Steve Bailey had an official 6-string bass with Fender before he began working with Warwick. I think it's really cool of them to start doing this again. Especially keeping their spacing of the strings.
Ive had it for about a week and have done a few shows. I honestly wasnt expecting much. But it blew me away for the price. Ive always wanted a 6 string jazz just because. Other than the pickups being an odd size making it harder to upgrade, im happy with the purchase. Ill be doing a video on this soon
I highly recommend doing what I did, take some 0000 steel wool to the back of the neck and rub some beeswax on it. Repeat it about 5-8 times over a couple days and you’ll be very, very happy. I promise!!
@@GrantFunkyFrabe like a baby’s bum… it’s as close to a Warwick-type treatment I can do at home. I do it to pretty much any neck that comes unfinished, or as lightly finished as the Affinity Series instruments. Just using the 0000 wool leaves it feeling dry and almost tacky, and the beeswax does a great job filling in the micro-crevices. The more coats, the better it feels IMO
Wow! My SX Jazz bass weighs close to 12lbs. For $329? IMO a great deal! I would replace the control harness with a better one with series/parallel switch or maybe a John East J-tone (simple preamp); change the tuners and put some flat wounds on it. It can be modded a bit. I just wish they offer more colors. Thanks for the review. Bass sounds great to me.😕🎶🎸👍🏾
This was a surprise. I would love to hear an interview from someone in product development at Fender. Your reviews are A+. No stone left unturned. Kudos for a positive review of a Fender/Squier product. Great playing too!
I’m glad you reviewed this! I was hoping to hear more about this instrument and I wanted to request that you eventually review it when I heard that you came back. Thank you!
Being a 6 string player myself this was an interesting review. The shielding issue (probably due to lack of shielding at all) is easily fixed in about 1.5hrs for me. Curious on how thick the neck is front to back. My Peavey Grind 6 is very comfy (16.5mm spacing) for a 6 string. My Dingwall Combustion 6 on the other hand (18mm spacing) is way wider which was surprising. Great video Lobster! Appreciate you!
i just received it, very good bass not just for the money but in general. Needed setup out the box as expected but it sets up well, no high frets at all. the only bad thing about it is the insane neck dive but it's par for the course when you get into 6 strings unless you go the headless route.
Glad you like a Squier. I've had great luck with the Squiers I have owned. I don't mind lower output pickups as they usually have more dynamics expression, clarity, definition and high end which I like for jazz and softer music. Where as high output pickups usually have more lows, a little less clarity and drive the amp more which I like for most rock and and some country. Depends on the sound you're looking for. Nice video and nice playing. Cheers.
Because of Bully, I bought the SX 6 string (before they changed to the flamingo headstock) and upgraded the electronics to an Audere preamp and Wilkinson tuners. LOVE THAT BASS! This one would be the perfect project bass as well!
That looks great, I'm betting that if they sell well then we'll get a Fender Jazz VI - at that price point it's incredibly tempting. Great review Lobster, as always.
Thank you so much for this review, I’ve been waiting for it. I’m pretty much exclusively a 6-string player these days, so I’ve been curious as to how these stack up.
As always, great video, and excellent job covering this bass! Almost wish I had kept up with Fender's announcements to see this bass sooner. For 6 string pickups in a jazz bass style (and passive), the most affordable option seems to be from Lace. The Aluma and Man O War pickups both come in J-style (I believe P-style and soapbar, too), with rails instead of pole pieces, so it all comes down to fitting string spacing and cutouts. I'm currently waiting for the Man O War set to come in for a Washburn MB-6 fretless project that I just picked up. I believe those pups are under $200 right now. Depending on what dimensions look like (and how much money you want to spend), I believe Nordstrand and Bartolini make passive 6-string J-style pups, though I think they're more in the $200-300 range. It'll be personal taste if that is worth it on a $329 bass.
That was a surprise. You showing up in my new (yt) list! Almost thought you forgot all about us, crustacean fans. You've inspired me to get my bass from underneath the bed and start practicing again. If you don't mind me putting in a request how about that new Ultra II. 😊
True, but you can get 8 of these Jazz Basses, have half of them de-fretted and add active electronics to all of them and still not pay as much as a pair of Steve Bailey 6 strings (fretted and fretless of course).
@@LowEndLobster There was also the Tye Zamora (Alien Ant Farm (or back in the day)) Wild looking Fender 6 String. They only made a couple of them but one of the wildest things you'll see with a Fender logo on the headstock!
I saw this and thought "there's no way this thing plays well" and I'm delighted to hear that I was wrong, and I'm also delighted to have a 6-string bass option cheap enough that I wont feel bad if I do something drastic like rip the frets out of it.
Nice review as always you do such a good unbiased opinion, I liked the bass with the mids turned down & the big muff ad on made it sound good, I'm sure it's a great Bass but 6 strings just not for me. Good luck for the channel it really does do a great job 👍
@@emaheiwa8174 I don’t know what it is… but playing on a 6 string just…. Makes me want to noodle around all day. Having the strings makes you want to use em… I feel it made me a better player.
