Long-term visitors to Grouse Guitars will know that the elusive Fender VI (also called the Fender Bass VI) is one of my favourite instruments! . Wikipedia has a detailed page with an exhaustive list of players past and present - click here.

I had to sell my treasured Fender VI some time back during a tight financial time, but this Custom Shop re-issue I intend to keep! This is one I just simply had to buy in - a 2010 USA Fender Custom Shop Bass VI Reissue. It is the only one ever made in Shell Pink over Sunburst, Heavy Relic. It weighs just a whisker over 4kg (8 lbs 15 oz), and the relic job done by the Custom Shop is unbelievably period-correct and authentic. Other than the Custom Shop serial number stamped on the neck plate, the decal on the back of the headstock, and the lack of fret wear, you would swear this was a genuine 1961 example.

Many Custom-colour Fenders of the 1960s actually have a Sunburst finish underneath, as it was common practice for standard Sunburst instruments - either due to a slight flaw in the paintwork or the grain of the tonewood of the body - to be sent back through the paint shop for a Custom-colour finish, which was a lot more sensible than stripping the body and starting all over again! This one-off Custom Shop recreation nails this technique perfectly. I have never held a brand new guitar with as much vintage mojo as this one!

The Fender VI - especially in custom colour - is now 5th on the list of the 25 most valuable basses of all time (see here). I propose that this may well, in time, become one of the most valuable Custom Shop creations. It is an absolute gem.

The bass is absolutely as-new, and comes with its original case, certificate, quality control tag, strap, lead, and sealed bag containing bridge cover, tremolo bar, owner's manual, polishing cloth and picks. See all the detailed photographs by following the 'more pictures' link below.

not for sale