A question on basses, or the bass IV(like) conundrum

endsjustifymeans · Post by **endsjustifymeans** » Fri May 14, 2010 2:06 am

So I've finally sold my Hi-Flyer and I'm looking to fill it's stand with a bass.

I really want this:

http://www.rondomusic.com/argustoaskbk.html

Essentially a Bass VI knock off, but I'm curious exactly how bassish this is. I like it because I can either put baritone guitar strings on it and have that going, or electric VI strings and groove.

Will this get me by as a bass as well as a fun wierd instrument to experiment with or should I just pick up an sx ss pbass or maybe a bronco.

Any one with a bass IV or similar, please chime in.

Clearly an sx pbass or bronco is cheaper, but this may be funner and more in line with my experimental side. I was also thinking of starting a drum/bass/screaming act and I think this might be tits in that role.

Will · Post by **Will** » Fri May 14, 2010 2:32 am

I'd think it would get quite bassy. Would it growl like a p-bass? No. But it'll hit the notes and have its own thing going on.

Plus it's way sexier. DO IT!

hotrodperlmutter · Post by **hotrodperlmutter** » Fri May 14, 2010 3:36 am

just let shadow buy his, and find out his opinion.

benecol · Post by **benecol** » Fri May 14, 2010 8:42 am

Learn to do roman numerals, eh?

A VI won't quite deputise as a bass, but definitely has its own thing going on, plus you can tune it up umpteen ways: E-E like a Bass VI, or slightly higher at A-A or B-B; up here, chords still work and you can get your Morriccone on. I'd buy the VI-alike, then pick up a cheap bass sometime later.

mongoose69 · Post by **mongoose69** » Fri May 14, 2010 10:00 am

I've played one of these. Not bad for $400, but they don't come set up properly. The come strung baritone, B-B. You have to get the proper strings, dress the nut, adjust the truss and saddles etc. Yes, this is true with any mail-order instrument to some degree; but much more so here.

A MUCH better choice IMHO is to score a used Schecter Hellcat VI (I own two). They are seriously great instruments.

endsjustifymeans · Post by **endsjustifymeans** » Fri May 14, 2010 1:29 pm

[youtube][/youtube]

SOLD! that sound is awesome, seems to be able to handle bass lines or powerchording with ease.

It's unfortunately double teh cost of teh sx and well out of my range. But I'll definitely be getting a bass VI type instrument now after seeing that demo.

Ankhanu · Post by **Ankhanu** » Sat May 15, 2010 12:25 am

I've been lusting after a Fender VI for over a decade now... but the going prices on them are ludicrous insane. I discovered the Hellcat VI last year and it does a pretty decent VI impression for about 1/4 the price of the real thing. It's what I'm aiming for as a fill in

I'd say definitely just be patient, take the money you were going to use on the SX and save some more and get the Hellcat

mongoose69 · Post by **mongoose69** » Sat May 15, 2010 1:57 am

I have seen Hellcat VI's go for $400 or so with some regularity on ebay and CL. My sunburst was almost new, and i scored it on ebay for $285 shipped. Granted, it WAS incorrectly listed...

Rox · Post by **Rox** » Sat May 15, 2010 2:23 am

That geetar's ok . Rather have a Hi Flyer....

Sublimedo · Post by **Sublimedo** » Sat May 15, 2010 4:38 pm

We sometimes play with the idea of gigging with the Bass VI, though we've done it once before, but Rochelle usually goes for a regular fullscaler. It usually her blue OLP or the UltraJazz Bass.

That said, with the right rig, a Bass Vi can totally pull off a lot of the low end of a regular bass, especially with the richness of the middle pickup. Of course, because of the design of the instrument, a larger part of the neck offers more trebly tones. Either way, its a great, rich sounding instrument that does a lot that other instruments can't.