Club F-bass (Part VII)

[Slammyapple]

Serial # 915204 (A inscribed just below)... this is when s# on circuit board of preamp, not on a sticker on the headstock!

Sat idle for so long cause I went overseas and stashed it in my bro's house... and just left it there forever, till a couple months ago.

Can't really speak to p/up comparison, since I've never played a newer Fbass... others on here have written about them, tho apparently referring to Studio model. Actually used to prefer the passive sound on this bass when playing it regularly... tho the EQ brings all kinds of possibilities, obv.

[jephil]

Hi everyones, try to become a club fbass member .... Here s few pics of my fbasses bnf5 and bn6

[George Furlanet]

Originally Posted by Tom7

I've been talking bass with a friend in Canada who has asked me some very specific questions about Alain Caron's tone which I have no idea what the answers are, but I wish I did because I'm curious myself.

In short, he is thinking about buying a BN6 he loves Alain's slap tone, on D-Code specifically, and he is wondering how much of it, if any, is coming from the midi installed on his bass, from pedals, which you can see him adjust on his live DVD, and from his gear like his Roland modeling amps which he also used to use.

Again, I have no idea, but I always thought his midi was for soloing and it is super obvious when he is using it because his solos don't sound like a bass. I'm not sure what his pedals are, but when he steps for them on D-Code the live DVD I have, the sound change I hear is more one of volume and perhaps EQ... the band is now in so he wants to sound supportive in the mix, rather than out front like he did on the introduction.

The last question is, if most of that tone is bass (ash body, ebony finger board, Fbass pick ups, Fbass preamp, Fbass design, etc.), how much do the split pick ups factor in? Does he have to order the new model with splits? Or can he pick up a used BN6 with soap bars?

Alain's slap sound is all from his instrument not from the Roland synth. What gives him that characteristic sound is the split coils, their position, the Seymour Duncan preamp, the basswood body and the Macassar ebony fretboard.
The split coils offer a much more harpsichord (piano) tone, because the bass coils are further back than the treble coils (reverse P)

[George Furlanet]

Originally Posted by Georges Abitbol

Hi there,

Today I checked all my basses. Neck straight, tuning, batteries... I'm playing 2 or 3 a lot while I own 10. I've not played my F for a while for exemple. I know, it's a shame.

Fact is I found my BN5 have a ugly fret oxidation.

What products do you use (or Georges F suggest you to) for fret care?

Thanks!

Fret oxidation can be removed with 0000 steel wool (super fine). Br careful not to scratch the finish or get any iron filaments on the pickups or electronics.

[George Furlanet]

Originally Posted by DonovanBankhead

It was changed a while ago, but I'm not sure when. Someone correct me if I'm wrong - but I think I had it right (down is singlecoil).


New video up for a BN5 that I just received:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=s0lfN6om14o

Down is single coil (louder), up is hum-canceling (quieter, clearer) . It was reversed about 6 years ago.

[Vic]

Originally Posted by George Furlanet

Fret oxidation can be removed with 0000 steel wool (super fine). Br careful not to scratch the finish or get any iron filaments on the pickups or electronics.

I pretty much stopped using steel wool just for the risk and also the mess unless I'm dealing with a LOT of dirt/corrosion. I've actually found the Planet Waves fret polishing system, while not as fast at getting it done, does just as good of a job, is not very expensive, and doesn't damage any finish, either...

FWIW...

[George Furlanet]

Originally Posted by Slammyapple

Help!? Been digging all over these forums trying to find info on my F 5-string... doesn't seem to match any standard model (no surprise from a custom shop, but...), tho materials, hardware, preamp, etc. all typical early 90s build, I guess.

Ash/maple bolt-on, 34", 21 frets, Gotoh, standard (early) EQ/pre... but with split coil p/ups. Basically a BN5 but for the split p/ups, which don't seem to show up much except on earlier neck-throughs (...?).

Don't know exact build year, bought in 95 from a guy who was repping for Fbass so may have had a line on a one-off. Have not been able to find a match after a lot of searching. Emailed serial # to Fbass but no reply. "Last two digits" theory does not apply in this case, since it's -04.

