Jz-6 baritone bass vi build

[Simon Barden]

Just some things to ponder first as it's not quite so straightforward as it may seem as simply changing the strings.

You'll need to be able to cut the nut for bass VI strings, which are normally 0.024"-0.084" or 0.026"-0.095" sets (thinner than standard 6-string bass sets) as finding an off-the shelf replacement may be hard. The larger slots can be done with a needle file, but you really need nut files for the thinner strings.

You'll also probably need to enlarge the holes in the bridge to fit the strings through. The strings will be under a lot more tension for a 0.024"-0.084" set than a normal set of baritone 0.013"s e.g. 73.04kg vs 62.95kg for D'Addarios, and I don't know how adjustable for tension that kit bridge is. It is probably the same bridge used for standard scale guitars so a normal baritone may be near the end of its adjustment capabilities. If so (as I don't know) you may have to keep it in the locked position.

With the thicker strings, I'm not sure if you'll have trouble with the kit tuner hole size. I see that all the Fender/Squier versions of the VI use the vintage-style slotted tuners, which are easier to fit thicker strings on.

So worth getting a set of the strings early on and seeing how well they fit the hardware.

[Flynn.burgess]

Just some things to ponder first as it's not quite so straightforward as it may seem as simply changing the strings.

You'll need to be able to cut the nut for bass VI strings, which are normally 0.024"-0.084" or 0.026"-0.095" sets (thinner than standard 6-string bass sets) as finding an off-the shelf replacement may be hard. The larger slots can be done with a needle file, but you really need nut files for the thinner strings.

You'll also probably need to enlarge the holes in the bridge to fit the strings through. The strings will be under a lot more tension for a 0.024"-0.084" set than a normal set of baritone 0.013"s e.g. 73.04kg vs 62.95kg for D'Addarios, and I don't know how adjustable for tension that kit bridge is. It is probably the same bridge used for standard scale guitars so a normal baritone may be near the end of its adjustment capabilities. If so (as I don't know) you may have to keep it in the locked position.

With the thicker strings, I'm not sure if you'll have trouble with the kit tuner hole size. I see that all the Fender/Squier versions of the VI use the vintage-style slotted tuners, which are easier to fit thicker strings on.

So worth getting a set of the strings early on and seeing how well they fit the hardware.

Thanks for your wisdom Simon!! I’ll take your advice. If it all ends up being too hard and goes pear shaped I’ll quite happily stick with a baritone


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[Dikkybee007]

I am going to do the same but I was going to do a through body bridge and use some Ernie Ball 6 String Bass guitar strings in the 20-90 gauge. I have just ordered the files I am missing to do the nut on this guitar and my Custom Telecaster Baritone as well as my AGB-30.
Of course this is after finishing off the 5 I already have.

[Flynn.burgess]

I am going to do the same but I was going to do a through body bridge and use some Ernie Ball 6 String Bass guitar strings in the 20-90 gauge. I have just ordered the files I am missing to do the nut on this guitar and my Custom Telecaster Baritone as well as my AGB-30.
Of course this is after finishing off the 5 I already have.

Sweet man, let me know how it goes


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