Yes, the output volume varies from Squier to Squier. I sold my 6-string (Ibanez SR506e) a couple of months ago and I thought I was missing it then, but hearing what you did towards the end of this video made me miss it even more. The stuff that can be achieved with a 6-string makes it more desirable than a 5-string for me, but when I want to slap...not so easy on the 6.
Awesome review !!!! I can't believe how cheap it is !!! Sounded real good too, although, the static noise if yer not playing sounded pretty loud, but yeah, maybe a little bit of shielding would help. Not sure why Fender wouldn't have already done that and added the extra few dollars on to it though... Cheap, light and sounds good... Can't beat that, even with the bit of neck dive !!!! Have a great day !!!!! :-)
It’s the bass face Lobster Lol 😂 you got have fun doing what you love, great review, I’m still getting used to my 5 but it’s a cheaper way to try out a 6 though
When I saw you get your stank-face on a few notes into the intro, I knew this was going to be good one. Not available at my dealer yet, but I tried the 5-string, and liked the clarity and “active Jazz” vibe. You can always turn the tone down a bit... It’s kind of weird they don’t offer anything to step up to from here. Maybe if it sells well, we’ll see another upscale six- perhaps another artist model!
Rondo Music (Agile/Bryce etc, they've had lots of "brand names" for different models over the years. They used to make a huge range of budget (sub 1000 USD 10 years ago) extended range, fanned fret etc instruments.) makes a 6 string Jazz style for around 350 USD + shipping I believe. Historically a good brand but aware they've dipped recent years. Worth looking into!
I just picked the Affinity 4-String Jazz as my first bass. i had to get it. It's burgundy mist!!! Really surprised with the fit and finish. Only other bass i can compare it with, is my cousins mexican Fender Mustang PJ. Out of the box it was better set up than the Fender. Only minor truss rod and intonation adjustment needed. Neck and fret edges feel just as good as the Fender. Balances better than the short scale, too. Biggest difference is the actual sound quality, so a pickup upgrade will happen pretty soon. Factor in a quality set of strings when you buy one and you're good to go. Overall a great beginners instrument. Very happy with it. 🦞
@@Lakefield_ I’ve been a douchebag and have repeated this like 6 times in the comments section, but I can’t help but recommend beeswax and 0000 steel wool treatment on all Affinity-grade basses. For $10 it’s the absolute best mod you can do.
Nooooo!!!!! You beat me to it! I LOVE this bass! I took some 0000 steel wool to the neck and some bees wax and HOLY SHIT IS IT AWESOME IN THE HANDS!!! This is the best bass under $300 (if you use the 10% off).
Finger work give the best sound from this bass all the rest .......not so sure you solve real easy all the other problems lol the effects just made the sound more amazing then ever love you keep on playing good stuff😊
And I want also to go for an "off topic": for sure, there are too many super interesting basses to be reviewed out there and Lobster, for sure you cannot check them all. But there is one underrated (with regards to basses) instrument maker: Godin Guitars from Canada. They create from time to time some really innovative concepts of which we bass players are not conscious enough - in my opinion. Just to remember their "Acoustibass" (which later became the "A" series) is imo the first successful concept to make bass guitars with nice acoustic sounds, but yet of compact size close to normal solid body electric basses. Other companies (Ibanez, Cort,....) making "compact-bodied" instruments with (partly) chambered bodies and piezo PUs launched their products only long time afterwards. The first version of the "Shifter" solid body electric bass with its 3 single coil PUs and multiple switching possibilities is another example. I would really like to see a "Lobster review" on the RG-4 Ultra bass, another Godin bass with an innovative concept!
Hi Lobster! I played a Pedulla Bass Hex Buzz back in 1900, I had the best fretless bass teacher, the legendary Patrick Pfeiffer as well. TO THE SBJECT! For $329! What's there not to like? I am sure most bass players want check out that six string thing. So I feel this is a great deal! BTW, I mostly play a PBASS with flats and a pick.
Excellent review as usual ! I feel like Fender needs to rethink the whole design (ergonomic) on their sixer. A 3+3 headstock would be more balanced (but it wouldn’t be a Fender headstock anymore, no ?). And the offset body makes the whole thing way to big and heavy. That’s probably why Steve Bailey went for Warwick…
I remember the Fender Steve Bailey signature 6-string and the first one I saw in the wild while working for Sweetwater had a flaw: Jazz Bass written on the headstock only had one Z. 😂
“Is 6 the new 5? No, it’s not, that’s not how numbers work at all” 😂 I’m stoked that this bass exists and hope to see 6ers become a more regular thing from Fender/Squier
Hey Leah! Now that I got your attention! Lol Do you have plans to review the Squier Affinity Active Jazz Bass? I picked one up and seems decent but I can’t find any in-depth reviews yet! I’m thinking about getting a second one for mods such as Duncan Quarter Pounders
Excellent and fun review-congrats! I’m now truly interested in a 6-string 😳 The FX session is my favorite part. However, your Reverb affiliate link isn’t working. And the Reverb Shop has "0" listings. 🧐 You should add more affiliate links, especially for the FX gear, which I’d definitely buy if you recommend them.
