The custom pro setup package has been at the heart of our service for 30 years. (Worth over £225) and includes FREE delivery

If you have any questions or concerns regarding our service - please do click on the live chat any hour or call us on 01789 263333

Vintage V96 ReIssued 4-String Active Bass ~ Natural, Bass Guitar for sale at Richards Guitars.

Vintage

Vintage V96 ReIssued 4-String Active Bass ~ Natural

Name: Vintage V96 ReIssued 4-String Active Bass ~ Natural
Brand: Vintage
SKU: V964NAT
Price: 339.00 GBP
Availability: InStock

Tags: Guitar, Sub500, Vintage

£ 339.00

£ 409.00

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Description

The Vintage V96 Active Bass signifies the whole concept of a well made 4 string bass guitar, offering exceptional playability and a full dynamic tonal range.

Eastern poplar is the ideal tone wood for the lightweight body, highly resonant, vibrant and capable of producing big muscle bound overtones and harmonic content with exceptional depth, warmth and with natural high end clarity.

Indeed the V96 is a beefy bass guitar in all departments, and looks cool to say the least, available in a choice of Black, Sunset Sunburst or Natural finishes, with hard rock, bolt-on maple necks and fingerboards with contrasting black dot position markers.

All hardware is chrome including smooth open-geared Wilkinson WJBL200 machine heads, a Wilkinson 4 saddle adjustable bridge and control plate featuring chrome control knobs.

Without doubt, the Vintage V96 is pretty to look at, but aesthetics aside, the heart of every instrument is its tone, it’s here that this stunning bass excels.

The sonic versatility of these beautifully crafted bass guitars is quite outstanding and, the Wilkinson double coil WSM4 pickup, is one of the many features that has made the Vintage V96 so popular with bass players around the world.

This power house pickup with its immense grunt, monstrous, huge mid range punch and top end clarity, is installed in the bridge position where strings have less movement and naturally sound brighter. Needless to say then, that this bass guitar with its active circuitry featuring Volume, Bass, Middle and Treble controls, has the ability to effortlessly cut through any band or recording mix.

Whilst the Vintage V96 is renowned for delivering classic sounding rich lows and stabbing high frequencies, the 3-band EQ can be set for warm, rich tones, again, highlighting the tonal option within this extremely versatile bass guitar.

Funk, rock, disco or pop, the V96 is a winner…and some. Play on.

VJ96 Features

Body:
Eastern poplar body provides resonance, tone and ‘correct weight’ comfort, enhanced with correctly radiused contoured body.

Neck:
Maple bolt on neck for instant comfort, speed, accuracy and great feel.

Scale Length:
34" / 864mm.

Frets:
21 Medium profile frets add to comfort, accuracy and overall positive feel of the Vintage V96.

Neck Inlays:
Black dot.

Nut:
39mm white graphite stays friction-free to aid tuning and playability.

Bridge:
Wilkinson four saddle adjustable bridge.

Machine heads:
Wilkinson WJBL200 ensure smooth and stable tuning.

Pickups:
One Wilkinson double coil WSM4 in the bridge position.

Controls:
One volume.
3-band active EQ.
Bass 12dB ± 5kHz, Middle 12dB ± 2kHz, Treble 12dB ± 100Hz.

The V96™ is an original Vintage® ReIssued Series bass designed and created in the UK by the Vintage design team.

Custom Pro Setup Package (Total Value £225), Pro Guitar Setup for sale at Richards Guitars.

About The Custom Pro Setup & Workshop Package

I presented the following video a few years ago and realized it would be a perfect platform to help you see how, what we do is SO different from other guitar stores and it is this attention to every detail that has given us the reputation we have today, culminating over 30 years.

If you want to see what kind of thing we do during the Custom Pro Setup? Watch the following video.

Remember though, every guitar has its own story - its own idiosyncrasies that we need to focus on or adust or account for geometrically or cosmetically - so not every guitar setup & quality control process is the same or needs the same focus - but it gives you the idea of what happens.