It's a killer bass, sound and feel, played exclusively for several years, but sidelined after arrival of a very lucky FrankenJazz... could never quite get with the 5 anyway, despite everything.

This all by way of saying I'm considering putting it on the block for sale/trade (tho maybe not if I keep playing it again...), but trying to get a bead on what it should go for, reasonably speaking. Condition good/very good -- slappery of previous owner put some heavy wear on p/up cover (see pic), has the minor dings of a working bass, gunked bottom bout from looping cable, but still a beauty... frets good, neck pristine. It has been virtually untouched for 10 years, no kidding. On its way to the tech next week.

First post on these boards, lotta knowledge here, much appreciate any insights.

Just found the bass in my records. Kevin Agunas originally from Boston, was helping me sell them in the East.
Serial # 062592, so construction started June 25, 1992.
maple and wenge neck.

[alembicf1x]

Originally Posted by George Furlanet

Alain's slap sound is all from his instrument not from the Roland synth. What gives him that characteristic sound is the split coils, their position, the Seymour Duncan preamp, the basswood body and the Macassar ebony fretboard.
The split coils offer a much more harpsichord (piano) tone, because the bass coils are further back than the treble coils (reverse P)

I own a six that looks very similar to Alain's (with the split coils), and always wondered why the slap sound was so different compared to my other F-Bass. Thanks for the explanation!

One of these days I'll get around to posting some pics, it is quite beautiful.

[MVPBASS]

George I have a question. Why the sticker? I mean with all of the attention to detail,( matching wood pickup covers and back plate, ebony knobs, etc.) Why go with a sticker for the serial? or if it has to be a sticker, why not put it on the inside of the back control plate? I've always wondered that.

[Slammyapple]

Originally Posted by George Furlanet

Just found the bass in my records. Kevin Agunas originally from Boston, was helping me sell them in the East.
Serial # 062592, so construction started June 25, 1992.
maple and wenge neck.

Thanks George! Can't beat that!

[George Furlanet]

Originally Posted by MVPBASS

George I have a question. Why the sticker? I mean with all of the attention to detail,( matching wood pickup covers and back plate, ebony knobs, etc.) Why go with a sticker for the serial? or if it has to be a sticker, why not put it on the inside of the back control plate? I've always wondered that.

US customs requires an exposed, easily read "Made in Canada" emblem. The serial number is also inside the back control cavity.

[MVPBASS]

Originally Posted by George Furlanet

US customs requires an exposed, easily read "Made in Canada" emblem. The serial number is also inside the back control cavity.

So is it intended to be removed once purchased, does it decrease the value to remove the sticker?

[Tom7]

Originally Posted by MVPBASS

So is it intended to be removed once purchased, does it decrease the value to remove the sticker?

US Customs can really be a BEAR to work with, as I found out this last bass purchase. Thankfully we got them straightened out with the help of George's staff though.

Anyway, I keep the Canada stickers on my basses, and if I buy used, I like to see the sticker kept on it too I guess.

Also, I think it is interesting the variety there are too. Here the backs of the head stocks of 3 of my Fs:

[Tom7]

Originally Posted by George Furlanet

Alain's slap sound is all from his instrument not from the Roland synth. What gives him that characteristic sound is the split coils, their position, the Seymour Duncan preamp, the basswood body and the Macassar ebony fretboard.
The split coils offer a much more harpsichord (piano) tone, because the bass coils are further back than the treble coils (reverse P)

I love the tone of my BN6 and while I like Alain's tone, I honestly prefer my BN6 -- but that doesn't mean that I won't want a second BN6 with split coils down the road too. I'd have to think about a basswood body though... and I can't see me wanting a Seymour Duncan instead of an Fbass preamp.

Mike Pope worked with Fodera to introduce a bass with a sliding back pickup.

What would be much cooler, I think, is if we could slide a SPLIT pickup so that in one position we have a straight aligned single coil, and then slide it into position to be a split.

Anyway, thanks for the info on Alain's bass.

If memory serves, you've just introduced an option to get Alain Caron signature BN6s and BN5s with the split pickup. Are the bodies ash in general? Or is basswood an option too?

[Tom7]

Originally Posted by jephil

Hi everyones, try to become a club fbass member .... Here s few pics of my fbasses bnf5 and bn6

Yes! Welcome! Good to see you. Nice basses!