Ah yeah i gotta fix that link. It's a generic affiliate link so you'd have to search for the things yourself but I haven't checked the functionality in a while lol. Thank you!
lol I've got a heartfield and they were built at Fujigen 🙂 They have zero in common with regular/standard Fender fare, by intent. The Heartfield story is up there online and kind of an interesting read. I managed to download all the Heartfield documents (along with all the Sunn ones I was interested in) before Fender updated the site and all the legacy/acquisition support docs vanished.
@@LowEndLobster I like mine, but it's a bolt on. I have a DR5 that was converted to fretless. The DR-C line is the ones with the neck through. Those reasale prices don't come down but every single DR-C I see is amazing looking, in 4, 5, or 6 string config. About that time came the Fender Prophecy (also made at Fujigen) which I also acquired one of (Prophecy II, because I like ash/sen), and it's got a literal AANJ neck joint on a bass, which has never appeared on a Fender or Ibanez bass since. It just balances in the palm of your hand when you grab it there, and fits perfectly in your grip, resting on the balls of your hand, balancing. It's light, fast, freaking GORGEOUS, and melts into your body when you play it. It's like the perfect little Ibanez/Fender babby lovechile. If you're ready to move on from new/discount basses into a vintage/player arc, any Heartfield you pick up will retain its value unless you want to keep one of them, which you very well might. The heartfield and starfield lines really cemented a lot of design notes and features into the DNA of modern Ibanez instruments. I still want to own a Starfield Cabriolet bass at some point, with the lipstick pickups. They're dead sexy basses, for real. :-)
I think for a 6-string the Harley Benton makes more sense with its more "contemprorary" body shape and active preamp. Although the HB is quite a lottery quality-wise.. Anyway, while this Squier is not for most, it's always good to have options.
Loved the high on the neck chording licks you played right at the top of the playing section. Great tone. The paint color looks like a Squier hardtail Strat I bought a few years back, supposedly a "limited edition," but frankly the guitar itself wasn't that great. At any rate, they called it "Black Sparkle," and I think they said it was mica flake... does that make sense? I know Jack squat about these kinds of finishes. GNU PHIL LESH
The neck dive is a deal breaker for me. My hope is Fender will take the next logical step and ultimately expand this model to be made in Mexico and USA, and hopefully with that, one of the main benefits would be a higher quality and heavier wood that while of course being heavier, will make the bass balance better. I see potential here with this instrument type if Fender can invest more time with it to develop it more… and not let it die on the vine of product development.
I would buy a 6 string glarry and mod the crap out of it before buying this. Oh yeah, that’s exactly what I did lol and love it! There is something however about the aesthetics of a 6 string jazz bass.
I have the Rondo SX 6 string jazz. It’s fun, but honestly doesn’t get played that much. I’m more of a 4 string guy. That being said, my Rondo was half the price of this Squier, so it’s a good deal.
I'd gladly own one, but I don't trust Squier build quality to handle the additional hardware stress and tonal variety of a 6 string. It needs better tuners and roasted maple
Hello bass folks! It is indeed very surprising that they brought this 6 string on the market right now. Should we understand by this that the market for 6-string basses is no more "sluggish" as it seemed to be during, let's say, the past 10 years? The first good news is: Oooh yes, yes - there are J Bass-sized pickups out there for 6-string: German supplier Delano for example has J-sized splitcoil PUs for 6-string. Yet, I have no idea if those may, dimension-wise, fit into the routings on this particular bass model. And maybe they are not the only ones to make such PUs. Just have checked it: Nordstrand also has J-PUs for 6 strings. Changing the PUs and these tuners could be a great modding project, don't you think so, lobster? For this Affinity, the fact that it has only 20 frets is a bummer for me - as well as the volume-volume-tone electronics. As 6ers are not that popular for use in "vintage" music styles, it would deserve a) the full two-octave capability on the fretboard and b) an electronics with volume + blend + passive tone + series/parallel switch to get modern sounds (and extra output kick in series mode for those who like to play on the heavy side of music !!!) more easily. Yet, I do not think that there will be a fretless version or a lefty at this price level very soon. For those of you who are seriously considering a 6-string with such special features, it is necessary to look for medium-tier instruments like the Schecter Stiletto Studio series, which comprises 6-string models fretted, fretless and fretted + lefty. Fretless+lefty is yet available as a 5-string model, which makes the Stilletto Studio series a highly comprehensive range of basses. I have a fretted Stiletto Studio 6 and it is really a solid and great sounding instrument. The neck is not too bulky (its dimensions are quite close to those of Ibanez' Gerald Veasly models - which are really on the "handy" side for 6-string basses - the only difference being the scale length which is 35" for the Schecter and 34" for the Ibanez). I would not be able to play "necks like surfboards" as they can be found on some 6-strings (the Yamaha TRB's, for example) as I do not have hands like shovels.
