Bass VI (1961)

Hybrid string instrument

Originally introduced by Fender in the early 1960s, the Bass VI sits between familiar territories. Tuned one octave below a standard guitar but played with guitar-like techniques, it blurs functional boundaries rather than replacing existing roles.

• Sits between bass and guitar registers
• Encourages melodic and harmonic bass playing
• Shorter scale than standard bass, different articulation
• Blurs traditional band hierarchies

The Cure — Disintegration

Fontaines D.C. — Skinty Fia

Selected live performances by The Cure

• Six strings
• Standard tuning: E–E (one octave below guitar)
• Short-scale bass format
• Multiple pickup configurations (model-dependent)

Fender Bass VI (original and reissues)

Squier Bass VI (modern production)

The Bass VI invites structural thinking. It often leads to parts that feel architectural, occupying space rather than simply reinforcing rhythm.

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