The average time for a Custom Pro Setup is 60-90 minutes and will require a new set of strings (which of course are whatever gauge you request which you can tell us about in the order notes)

Its Not Always A Happy Ending

One of my favorite adverts was one by Honda which said at Honda they don't use the word "OK" and instead they use the phrase "What If". I LOVED that advert and found it so inspiring. This is the premise of every guitar setup we undertake. If that means rejecting guitars and starting again - that is exactly what we do.

In this video I show you a guitar that we COULD have sent out - We spent a lot of time on it - but.... I made the decision that this wasn't appropriate, as it would not be in the customer's long term interest - even if he never knew or would likely have cared.

The truth is, if I had let the guitar go out and a problem DID occur - I would know I let that guitar out in a way that could cause the problem and couldn't forgive myself!

Or you could just say your guitar will..

Sound Better
Pickups need to be balanced and adjusted accordingly for the optimum output. The height of the strings on an acoustic will effect the overal tone and volume. The break angle of string over saddle will also effect the volume, tone and energy that remains in the string. A poorly cut nut will sap tone and can cause various rattles and buzzes.

Feel Better
Mass produced guitars always suffer to a varying degree from sharp burs on the edges of the frets where they have been cut off in production. By spending time "softening" these edges it makes a massive difference to the feel of the guitar. From a sharp, scratchy feel when moving your hand up and down the fretboard to a guitar that feels like it has been played in for years.

Play Better
It is rare that there isn't a marked improvement on the playability of a guitar once it has been through our workshop. No matter what you pay whether it be £119 or £1119 every instrument new or used leaves our workshop fit to be played by beginner or professional. Of course, if you have a preference then the guitar will be setup to play just how you like it. I want the guitar to play like your guitar.

Stay In Tune - Longer
A bold claim? Not really! We pay close attention to the nut of the guitar by default when setting up our guitars. If the nut is cut too tight on the strings then they pinch (that clicky sound when you tune or detune). The clicking noise is the sound of the string pinging into position. In other words it is not moving freely so when you go to tune your guitar it will be at one pitch but when you bend the string or use the tremolo the string "pings" into its actual pitch - now out of tune! People blame the tremolo for poor tuning on guitars but it is actually usually the nut which is to blame.

Look Better
Thats right! Our guitars even look better than guitars bought from any other store!! A visual check is made on every guitar. We are always looking for cosmetic issues and will take the price into account. I have rejected "flame top" guitars with not enough flame, guitars with poorly aligned inlays, buff marks, dinks and dents - most scenarios have occurred over the years - all rejected on behalf of the customer. On guitars which may have been poorly buffed at the factory we even have a T-Cut which helps remove excess scratching to give surfaces like black gloss a wonderful pristine sheen. Every guitar we sell is polished of course and the only dust you will see on the guitar will have landed on it from the box we put it in for packing!

Need Advice? Call 01789 263333 (or open this tab)

Call us during office hours (Monday To Saturday 10-4pm) on 01789 263333
Why not book an appointment and spend a morning or afternoon in total peace and privacy? All the advice will be on hand whenever you need it
Live Help is available which is run by Jon, Jake & Richard most hours of the day 7 days a week
Richard has written many advice blogs relating to this brand, which can be found at the bottom of the page
Richard has provided many hours of advice via our Youtube page at www.youtube.com/richardsguitarshop
Special highlights are often featured on our Instagram

*FREE On ALL premium guitars

Custom Pro Setup Package

Click here for more details and many 5 star customer experiences

Custom Pro Setup & Follow Up Service Package Worth £200 (Available With NEW Guitar Purchases), Pro Guitar Setup for sale at Richards Guitars.

*available at heavily subsidized rates on all guitars where not available free of charge - and delivery is FREE too!

Great service

The guitar is great, and the shipping and availability of the staff was very nice! Thanks team!

It's a jungle out there! Sometimes you need a gig bag and this one hits the spot.

It's a decent gig bag for the price. It looks cool and does the job nicely.

Smooth, like melting butter

A good set up makes a world of difference and I am excited about how well this guitar plays. Thank you for such attention to detail.