Lobster would you ever review one of the funky looking ESP basses such as, TA-604 FRX, FL-4, F-5 EBONY that sorta thing. They look awesome but I have no idea about their quality and there seems to be no videos on them. Cheers
Yup! I put that on the screen as I was talking about that later haha. I totally forgot about that one. A fender from a different Era for sure. So many great artist models around then
ah yes caught that tidbit around the 3 minute mark. i usually just listen to to your vids while doing other stuff. anyway, hope these has some sort of reinforcement rods to help keep the neck straight
Hey Lobster! I don’t know how soon you plan on doing any videos on pickups, but if you do I’d love to know your thoughts on Nordstrand’s “51 Split-J” pickups. I thought the idea sounded neat on paper, but reviews and demos are few and far between, and the description on nordstrands website is…something. Hard to tell if they’re really what I’m looking for!
I removed all Glarry content after they maliciously doxxed some random person on their Facebook page. They're scummy as hell and we won't ever feature them again
Yep, I still have the screenshots. I was really upset by that. I was going to do content on it but I don't like to angrily rant like that, so I decided just to remove their content from my channel and never look at any of their stuff again
@@projectz975 every song needs a note lower than Eb….. it’s fun when jamming and you see that you are in the perfect spot to drop a low C and see all the heads turn….
Steve Bailey had an official 6-string bass with Fender before he began working with Warwick. I think it's really cool of them to start doing this again. Especially keeping their spacing of the strings.
Ive had it for about a week and have done a few shows. I honestly wasnt expecting much. But it blew me away for the price. Ive always wanted a 6 string jazz just because.
Other than the pickups being an odd size making it harder to upgrade, im happy with the purchase. Ill be doing a video on this soon
I highly recommend doing what I did, take some 0000 steel wool to the back of the neck and rub some beeswax on it. Repeat it about 5-8 times over a couple days and you’ll be very, very happy. I promise!!
@@MainelyW212 Is this supposed to give it a smoother feel?
@@GrantFunkyFrabe like a baby’s bum… it’s as close to a Warwick-type treatment I can do at home. I do it to pretty much any neck that comes unfinished, or as lightly finished as the Affinity Series instruments. Just using the 0000 wool leaves it feeling dry and almost tacky, and the beeswax does a great job filling in the micro-crevices. The more coats, the better it feels IMO
With every review we get a fabulous recital. Takes us away.
Thanks, Lobbo.
Good day for six string with the passing of Phil Lesh
I just heard. RIP Phil!
Oh wow! Thanks for mentioning Phil. RIP, my man...
@@LowEndLobster he was my biggest influence on bass. Gonna miss him for sure.😢
Ohh no. I have his book. He autographed it. Cool dude.😢
Wow! My SX Jazz bass weighs close to 12lbs. For $329? IMO a great deal! I would replace the control harness with a better one with series/parallel switch or maybe a John East J-tone (simple preamp); change the tuners and put some flat wounds on it. It can be modded a bit. I just wish they offer more colors. Thanks for the review. Bass sounds great to me.😕🎶🎸👍🏾
This was a surprise. I would love to hear an interview from someone in product development at Fender. Your reviews are A+. No stone left unturned. Kudos for a positive review of a Fender/Squier product. Great playing too!
I am SO stoked you're reviewing this! The only sixer I can afford maybe? lol Loving that Lobster Life! Keep it up!
I'm so excited to see this finally being played. I'm happy to have come across your channel!
I’m glad you reviewed this! I was hoping to hear more about this instrument and I wanted to request that you eventually review it when I heard that you came back. Thank you!
Six strings ... on a bass. 😳
That's at least 4 more strings than I know how to use.
😂
you are lazy
Every gospel bassist is gonna scoop all of these up!
These are bout to be in every gospel church band
Being a 6 string player myself this was an interesting review. The shielding issue (probably due to lack of shielding at all) is easily fixed in about 1.5hrs for me. Curious on how thick the neck is front to back. My Peavey Grind 6 is very comfy (16.5mm spacing) for a 6 string. My Dingwall Combustion 6 on the other hand (18mm spacing) is way wider which was surprising.
Great video Lobster! Appreciate you!
Thank you for the delightful playing. I love this video so much!
Beautiful playing on the six!❤
I didn’t think I’d be interested in a 6 string until I heard this one through the Cloudburst and the Microcosm
i just received it, very good bass not just for the money but in general. Needed setup out the box as expected but it sets up well, no high frets at all. the only bad thing about it is the insane neck dive but it's par for the course when you get into 6 strings unless you go the headless route.
what beautifully expressive ambient bass playing, Lobster. Basslines are cool, but there's nothing like pulling magic out of the ether in the moment.
