]

Given the now obscene price of the AVII series, I wouldn't be buying one.

AVII 66JM is now $3589 CAD on Long & McQuade's site. The AO's were roughly $2800 just two years ago and they're practically the same guitar.

[spaceghost]

Squier tort is better than Fender ^^

Not saying you’re wrong, but the VI is Spitfire, and the other two are vintage.

[superficial]

Oh right, haha.

[dangayle]

Black and tort is my favourite. Love these three. Especially the Jag. I had a black/tort AVRI Jag for several years. Foolishly sold it when money was short (there were other guitars I could have sacrificed at the time).

Those are great. I'm always curious how people decide which guitar to play when they have such similar guitars to choose from?

[Jaguar018]

Those are great. I'm always curious how people decide which guitar to play when they have such similar guitars to choose from?

Those three guitars look alike, but they each sound completely different. I’m pretty sure just about any novice would be able to identify that.

[spaceghost]

Those are great. I'm always curious how people decide which guitar to play when they have such similar guitars to choose from?

Thanks, that's cool. It's pretty common for people to see the Jazzmaster and Jaguar, esp matching sisters like this, and think they sound similar. I suppose you could make them sound similar if you wanted to. They are the most sonically versatile guitars Fender made, the Jazzmaster having three independent pickup options, and the Jag having four.

Personally, I use flats on the Jaguar and I pick it up for clean rhythm on the softer side as well as darker, fingerpicked leads. It loves echo and reverb.

The Jazzmaster is my "do anything" choice. It can sing like a Strat, twang like a Tele, and well, Jazz like a Jazzmaster. A workhorse for sure, and an absolute joy to play.

The Bass VI doesn't sound like anything I've ever heard. Check this out: Spagette

[dangayle]

Those are great. I'm always curious how people decide which guitar to play when they have such similar guitars to choose from?

Those three guitars look alike, but they each sound completely different. I’m pretty sure just about any novice would be able to identify that.

For sure, I have one of each also (except my Jag has humbuckers). I think I meant like if you're just sitting down to jam, which one do you grab. I suppose you just go with whichever one strikes your fancy.