CLUB FBASS ROSTER
(Updated 03 March 2011)

1. George_Furlanet (Number assigned by club vote)
2. Tombowlus - BN4, BN5, VF5
3. Puff_father - BN5
4. Debassed - BNF5
5. ThumbyAche - BN5, GFC
6. brandonwong - BN6, BN6 custom, AC6, BNF5, BNF5(2), BN5 custom
7. Tom7 - AC6, BN5, BN6, VF5, fretted AC6
8. Erick Lam - Vintage Fretless 5
9. knarleybass - BN5, BN6
10. Reefer - BN5, BN4?
11. VinceLovesF - BN5, AC5
12. T._Brookins - BN5
13. DonovanBankhead - BN5
14. Speyer - BN6 (b)
15. jmilky - BN5
16. edel - BN5
17. administrator - BN5
18. Dave Hill - BN5, (b), VF4
19. FbassDave - BN5, BNF5
20. Vic - VF5
21. Georges_Abitbol - BN5 (b) (c)
22. xav_paris - BN5, (b)
23. Munjibunga - BN5
24. Toolmybass - ?
25. Modny - Studio5, Prototype
26. mikoespanol - AC5
27. Ron_Plichta - BN5
28. Gbarchus - BNF5
29. nuwavedc - BN5
30. JerryJ - BN5, BN6, AC5
31. yansdgr - BNF5
32. firebass - AC5, AC6
33. choad42 - BN5
34. donstrenz - Vintage 4 (stolen)
35. Gilsonite - Studio6
36. Tjluke - BN6, AC6
37. cabooke - BNF5
38. Brad Johnson - Studio5
39. MHemmber - BN4
40. Deevit / FortressOne - BN5, (2)
41. dreamwood - BN6
42. wolfbass1025 - BN6, AC5, 2
43. funkydanbass - AC6
44. Phillip Jordan - BN5
45. Halftooth - BN5
46. thndrstk6 - BN6
47. funkifiedsoul - Vintage4
48. Trapeze Fan - BN5
49. Poppsyche - BN6
50. Groovy Bastard - BN6
51. Kemet09 - Vintage4
52. ModulusAcacia - AC5
53. bassjam - BN5
54. ad9000 - BN6
55. Basses55 - BN5
56. Kevin Woods - BNF6
57. pierreganseman - BN5
58. DiDi G - BN6
59. Greggles - BN4
60. kotzman - AC5
61. Alphaman - BN6
62. remigioremigio - BN5
63. JensWest - BN5
64. eduardxtb - BN6
65. dveeus1 - BNF5, BN5
66. paulvienneau - BN6, AC6
67. bdgotoh - BN4
68. rabster - VF5, AC5
69. funkygeos - BN5
70. fusoid - AC6, BN6
71. WovenGraphite - BN6 (b), AC6 (b)
72. rnlytton - AC6, AC6-LW, BN5 (piccolo), 3 BN6s!
73. bardlute - AC5
74. chrisloe - BN6, b
75. Iposavad - BNF5
76. yinghock - BN5, BN5 with rosewood board!
77. pocketmonster - BN5
78. bassment bn5 - BN5, VF5, VF5
79. hairman - BN6, BNF5,
80. JOEP054 - AC5, BN5, VF5
81. p0k - VF5
82. jmilkey - BN5
83. Bass Junkie - AC4, (with a VF4 being built!)
84. narud - VF5,
85. BIg O - Studio 5, Passive 6, BN5, more photos
86. felicidade - BNF5
87. Drone80 - BN5, VF5
88. steve f - BN5
89. Fbassed - BN5, AC5
90. rick1906 - BN5
91. Romu - BN5
92. Bajosintrastos - BNF5
93. jimc - BN5, VF5
94. cfequa - BN5
95. mrbassman_de - AC5, BN5
96. Graham Monette - BN5
97. Shelly - VF5
98. tonenazi - BN5
99. Abacobob - BN5
100. jogi68 - BN5 (studio), BN5 (defretted), VF5, AC5, BN6, NY5, VF5
101. ManuBerdin - Studio, BNF5, BN5
102. rvf42 - BN5
103. kuma9 - BN5 (wide nut)
104. jbay - BN6
105. INGALL'S - BN6
106. BIGGUY78 - VF5
107. KERMITNT-BN5
108. Ewo - BN5
109. frizzle - BN5
110. t0t0m - BN5
111. blen dem - BN5
112. francoprof - BNF6
113. bassistck - BNF5
114. Sirmike75 - BN5
115. Stereo Joe - Vintage BN5
116. starKey - VF5
117. eaflyaway - AC5
118. hyperba55 - AC4, BN6, AC6
119. penny0072001 - BN5
120. TheSiberian - BN6 + piezo
121. PhillM47 - BN5
122. Robochrist - Studio5
123. tcydennis - BN5
124. wellso74 - BN6
125. boomski - BN6
126. nemo - Studio5
127. maritimer - BN5
128. olegsulimov - BN5 NYC
129. Slammyapple - BN5
130. jephil - BNF5, BN6
131. <Your name could be here!>