Great review ! Sounds like a very decent bass. By any chance will you be reviewing the new Squier Affinity active 4 string bass ?
Yup!
I’m quite impressed. And nice playing too!
Glad you like a Squier. I've had great luck with the Squiers I have owned. I don't mind lower output pickups as they usually have more dynamics expression, clarity, definition and high end which I like for jazz and softer music. Where as high output pickups usually have more lows, a little less clarity and drive the amp more which I like for most rock and and some country. Depends on the sound you're looking for. Nice video and nice playing. Cheers.
The microcosm part of the video had me tripping hard lol amazing tone and playing 🤩
Yaaaay I’ve been waiting for this review
Because of Bully, I bought the SX 6 string (before they changed to the flamingo headstock) and upgraded the electronics to an Audere preamp and Wilkinson tuners. LOVE THAT BASS! This one would be the perfect project bass as well!
That looks great, I'm betting that if they sell well then we'll get a Fender Jazz VI - at that price point it's incredibly tempting. Great review Lobster, as always.
That is the most chill cat in the world. 😻
She really is!
Thank you so much for this review, I’ve been waiting for it. I’m pretty much exclusively a 6-string player these days, so I’ve been curious as to how these stack up.
As always, great video, and excellent job covering this bass! Almost wish I had kept up with Fender's announcements to see this bass sooner.
For 6 string pickups in a jazz bass style (and passive), the most affordable option seems to be from Lace. The Aluma and Man O War pickups both come in J-style (I believe P-style and soapbar, too), with rails instead of pole pieces, so it all comes down to fitting string spacing and cutouts. I'm currently waiting for the Man O War set to come in for a Washburn MB-6 fretless project that I just picked up. I believe those pups are under $200 right now.
Depending on what dimensions look like (and how much money you want to spend), I believe Nordstrand and Bartolini make passive 6-string J-style pups, though I think they're more in the $200-300 range. It'll be personal taste if that is worth it on a $329 bass.
Sounds way better than I expected. You sound great too!
Thank you!
That was a surprise. You showing up in my new (yt) list! Almost thought you forgot all about us, crustacean fans. You've inspired me to get my bass from underneath the bed and start practicing again. If you don't mind me putting in a request how about that new Ultra II. 😊
Fender briefly made a Steve Bailey model in the late 2000's and it was a six string and fretless.
Yup! They had a fretted model too. I forgot about that one when filming
True, but you can get 8 of these Jazz Basses, have half of them de-fretted and add active electronics to all of them and still not pay as much as a pair of Steve Bailey 6 strings (fretted and fretless of course).
@@LowEndLobster There was also the Tye Zamora (Alien Ant Farm (or back in the day)) Wild looking Fender 6 String. They only made a couple of them but one of the wildest things you'll see with a Fender logo on the headstock!
I've got one. It's an awesome bass. I'd love to have a fretted one to match.
Just ordered mine , thx for the review
I saw this and thought "there's no way this thing plays well" and I'm delighted to hear that I was wrong, and I'm also delighted to have a 6-string bass option cheap enough that I wont feel bad if I do something drastic like rip the frets out of it.
Nice review as always you do such a good unbiased opinion, I liked the bass with the mids turned down & the big muff ad on made it sound good, I'm sure it's a great Bass but 6 strings just not for me. Good luck for the channel it really does do a great job 👍
I kinda want it now, even if I barely use 1/3 of the fretboard of my 4 string basses lol 😂
@@emaheiwa8174 I don’t know what it is… but playing on a 6 string just…. Makes me want to noodle around all day. Having the strings makes you want to use em… I feel it made me a better player.
Yes, the output volume varies from Squier to Squier. I sold my 6-string (Ibanez SR506e) a couple of months ago and I thought I was missing it then, but hearing what you did towards the end of this video made me miss it even more. The stuff that can be achieved with a 6-string makes it more desirable than a 5-string for me, but when I want to slap...not so easy on the 6.
Awesome review !!!!
I can't believe how cheap it is !!!
Sounded real good too, although, the static noise if yer not playing sounded pretty loud, but yeah, maybe a little bit of shielding would help.
Not sure why Fender wouldn't have already done that and added the extra few dollars on to it though...
Cheap, light and sounds good... Can't beat that, even with the bit of neck dive !!!!
Have a great day !!!!!
:-)
Finally an affordable 6 strings jazz basse ❤
Great review, and wow it sounds good! It shouldn't for what it is, but I am surprised!
Right? This was super impressive given the price point. Its not perfect by any means, but impressive none the less!
You gotta review the squier affinity active jazz bass, for sure!
I plan on it!
Informative as always, great review! I would love to see you review some Schecter basses, like the P4 and T4 Exotic basses and the new Stargazer.
I love the look of the new stargazer!
Love the review. Thank you ❤️
The art of the noodle , you are a master 😔
wow!! this is so cool. I def did not see this coming. wonder if they’ll make a mex or us version
It’s the bass face Lobster Lol 😂 you got have fun doing what you love, great review, I’m still getting used to my 5 but it’s a cheaper way to try out a 6 though
Yes Fender did make a six string bass,it was a Steve Bailey model.
