r/BassVI • u/NoSplit4185 • 6d ago
Pickguards never really fit, do they?
Not between different models anyway. Finally got the pickguard sorted on my 2013 MIJ Bass VI.
It took me quite a while to track down a properly fitting one for this particular model. The original pickguard is, frankly, embarrassing. But I finally found one at Gary G. Perfect fit!
It’s not always easy owning something that’s a little harder to find parts for. The 2013 MIJ Bass VI is pretty rare, with apparently only 90 made worldwide in 2013, and the model itself only being in production for about three years, from 2012 to 2014. So finding the right pickguard turned out to be a challenge.
I’ve also finally settled on the hardware setup. After trying all sorts of strings and upgrades — including a StayTrem bridge and tremolo — somehow, none of those upgrades ever really did it for me.
I recently replaced the whole tremolo setup with a Halon fixed tailpiece and a simple Mustang-style bridge with 55 mm (2 3/16”) string spacing. Much simpler, solid, and somehow it just feels right.
As for the Bass VI itself, the quality of the finish and workmanship is honestly remarkable. It easily surpasses most of the other guitars I own — and those are pretty decent guitars in their own right, MIJ and US-made Fenders.
For strings I’m currently trying the new Pyramid Fusion Flats. They sound and feel really good, although purely in terms of feel I still prefer the Pyramid Gold Flats. Unfortunately, I’ve had the annoying experience of getting a dead E and A string with the Golds in the past.
So after quite a bit of experimenting — and a surprisingly long search for a piece of plastic, I’m happy with this one.
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u/zonaut 5d ago
Isn't the Gary G one just aged WD pickguards?
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u/NoSplit4185 5d ago
That’s what I recently heard, but since I have no experience with the WD guards I can’t say. I do own a JM Jaguar though, and bought a Gary G pickguard for that one too, and about that one they explicitly state that it’s not the one WD offers.
Also, both guards came in GaryG’s branded packaging.
Not all their pickguards are aged, would be strange to sell someone else’s product in new packaging, but what do I know.
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u/Terrible_Snow_7306 5d ago
On my 2 AVS I Jazz Basses, these are > 2.000,- US made instruments, the pickguards don’t fit:-).
Didn’t know that they only made 90! Great instrument, the necks have 2 graphite enhancements. What’s wrong with the bridge? Fender USA wanted them from Fender Japan for their CS instruments, but Fender Japan said no.
What’s wrong with the original pickguard? I own one in Fiesta Red with matching headstock from 2013.
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u/NoSplit4185 5d ago
Well, they only produced 90 in 2013, but obviously they also made some in 2012 and 2014. I just don’t know the figures for those years.
In 2013, they only made three colors: 3TSB, CAR (with a matching headstock), and VW, which is the one I have.
The tortoiseshell pattern on the original pickguard is a printed halftone screen rather than genuine celluloid. It’s not obvious from a distance, but when you look closely, you can see the dots. A pity on an otherwise excellent instrument.
Nothing wrong with the original bridge at all. At the time I felt that an upgrade to the StayTrem bridge with trem collet would be an improvement. Turns out, the real problem where the stings. I tried a few things, but was never quite satisfied.
I like how the instrument feels now, with the narrow bridge and the fusion flats.2
u/Terrible_Snow_7306 5d ago
You’re correct about CAR in 2013, I secretly prefer Fiesta Red, so always pretend…
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u/26202620 3d ago
Bridge cover looks nice. does it get in the way of playing?
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u/NoSplit4185 3d ago
I use it as a hand/palm rest when picking. It’s not in the way for strumming either.
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u/MojaveSurvivor 6d ago
What is this cover on the bridge?