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Schecter's apparently revising the Hellcat VI somewhat for the new year.
They've been listening to the demand for a more accurate Bass VI style instrument and have made some key changes to the electronics, ditching the Duncan Design MH-102 minihumbuckers for actual Seymour Duncan SJAG1 single coils, and changing the 5-way blade for a VI/Jaguar style switch plate. I've been really interested since I saw the spec sheet (below) about a month ago or so, as a proper single coil VI is a wonderful thing, but, they've recently announced the new version, complete with picture:




I love the idea of the singles and the switch plate, but, it just looks a bit off, aesthetically. I think the blocks aren't quite working, and the switch plate seems off a bit. Perhaps it would look better with less pickguard up the upper horn?

I'd love to try one of these, but, given that I already own a Hellcat VI and an Ultra VI, I can't see myself getting one... and there are NO Schecter dealers anywhere in my region. I think the nearest retailer is a good 16hr drive away :/

If anyone gets to test one, I'd love to hear your thoughts.

shit. shame they didn't make it more attractive

Need moar colors. Blocks without binding is half assed.

They basically could have made something similar to this in VI form.

http://www.guitar-museum.com/guitar-544 ... lcat-Model

I like it but do not want scuztort.

I don't see the harm in it not looking exactly like a jaguar or bass VI

does not look great I prefer my standard hellcat VI, although I bet the pickups are better.

This is what I've been waiting for . A poor man's Bass VI with its own character . I'll have one in black please. I'll Robert Smith the fuck out of it ...

hotrodperlmutter wrote:shit. shame they didn't make it more attractive

benecol wrote:

hotrodperlmutter wrote:shit. shame they didn't make it more attractive

Kinda my thoughts. The SJAGs and switch plate are mods I was considering making to mine... I think it will look better without the blocks. Something just looks off.

Rox wrote:This is what I've been waiting for . A poor man's Bass VI with its own character . I'll have one in black please. I'll Robert Smith the fuck out of it ...

Get the UltraCure VI??

I don't mind the sound of the black one. If you read the spec sheet it says it will have a matching headstock, maple neck and fretboard with black blocks and a black pickguard.

+1 on the idea of the black one w/ black guard. I'll even forgive the inlays at that rate.

Ankhanu wrote:

Rox wrote:This is what I've been waiting for . A poor man's Bass VI with its own character . I'll have one in black please. I'll Robert Smith the fuck out of it ...

Get the UltraCure VI??

I'm somewhat glad to see the UltraCure VI made available, and Schecter should get some mild applause for the sheer number of 30" scale instruments over the past few yeras.

Honestly don't really want to like the ostentatiously blah mappell neck that the black Hellcat VI and UltraCure VI will have, but the funky '70s Mustang look about them will likely make me want to hang one low and pull out the ol' Boss CE-2. Of course, saving a few hundred more for a lovely CIJ Bass VI would probably be the less regretful thing in the long run.

Ankhanu wrote:

Woah, black blocks on maple for the black-bodied one (sans binding, of course)?



I guess something with this kind of configuration will at least turn some heads, though the addition of the matching black headstock on the Hellcat VI may be a tad overkill:

Love that Ultracure VI...

the hellcat is HOT, but I dont need a fookin baritone..

the form is VERY much like a 60ies Hopf Telstar.

ultratwin wrote:+1 on the idea of the black one w/ black guard. I'll even forgive the inlays at that rate.

Ankhanu wrote:

Rox wrote:This is what I've been waiting for . A poor man's Bass VI with its own character . I'll have one in black please. I'll Robert Smith the fuck out of it ...

Get the UltraCure VI??

I'm somewhat glad to see the UltraCure VI made available, and Schecter should get some mild applause for the sheer number of 30" scale instruments over the past few yeras.

Honestly don't really want to like the ostentatiously blah mappell neck that the black Hellcat VI and UltraCure VI will have, but the funky '70s Mustang look about them will likely make me want to hang one low and pull out the ol' Boss CE-2. Of course, saving a few hundred more for a lovely CIJ Bass VI would probably be the less regretful thing in the long run.

That UltraCure VI doesn't do it for me. I don't like the stars and moons. Reminds me of Gibson's Tomi Iommi signature SG.

I have been lusting for a CIJ Bass VI for years. When was the last time anyone actually saw one??

Outside of used, or the domestic Japan market? It's been a few years.

One was recently sold on eBay for $2000AUS. Personally, I think that's a ridiculously high price for a Japanese VI; they're really not all that good compared to the AVRI or vintage, and you can have a quality custom built for about the same.

Custom built will be the way to go, then. I tried an AVRI... sounded amazing, but cost around $3000 US.

One day...

Fender Japan will release a Fender Bass VI in early 2012. It will only be available in Japan though. Probably can be imported anywhere though with extra tariffs, shipping, duties, customs, etc. Lists around US$1,600 or so.

The last wave of MIJs in the 90's weren't so great. So time will tell if these are worth it vs the new 2012 Hellcat VI which is vastly upgraded with REAL Duncan Jag pups and other features.

http://waveform.free.fr/osg/oIMG_9558.JPG

I might be the only person in the world who thinks real Bass VIs are really ugly (I much prefer the Baritone Jag, just give it an inch and a half and there you have a perfect VI bass), but this Hellcat is really ugly.

That said, it probably sounds awesome.

honeyiscool wrote:I might be the only person in the world who thinks real Bass VIs are really ugly (I much prefer the Baritone Jag, just give it an inch and a half and there you have a perfect VI bass), but this Hellcat is really ugly.

That said, it probably sounds awesome.

To be honest, I'm just into sound - not fashion. I'll play/get what ever SOUNDS the best to my ears - and can afford. That's that. Makes choices MUCH easier.

I love the regular hellcats, the jag trem and department store styled pickups really do it for me.