Former Fbass owners:
GRoberts, AJ Brown, JRB, jmondick, ursus, Freddy-G, Adrian Garcia, Yvon, dean82, smperry, Ryan_L, rodneyat, 123eranoid, Gordon of Eden, choad42, black.rose1402, blen dem, Jonno1707 - AC5, Quadzilla - BN4, BN5, ?, RoboChrist - BN4, blen dem - BN5, BassBoss - AC5, KJung - VF5, Bassconbeatz - BN6,

[Tom7]

Originally Posted by Vic

I pretty much stopped using steel wool just for the risk and also the mess unless I'm dealing with a LOT of dirt/corrosion. I've actually found the Planet Waves fret polishing system, while not as fast at getting it done, does just as good of a job, is not very expensive, and doesn't damage any finish, either...

FWIW...

Cool! Thanks for the tip!

[MVPBASS]

Originally Posted by Tom7

US Customs can really be a BEAR to work with, as I found out this last bass purchase. Thankfully we got them straightened out with the help of George's staff though.

Anyway, I keep the Canada stickers on my basses, and if I buy used, I like to see the sticker kept on it too I guess.

Also, I think it is interesting the variety there are too. Here the backs of the head stocks of 3 of my Fs:

This is what I'd expect, a nice inlay or a plaque, ingraved into the wood, stamped onto the wood under the finish. The sticker just seems to take away from the artistry of it. IMO
Does any other company do the sticker thing?

[Tom7]

Originally Posted by MVPBASS

This is what I'd expect, a nice inlay or a plaque, ingraved into the wood, stamped onto the wood under the finish. The sticker just seems to take away from the artistry of it. IMO
Does any other company do the sticker thing?

Thanks. I very much prefer the inlay too, and like the transparent sticker as well.

Like you, I didn't really like the white sticker at first, it was a real shock on a high end bass, but it does make some sense. If for some reason someone doesn't want a permanent "Made in Canada" on their bass, it is better to have a peal off sticker than an inlay.

As for others using stickers, of course the American luthiers (Fodera, Alleva Coppolo, etc.) don't have to because it is a requirement of U.S. Customs for it to be imported into the United States.

I've not bought a bass from out of country that wasn't an Fbass I guess, so I don't know what other import bass makers do.

[deevit]

Wow, mr Furlanetto is a member here too? Great posts!

I've got a few questions on my bass too, any input is welcome.

My bass is a BN5, serial number 621096. That makes it a '96 right?
A few things on my bass seem to be different from others, I haven't seen another like mine.

This is my bass.


First thing; the preamp. It's different from the current one, but it isn't the old one earlier described on fbass.com either. The controls are volume, balance, low, mid, high and a switch for active/passive. No coilsplitting or passive tone.
Gutshot;


Next; headstock. It's a 3+2 headstock, I understand this was normal on the older F-Basses?


Next up; the neck. My bass has got 24 frets (love it!). Strange thing about the neck of my bass is that the side doesn't have dots or anything, only the side of the fretboard has dots. It works fine but I have never seen this before.



Well, that should cover it, would be great to hear what you guys think! Oh wait, almost forgot to mention the nitro finish. My bass is full with cracks like these. I like it, has got some charm to it in a way.



David

[Johannes Oehl]

The grain on this one is amazing!