New for 2023, the Fender Custom Shop introduces the Bass VI Journeyman Relic. An expertly crafted recreation of Fender’s original six-string bass of 1961-1975, it’s loaded with looks, sound and vibe that authentically evoke the instrument’s four-switch design of the early 1960s.

The sleekly offset two-piece select alder body wears Journeyman Relic lacquer finishes in Aged Vintage White, Aged Black and Three-Color Sunburst. This special treatment imparts the look of an instrument that has changed hands or been handed down over the years, mostly played around the house and the occasional jam session or weekend gig. This generally well-cared-for look includes light finish checking, several “friendly” down-to-the-wood nicks and dings, some dulling of the hardware, and general moderate playing wear. The look of a very lucky find, in short.

The quartersawn maple neck has a ’60s-style Oval “C” profile, topped by a 7.25”-radius round-lam rosewood fingerboard with 21 medium vintage (47095) frets and a bone nut. All three Custom Shop hand-wound ’62 Jaguar® pickups deliver deeply resonant period-correct tone with punchy lows and growling midrange, with vintage Bass VI wiring and controls including three pickup on/off slider switches and the Bass VI’s classic low-cut “strangle” slider switch.

Other premium features include a Fender “floating vibrato” tailpiece with vintage-style six-saddle bridge and mute, four-ply brown shell pickguard, vintage-style tuners, wing string tree, deluxe hardshell case, strap and certificate of authenticity.