Fender VI

The Fender VI was a six-string electric bass developed by Fender in 1961 as Fender's take on Danelectro's 1956 concept. In essence, it was a guitar tuned down an octave, featuring a floating tremolo arm. Unlike normal 4-string bass guitars, the strings on the Fender VI are thinner (like a guitar) and thus do not give as deep a bass sound as 4-string basses. As a specialist-type instrument, its range was limited and never proved popular (as bassists shunned its tightly spaced strings versus a four-string bass), although legendary bassist Jack Bruce of Cream used one, giving it some fame. John Entwistle of The Who also played one briefly in the early '60's.

Related Topics:
Electric bass - Fender - Danelectro - Guitar - Octave - Tremolo arm - Jack Bruce - Cream - John Entwistle - The Who

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A Fender VI can also be seen on Beatles' videos for "Let it Be" and "The Long and Winding Road". It was played by both George and John when the band's bass player, Paul, played piano. Years later, the Fender VI was embraced by Robert Smith from The Cure. Originally a guitarist, Smith uses the Fender VI as a lead instrument, playing phrases and even chords on it. The Fender VI can be heard on songs such as "Pictures of You" and "Lullaby".

Related Topics:
Beatles - Robert Smith - The Cure

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Mark Hoppus from blink-182 also used a Fender VI on their untitled CD.

Related Topics:
Mark Hoppus - Blink-182

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