May Birthdays 
And part of the sweetness was, that it was for the same price (used) as a brand new one of the Jaguar Baritone choices. Found it at Sam Ash in Indianapolis, and was originally going to hit the nearby Guitar Center and IRC Music, to test drive tube amps other than the Peavey Classic 50/410 that I've still got my heart set on. Although I did try a Gretsch Electromatic G5120 (black) through a Fender Hot Rod DeVille, followed by "well, I was going to try the Carlo Robelli," but the box started feeding back so badly, as soon as I switched the Standby to On, I just turned off the amp and decided it was time to try the Bass VI.
I didn't really pay much attention to the brand/model of bass combo that I plugged into, or even where the knobs were set at, but as soon as I turned it on and hit of a couple of my "chords," I was pretty much sold. The salesman gave me some time to jam, and as I was jamming I ended up finding missing links to my first 2 original surf instrumentals, and realized I should jump on this one while the opportunity was there. I did forget that the Bass VI is different from the Jaguar Baritone, which the salesman (who owns a Jazzmaster) corrected me on...being tuned E-E between a guitar and bass, instead of B-B baritone tuning. With some work, beyond the test drive at Sam Ash, I'll be able to work out playing bass and low down rhythms at the same time. Really, if I was to record bass lines with the Bass VI, I doubt many would notice it's not a Precision or Jazz laying down the groove.
So, this leaves me with but 2 more guitars that I really, really, really want to add to my collection...a lap steel and Fender Stratocaster XII. I ended up not going to Guitar Center or IRC Music, more so because I'd just bought the Fender Bass VI, so it'll be a few months before I'm ready (able) to spend that kind of money, again. When I got home, I looked up the serial number, at the Fender web site, and according to that it's a 1995-1996 model...Made In Japan. To be honest, I'll likely be a lot happier with the Bass VI than any baritone, and the proof of that being in having created parts for 2 songs while I was test driving it. Now I must head to the American Musical Supply, and Musician's Friend web sites, and remove the Fender Jaguar Baritone HH and Fender Jaguar Baritone Custom (respectively) from my wish lists. 
Matt
—Fast Cars & Loud Guitars!
