Rickresource Rickenbacker Forum

Hey all of you luthier savy forumnites! I had an idea pop into my head recently, and its alot better than my homemade handglider idea that never came to be, I want to make a BASS VI out of a Squire Bronco. It has been done before, but I'd like to know how difficult this would be, and if it would be worth the investment. I don't need to know how to do it just yet because I'm not 100 percent and I wouldn't want to waste anyones time. It doesn't need to look like an original either, just a fully functioning BASS VI ghetto style as some would say.
Essentially can it work, and would I be satisfied with my results, I'd like someone who knows a little more than I do about this luthiering to throw in an opinion. Thanks.

I also would assume you Fill and redrill the headstock and then paint over it to cover it up. Then make a new nut, new bridge, and is it all possible to refin a fretboard so it gives the appearence of a darker wood, I'm not a fan of the maple (amber maple is nice, just not flat out bright maple).

Also, maybe snatching up an danelectro baritone bridge like so might help:
I also feel like this bass/guitar transistion would make me a better bassist and guitarist.

I think by the time you pay for all the work and bass and extra stuff to do the conversion you may be far better off with this.

jps wrote:I think by the time you pay for all the work and bass and extra stuff to do the conversion you may be far better off with this.

Wrong kind of 6-string...

jps wrote:I think by the time you pay for all the work and bass and extra stuff to do the conversion you may be far better off with this.

Way to thick...

I have two Bass VI's. One is a Japanese Bass VI from the 90's that has the three pickups, vibrato, the real deal. Then I've got a rare Fender release that's often referred to as the Jaguar Bass VI Custom (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Fender_Jag ... one_Custom). I can honestly say that having the extra strings won't help the transition much and that in most cases, you're probably better off getting a regular bass guitar. The Bass VI has lighter strings and a different feel. At the same time, they do have a scale that is closer to a regular guitar and a sound that is really unique in both directions (guitar and bass). As to customizing and creating a Bass VI, it sounds like a lot more work than it's worth. Unless you get really lucky to find a Bass VI, I'd go with a short scale 4-string to get yourself started. Hope this helps some.

You are moving from guitar to bass? Just get a bass. You'll do fine!

Ivan, I envy your spare time.

Ivan, Rondo Music has some Bass VI-type guitars for around $350. They look pretty cool.

sloop_john_b wrote:Ivan, Rondo Music has some Bass VI-type guitars for around $350. They look pretty cool.

I saw those! Would like to try one.

I mainly play bass, I'm proficient at guitar, but I would like to improve my guitar skills and I think the VI would be a fun way to do this...sorry for the confusion (I can play both, but I MAINLY play bass)

I picked up an Eastwood Mosrite-style baritone (with vibrato!) blem for $200, and fitted it with FBVI strings, then tuned it like a Bass VI. Cheap Instant Tic-Tac.

The strings cost 1/4 of what the guitar did...

sloop_john_b wrote:Ivan, Rondo Music has some Bass VI-type guitars for around $350. They look pretty cool.

I saw the Rondo Argus and the headstock isn't there for me, not the pickups. I'd also like to be able to be like "Yeah, I pretty much made this what it is right now."

Get whatever crazy thing you want then. Will it make you a better.......? It may make you a better musician. I just picked up an Eastwood Warren Ellis Tenor guitar. Lots of fun learning a new instrument. I would second Eastwood Baratone!