Great Guitar, Great Service, Great Experience!

This guitar is fantastic! It has been expertly set up and I am very happy with it. It is indeed fortunate that it arrived in such good condition as the packaging was notably sub par. I was surprised to find that the guitar was not shipped inside the padded gig bag I purchased, but it arrived well so all is good. I especially appreciate the professional level of communication from the shop. I will happily buy more guitars here in the future.

Unbelievable guitar at the price!

V20 Maple Coaster, insane VFM

As a newbie whos first 12 months have been spent playing a poor quality and badly setup acoustic I am blown away by my first electric guitar from Richards. My v20 arrived in perfect condition, feels a big step up in quality and is a pleasure to use. No sharp fret end, no action you could drive a bus under and no pinging from the nut on tuning. Everything Richard promises on purchase of a guitar was delivered which is insane for a £149 guitar. They have won a customer for life.

Fantastic guitarBass

Hello everyone, I want to thank all the staff at Richard's for the professionalism, kindness and efficiency of their work. I bought this bass vi and it is perfect. Really an excellent setup of the instrument. Thanks again! Alessandro Terlizzi

Excellent

Great service.

Great guitar!

This is a great and unique guitar. I love the neck and the general playability, the pickups and the variator switch; providing lots of tone options. The tremolo works very smoothly and stays in tune well, and last, but not least: the guitar looks great, with the greenburst finish, the binding and the fretboard inlays. And it's fairly inexpensive too 😊

The Pro Upgrade is actually Pro

When purchasing a guitar in store, you generally have a coupon for a setup at a local luthier/tech shop. When purchasing online, we're usually lacking that option... Well thanks Richard's Guitars, having the option makes all the difference. The setup was on-point, the guitar plays nice!

1 2 3

Reviews in Other Languages

As I have noted elsewhere

As I have noted elsewhere the set up of the guitars I have purchased was simply superb in every way.

This is a great guitar :-)

This is a great guitar, very good.
Really good service and nice with a guitar that is adjusted and tested

For me - there is no difference between "personal" and "business" life - It is all "my life". Interconnected and therefore highly personal. Every guitar I sell (EVERY) is one I can tell you the backstory - about the people who make them - the ethos of the brand and how they align with my own - they are a genuine personal recommendations based on 28 years in the industry.

With the industry dominated by marketing, hype, and "blinkered" brand loyalty - retailers focus on what they get asked for - with little effort in raising awareness of guitars that are better than the one you asked about. This leads to a lot of poor buying decisions!

Here is a quick introduction to the brands I often refer to as "my babies" but really you could simply refer to them as "benchmarks". Check the prices - check the specs - check the quality and back story - and find me a brand that does it better - or even close. The fact is you cant buy a bad guitar from Richards Guitars - you will only find the best - set up to your personal requirements.

My "Personal Collection"

Detail - Clarity-Power-Resonance-Beauty

Furch Changed Everything...

I introduced Furch to to the UK over 20 years ago - with my good friend Keith Twine who has since retired.

At the time I was a leading supplier of brands such as Gibson, Martin & Taylor. Experiencing Furch guitars made me realize there is what you "know" and what you "should know". Just because you DON'T - doesn't mean it doesn't exist!

What does all this mean? Forget what you think you know and open your mind to the possibility that you can find better - and we will guarantee you an experience you will never forget - with help from Furch and my other personal finds from over the decades.

Buy Furch Guitars Online

Inspirational quality, tone & feel at a price you never thought would be possible.

A Benchmark British Brand

With an incredible Back story - A Truly Brtiish yet global brand utilising the shared skills of the Gordon Smith Team in England and a small boutique workshop in China - The result? Unbelievable quality that far surpasses that of recognised mass produced brands at the same price.

Buy Auden Guitars Online

Hand Made - Standard Setting - Affordable

We Were The First UK Dealer for Eastman Guitars...

....and continue to be their largest and most experienced dealer in the UK supplying Eastman guitars throughout Europe.

Originally known for their extraordinary quality, hand made arch tops - produced by violin makers - as their reputation spread they developed into the World of electric and acoustic guitar production which continue to be made by hand.