I do like the look of that bass.. I think I would just get lost on a 6 sting I’ve only played 4 string …
When I saw you get your stank-face on a few notes into the intro, I knew this was going to be good one. Not available at my dealer yet, but I tried the 5-string, and liked the clarity and “active Jazz” vibe. You can always turn the tone down a bit... It’s kind of weird they don’t offer anything to step up to from here. Maybe if it sells well, we’ll see another upscale six- perhaps another artist model!
To me this bass sounds really good... it's a bargain....!!!!🤩
I saw this and have been considering getting a six lately just to try it out
just saw a killer Reverend bass with the nice split coil rails but three...pretty sparkle black!
Mike Watt's Signature Reverend Wattplower Bass Guitar
Rondo Music (Agile/Bryce etc, they've had lots of "brand names" for different models over the years. They used to make a huge range of budget (sub 1000 USD 10 years ago) extended range, fanned fret etc instruments.) makes a 6 string Jazz style for around 350 USD + shipping I believe. Historically a good brand but aware they've dipped recent years. Worth looking into!
Is the Cloudburst a bass specific model? Very cool Lobster, sounds gorgous! Just like YOU!
No it's not bass specific. Thank you!
I just picked the Affinity 4-String Jazz as my first bass. i had to get it. It's burgundy mist!!! Really surprised with the fit and finish. Only other bass i can compare it with, is my cousins mexican Fender Mustang PJ. Out of the box it was better set up than the Fender. Only minor truss rod and intonation adjustment needed. Neck and fret edges feel just as good as the Fender. Balances better than the short scale, too. Biggest difference is the actual sound quality, so a pickup upgrade will happen pretty soon. Factor in a quality set of strings when you buy one and you're good to go. Overall a great beginners instrument. Very happy with it. 🦞
@@Lakefield_ I’ve been a douchebag and have repeated this like 6 times in the comments section, but I can’t help but recommend beeswax and 0000 steel wool treatment on all Affinity-grade basses. For $10 it’s the absolute best mod you can do.
Lol the self depreciation
Nooooo!!!!! You beat me to it! I LOVE this bass! I took some 0000 steel wool to the neck and some bees wax and HOLY SHIT IS IT AWESOME IN THE HANDS!!! This is the best bass under $300 (if you use the 10% off).
Finger work give the best sound from this bass all the rest .......not so sure you solve real easy all the other problems lol the effects just made the sound more amazing then ever love you keep on playing good stuff😊
Nice spinny thing. Very QVC! Love it!
Its about time! It took Fender WAY too long to produce a 6 string model outside of the Steve Bailey model.
And I want also to go for an "off topic": for sure, there are too many super interesting basses to be reviewed out there and Lobster, for sure you cannot check them all. But there is one underrated (with regards to basses) instrument maker: Godin Guitars from Canada. They create from time to time some really innovative concepts of which we bass players are not conscious enough - in my opinion.
Just to remember their "Acoustibass" (which later became the "A" series) is imo the first successful concept to make bass guitars with nice acoustic sounds, but yet of compact size close to normal solid body electric basses. Other companies (Ibanez, Cort,....) making "compact-bodied" instruments with (partly) chambered bodies and piezo PUs launched their products only long time afterwards. The first version of the "Shifter" solid body electric bass with its 3 single coil PUs and multiple switching possibilities is another example.
I would really like to see a "Lobster review" on the RG-4 Ultra bass, another Godin bass with an innovative concept!
Hi Lobster! I played a Pedulla Bass Hex Buzz back in 1900, I had the best fretless bass teacher, the legendary Patrick Pfeiffer as well. TO THE SBJECT! For $329! What's there not to like? I am sure most bass players want check out that six string thing. So I feel this is a great deal! BTW, I mostly play a PBASS with flats and a pick.
Excellent review as usual !
I feel like Fender needs to rethink the whole design (ergonomic) on their sixer.
A 3+3 headstock would be more balanced (but it wouldn’t be a Fender headstock anymore, no ?).
And the offset body makes the whole thing way to big and heavy.
That’s probably why Steve Bailey went for Warwick…
I want that microcosm pedal... the lofi jams... sheesh
This came just in time. I got 6 string curious last week. LOL
I remember the Fender Steve Bailey signature 6-string and the first one I saw in the wild while working for Sweetwater had a flaw: Jazz Bass written on the headstock only had one Z. 😂
LOL
“Is 6 the new 5? No, it’s not, that’s not how numbers work at all” 😂
I’m stoked that this bass exists and hope to see 6ers become a more regular thing from Fender/Squier
Hi, there is another 6-string Bass in the
Hey Leah! Now that I got your attention! Lol
Do you have plans to review the Squier Affinity Active Jazz Bass?