Eastman have now become a hugely dominant force in the Guitar World producing the "best in class" in any guitar genre they opt to focus on.

Nobody knows them better or can provide you a better experience.

Whether you decide on the showroom experience or buying online you could not be in safer hands.

Buy Eastman Guitars Online

Quality - Versatility - Innovation

Canadas Finest

I have specialised in Godin guitars since 1995.

Godin have been solving problems for performing acoustic and electric guitar players for over 30 years, producing the most divine instruments which are stylish, of the highest quality whilst serving the practical needs of the modern performing professional

You could say Godin is the antithesis to Gibson! Godins reputation is built largely on the word of mouth of professionals and session musicians who need their instruments to be highly reliable and consistent night after night.

Get one in your hands, and you will soon understand their unique contribution to the evolution of the guitar.

Buy Godin Guitars Online

Perfection

Hand Made In Italy

I have to thank Stuart - Director of UK Distributor Selectron for thinking of me when he made a very special find in the guise of Luigi - A man building what can only be described as playable works of art. An extraordinary man - extraordinary guitars and I can only thank Luigi & Stuart for thinking of me as a perfect fit to help represent Luigis work in the UK.

Buy Valenti Guitars Online

Hand Made In Ukraine

Valiant Guitars

Breathtaking guitars made by men who continue their passion literally in a war zone.

The human story is inspiring but no less than the impeccable, meticulous qualitywith an enormous dash of the secret ingredient so many guitars can never find - MOJO!

View Our Valiant Guitars

The most comprehensive collection of affordable electric guitars money can buy.

We will help you find The best playing - Affordable electric guitar

I have been promoting Vintage brand guitars since the day they were "born" some 20+ years ago! In this time they have just got better... and better... and better! Not just that but the range has just become EPIC. Something for everyone!!

In the past couple of years ProShop has become one of the mmost exciting UK hand built guitars- using the Vintage range as the building blocks to create wonderful and exciting guitars that would normally cost thousands of pounds.

Buy Vintage Brand Guitars Online

Hand Made Ultimate Luxury Leather Guitar Straps

You will see so many marketing stories and false claims of hand made guitar straps in the UK - often with a massive premium price tag added.

TRUST ME - THESE ARE...

The finest hand made leather guitar straps money can buy

Hand made in Walsall using traditional tooling methods by own of the UKs greatest horse sadlers.

Memory foam insert ensures premium comfort - These straps will last you a lifetime.

Learn More

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Bought on trust ... and they delivered.

I purchased my Furch, sight unseen and unplayed. I explained to Jake my style of music, how I played and the sound I was looking for. Originally I thought a Dowina was for me but after a few online chats, watching a few online videos etc., I was persuaded that I should go for Furch Blue Gc-CM Master's choice with the CNR active neck model instead. I am extremely pleased with the service I received, the advice given and the updates on ordering, arrival and delivery. All spot on. I was in no great hurry to get it but it was good to be kept informed.

T98 ACE

This guitar is something special to hold, to play and to look at. It really is beautiful in all aspects. I had wanted to buy another acoustic (ideally electro) for a while and with the advice of a friend who has the T98 Parlour Lag I went for the T98 ACE. I wanted a high quality guitar that would feel equally at home with finger picking and strumming, had a warm tone, well balanced highs and lows, has a lovely resonance and could somehow effortlessly amplify my soft figure picking in the absence of long finger nails...oh and at a modest price (below £500) - not too much to ask for right!? Ha ha

Well I must say this has exceeded all expectations and I got more than I'd hoped for with the T98 ACE and that's even before I plug it in!

What made it even more special was the much needed advice and guidance I received from the team at Richard's Guitars whilst weighing up my options as well as the care and attention that went into setting up the guitar to my specifications and making sure that it was nothing less than amazing before it was posted out.

The quality of the guitar makes me play better and sound better. Part of my goal was to get back into guitar playing after going through a period of years where life was getting in the way. I can safely say since purchasing this guitar I have played more in the past few weeks than I had in the past 5 years! It even spurred me on to put up a proper guitar hanging rack.