I picked one up and seems decent but I can’t find any in-depth reviews yet! I’m thinking about getting a second one for mods such as Duncan Quarter Pounders
I plan on it :)
Great review 🙏🏽🤓 as always. Would you recommend an Audere preamp for this Squire 6 stringed bass guitar 🎸? Thanks. 🙏🏽
That is a great idea
Excellent and fun review-congrats! I’m now truly interested in a 6-string 😳
The FX session is my favorite part. However, your Reverb affiliate link isn’t working. And the Reverb Shop has "0" listings. 🧐
You should add more affiliate links, especially for the FX gear, which I’d definitely buy if you recommend them.
Ah yeah i gotta fix that link. It's a generic affiliate link so you'd have to search for the things yourself but I haven't checked the functionality in a while lol. Thank you!
lol I've got a heartfield and they were built at Fujigen 🙂
They have zero in common with regular/standard Fender fare, by intent.
The Heartfield story is up there online and kind of an interesting read. I managed to download all the Heartfield documents (along with all the Sunn ones I was interested in) before Fender updated the site and all the legacy/acquisition support docs vanished.
I've really wanted to take a closer look at them!
@@LowEndLobster I like mine, but it's a bolt on. I have a DR5 that was converted to fretless. The DR-C line is the ones with the neck through. Those reasale prices don't come down but every single DR-C I see is amazing looking, in 4, 5, or 6 string config.
About that time came the Fender Prophecy (also made at Fujigen) which I also acquired one of (Prophecy II, because I like ash/sen), and it's got a literal AANJ neck joint on a bass, which has never appeared on a Fender or Ibanez bass since. It just balances in the palm of your hand when you grab it there, and fits perfectly in your grip, resting on the balls of your hand, balancing. It's light, fast, freaking GORGEOUS, and melts into your body when you play it. It's like the perfect little Ibanez/Fender babby lovechile.
If you're ready to move on from new/discount basses into a vintage/player arc, any Heartfield you pick up will retain its value unless you want to keep one of them, which you very well might. The heartfield and starfield lines really cemented a lot of design notes and features into the DNA of modern Ibanez instruments. I still want to own a Starfield Cabriolet bass at some point, with the lipstick pickups. They're dead sexy basses, for real. :-)
I need to check one out!
I think for a 6-string the Harley Benton makes more sense with its more "contemprorary" body shape and active preamp. Although the HB is quite a lottery quality-wise.. Anyway, while this Squier is not for most, it's always good to have options.
Loved the high on the neck chording licks you played right at the top of the playing section. Great tone. The paint color looks like a Squier hardtail Strat I bought a few years back, supposedly a "limited edition," but frankly the guitar itself wasn't that great. At any rate, they called it "Black Sparkle," and I think they said it was mica flake... does that make sense? I know Jack squat about these kinds of finishes.
GNU PHIL LESH
The neck dive is a deal breaker for me. My hope is Fender will take the next logical step and ultimately expand this model to be made in Mexico and USA, and hopefully with that, one of the main benefits would be a higher quality and heavier wood that while of course being heavier, will make the bass balance better.
I see potential here with this instrument type if Fender can invest more time with it to develop it more… and not let it die on the vine of product development.
@1:30 I have the GSR206 and am wanting to likely get the new Jazz Bass VI.
@7:37 wonder if the Thunderbird neck dive fix would work....
I would buy a 6 string glarry and mod the crap out of it before buying this. Oh yeah, that’s exactly what I did lol and love it! There is something however about the aesthetics of a 6 string jazz bass.
Just drop an Easton preamp in and switch the tuners to hipdhot, ir it stops the neck dive you got a homerun.🎉
Great video! Can you please do a review of one of the GSR series basses? Maybe the GSR200 or 100EX. Thank you!
I plan on checking out a couple. Definitely a 4 stringer and probably the 6
@@LowEndLobsterAwesome! Can't wait!!!
Don’t forget Tye Zamora’s custom shop Fender “Oar” bass!
I TOTALLY forgot about that one!
I have the Rondo SX 6 string jazz. It’s fun, but honestly doesn’t get played that much. I’m more of a 4 string guy. That being said, my Rondo was half the price of this Squier, so it’s a good deal.
Yo, this is actually amazing haha. It never came to my mind that Squier will release a 6-string. I don't think Fender had one in the last 5 years?
It's been like 20 yrs! Great to see this
SX also has a Six Stringer for less than 300 euros. It´s basically a Warwick Streamer type bass.
On Reverb at least, the SX 6-string basses are $349, which makes this Squier seem like a real bargain.
I'd gladly own one, but I don't trust Squier build quality to handle the additional hardware stress and tonal variety of a 6 string. It needs better tuners and roasted maple
@@ileutur6863 the 6 bolt neck pocket and graphite-reinforced neck makes a substantial difference. I have been rough with it and it stays in tune.
This chordal work has me wondering if you play guitar too. It's a nice departure from traditional bass demo material.
Thank you! No just bass :)
There was a steve bailey six string bass for a couple of hours
Glarry makes a six well below $400, not bad for checking out a sixer
We don't associate with Glarry due to some terrible practices on their part.
me encantaría un poco mas de grooveo sobre el low b, a ver que tal la definición
Hello bass folks! It is indeed very surprising that they brought this 6 string on the market right now. Should we understand by this that the market for 6-string basses is no more "sluggish" as it seemed to be during, let's say, the past 10 years? The first good news is: Oooh yes, yes - there are J Bass-sized pickups out there for 6-string: German supplier Delano for example has J-sized splitcoil PUs for 6-string. Yet, I have no idea if those may, dimension-wise, fit into the routings on this particular bass model. And maybe they are not the only ones to make such PUs. Just have checked it: Nordstrand also has J-PUs for 6 strings.
Changing the PUs and these tuners could be a great modding project, don't you think so, lobster?
For this Affinity, the fact that it has only 20 frets is a bummer for me - as well as the volume-volume-tone electronics. As 6ers are not that popular for use in "vintage" music styles, it would deserve a) the full two-octave capability on the fretboard and b) an electronics with volume + blend + passive tone + series/parallel switch to get modern sounds (and extra output kick in series mode for those who like to play on the heavy side of music !!!) more easily.
Yet, I do not think that there will be a fretless version or a lefty at this price level very soon. For those of you who are seriously considering a 6-string with such special features, it is necessary to look for medium-tier instruments like the Schecter Stiletto Studio series, which comprises 6-string models fretted, fretless and fretted + lefty. Fretless+lefty is yet available as a 5-string model, which makes the Stilletto Studio series a highly comprehensive range of basses.
I have a fretted Stiletto Studio 6 and it is really a solid and great sounding instrument. The neck is not too bulky (its dimensions are quite close to those of Ibanez' Gerald Veasly models - which are really on the "handy" side for 6-string basses - the only difference being the scale length which is 35" for the Schecter and 34" for the Ibanez). I would not be able to play "necks like surfboards" as they can be found on some 6-strings (the Yamaha TRB's, for example) as I do not have hands like shovels.
Glarry also sells an active and passive 6 string for $129
But booooo glarry lol
Please do the American ultra II 5 string! I’m super curious of sure stacks up. Could a Sire beat it?
I don't think Fender will send me one and I don't want to buy one LOL
Lobster would you ever review one of the funky looking ESP basses such as, TA-604 FRX, FL-4, F-5 EBONY that sorta thing. They look awesome but I have no idea about their quality and there seems to be no videos on them. Cheers
We'll get there :)
@@LowEndLobster Awesome 😁
@@LowEndLobster Awesome 😄
the high strings actually sound pretty good on this thing
they also had a Steve Bailey 6 string
Yup! I put that on the screen as I was talking about that later haha. I totally forgot about that one. A fender from a different Era for sure. So many great artist models around then
ah yes caught that tidbit around the 3 minute mark. i usually just listen to to your vids while doing other stuff.
anyway, hope these has some sort of reinforcement rods to help keep the neck straight
Doing other stuff!? Everyone knows clockwork orange style is the best way to experience a LEL video ;P haha
@@LowEndLobster if I told you I prefer watching it under SWORDFISH pressure…. 🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣
Hey Lobster! I don’t know how soon you plan on doing any videos on pickups, but if you do I’d love to know your thoughts on Nordstrand’s “51 Split-J” pickups. I thought the idea sounded neat on paper, but reviews and demos are few and far between, and the description on nordstrands website is…something. Hard to tell if they’re really what I’m looking for!
Your tone knob works? Lucky.
Yours is an on/off switch?
@@LowEndLobster producer switch
@sicilianmammalian oh snap lol
Lob, have you trialled the Ibanez 205 and 206 ? SR series, i think ?
How much of a neck dive? I would like one of those but I'm a small person.
im working on a rhythm based duo but i want to be able to hit some power chords in the guitar octave. do you think this would cover that ok?
Could you compare this bass to an Ibanez GSR206? Budget sixer shootout
Needs a maple fingerboard. Have enough rosewood ones in the market. Be a little original and distinctive.
I agree on the aesthetics. I like maple boards with natural headstocks and RW with painted ones
Since mentioning the Harley, only fair to add the Glarry lol. At least they won't charge $80 shipping 😑
I removed all Glarry content after they maliciously doxxed some random person on their Facebook page. They're scummy as hell and we won't ever feature them again
Ah, wasn't aware.
Yep, I still have the screenshots. I was really upset by that. I was going to do content on it but I don't like to angrily rant like that, so I decided just to remove their content from my channel and never look at any of their stuff again
GAS is wild, i want this thing so bad right now but i literally dont even know any songs that need any notes lower than Eb.
@@projectz975 every song needs a note lower than Eb….. it’s fun when jamming and you see that you are in the perfect spot to drop a low C and see all the heads turn….
hey! @LowEndLobster can you tell me if there was ever a earnie ball stingray 4hh neck through in silver sparkle?
I mean, probably?