I highly recommend the guitar and what's more I highly recommend Richard's Guitars

FGN Guitar

Richards guitars provided an unbelievable experience via on line purchase. he guitar came well packed and arrived in fantastic condition. Communication via email was flawless. I've attached a picture of me in the Amazon jungle from this past July!

Auden 12 string

Just bought another wonderful guitar from Richard's Guitars. It's an Auden 12 string. It's what I was missing in my arsenal of guitars. It is an amazing guitar that was recommended to me by Jon and Jake and they never let me down. It sings so sweetly and I can't put it down. Another massive thanks to Richard, Jon, Jake and Chris the guitar tech for all the expert advice and knowledge they gave me. They are all so understanding and great guys. The fingertips are sore but I'm a very happy guy...all the best, Barrie

Richard Guitars - Furch Yellow Gc-CR SPA Master's Choice

I had a appointment to try some guitars in the showroom.
Jake had already selected some he thought I'd be interested in and was on hand when needed for information and advice. It was a lovely experience. I played a lot of guitars in those 3 hours and never felt rushed or pressured in any way.
The Dowina guitars are some of the most beautifully crafted instruments I've seen and play beautifully.
In the end I picked a Furch. The sound is exceptional - rich and resonant.
I left the showroom confident I'd picked the right guitar for me and paid a very reasonable price for it.
The guitar was delivered 3 days later. I'd asked for a couple of minor tweaks which had been done and overall the setup was spot on.
The whole team were a pleasure to deal with and I am a very happy customer. Would highly recommend.

Richards Guitars and LAG met my needs!

I'm 74 years old, have been an electric guitar player since my teenage years and haven't owned an acoustic since my teenage 'folk' days. I've been playing live in bands for many years but stopped a couple of years ago and have some issues with arthritis in my hands. I still have 3 of my electric guitars but wanted an acoustic in order to encourage more spontaneous bouts of playing instead of having to pull an amplifier out and get an electric set up. I also feel that an acoustic will help me to focus on my technique.
I have spent a lot of time researching brands, suppliers and watching reviews. Richards Guitars, I thought, had a really customer focused attitude so, after talking to Jake about my short list and taking his very honest advice, I ordered a LAG T118ACE. Getting the guitar set up by Richards Guitars with the best possible action was a big factor and, within a few days, my guitar arrived ready to play. It's a complete beauty and a real quality instrument! Throughout the process, Jake has been there for me, answering my questions and pointing me in the right direction.
A huge "thank you" to Richards Guitars. All I have to do now is get used to playing an acoustic again!

Great Service

Thanks very much to Richard's Guitars for providing such an outstanding service.My beautiful guitar arrived in perfect condition and was set up perfectly and ready to be played straight from the box.This service was invaluable to me as It would have been very hard for me to find someone in my area to do a proper set up for me.All in all top class.I'll definitely be back.
Thanks again.Luke.

Hi Luke

Thank you so much for taking the time to leave us such a kind review! We're thrilled to hear that you had a great experience with us and that your guitar arrived in perfect condition. We always strive to provide top-notch service and we're glad we could make the set up process easier for you. We look forward to seeing you again soon. Happy playing!

Richard

Superb Service, Superlative Guitas!!

I have now bought six guitars from Richard and his brilliant team. From a lower priced Lag to the top of the range hand built custom guitars from Dowina. Absolutely first class service all round and phenomenal instruments. A picture below with my wife modelling my GACE custom built Cocobolo and Spruce. My all time favourite guitar and it plays and records beautifully. Here with original song I composed with it and playing it.

Excellent Service Exceptionable Guitars

Great Shop, Great Service!

This is a really nice shop. I love the guitar I bought here, the setup they performed on it is excellent, and their communication and attention to detail is top notch!

Vintage V96 ReIssued 4-String Active Bass ~ Natural

Its Not Always A Happy Ending

Or you could just say your guitar will..

Custom Pro Setup Package

Customer Reviews

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