Club FBass (Part 5)

[Tom7]

Originally Posted by George Furlanet

I am currently "loading" the rosewood/alder VFs with DR nickel lights, 40 to 100, and a 125, either Low Riders (brighter) or Sunbeams.
The ash/maple VF get DR Marcus Miller 45 to 105 and a 125.
The F Bass strings are too loose for this model and cause too many false harmonics and overtones.

I've been thinking about this strings experiment I'll be doing next string change over... I REALLY like my VF5 with Fbass strings. I've only barely thought of trying anything else with it. To have George make these recommendations REALLY piques my curiosity though and I've got to see what it is he is saying.

But for now, all my attention (when my attention is on basses) is on the new fretted AC6. I finally played her today for a good amount of time and I've decided that I suck. I used to just stink, but now I swear the bass sounds better in the case.

It sure is fun though! It's great to be playing again; it's been a long time. I mean other than hating it, I LOVE it!

[tombowlus]

FWIW, I tried a set of the DR Marcus Miller Fat Beams on my ash/rosewood VF5, and while they excel in some regards, they don't have the clear mids and snappy highs that I generally associate with DR SS rounds (especially the Hi Beams, but the Fat Beams seem even less present in the mids/highs than Lo Riders, to my ears). I think I am going to try a set of Hi Beams on my VF5 next. Or possibly a set of MTD SS strings. Or maybe Dean Markley Blue Steels...

[Vic]

Originally Posted by tombowlus

FWIW, I tried a set of the DR Marcus Miller Fat Beams on my ash/rosewood VF5, and while they excel in some regards, they don't have the clear mids and snappy highs that I generally associate with DR SS rounds (especially the Hi Beams, but the Fat Beams seem even less present in the mids/highs than Lo Riders, to my ears). I think I am going to try a set of Hi Beams on my VF5 next. Or possibly a set of MTD SS strings. Or maybe Dean Markley Blue Steels...

On the Dean Markley's, I would personally try the SR2000's before the Blue Steels. They're still tapered some, but not at all like the F/LaBella's, and I have very good luck with them on other basses. They even used to have a "Will Lee" signature set of those (but now just brand the same set generically).

[tombowlus]

Originally Posted by Vic

On the Dean Markley's, I would personally try the SR2000's before the Blue Steels. They're still tapered some, but not at all like the F/LaBella's, and I have very good luck with them on other basses. They even used to have a "Will Lee" signature set of those (but now just brand the same set generically).

The SR2000's are definitely a very nice string, but I've had very good luck with Blue Steels (for my personal preferences). It would be fun to compare the two, though, for sure.

[Tom7]

Originally Posted by dkb

Here's a beaut! No pore filler - so it's got that cool, "antiqued" type of look.

And yes, it is coming to me, so, it's available.

Well, this one didn't last very long. I read that it is already sold!

Hopefully the new buyer joins us here in Club Fbass when his BN5 arrives. I for one, would like to see more photos!

[steve f]

It's been a long time coming but I've finally got a bass that makes me feel like there's no reason to look in the TB classifieds anymore...

A hearfelt thanks to Donovan Bankhead for helping me to score this amazing instrument. Donovan was really patient with me over the past month or two and really went above and beyond the call to make this happen. BRAVO to George F for making the best damn bass I've ever played!

You've heard it all before but.... tough!

The preamp is just completely usable. It puts an enormous palette of tones at your disposal. The action is very low and easy with no noise or buzzing. The neck contour feels perfect to my hand. Fit and finish are outstanding and the cocobolo top is really exceptional. Look carefully at the figure in the wood. It looks like a face to me - two eyes, nose, and fu manchu mustache. This bass really kicks ass, no other way to put it.

I'm in love with the BN-5!

I'd be happy to take a number if you've got an extra, Tom.

[thndrstk6]

This is probably my favorite BN5 wood combo.

[DonovanBankhead]

That bass is an amazing bass! I sold it when it was new - it was my first "expensive" F Bass that I had sold.

Interesting story on how Steve got it. The guy I sold it to ended up needing some money, and had been trying to sell it on evilbay. Steve saw it on evilbay and was trying to get info from the guy, but the info just wasn't forthcoming. Steve happened to mention the bass to me, and I told him that I knew that guy and knew that bass. Steve was kind of uncomfortable dealing with this unknown guy in Las Vegas (the original owner), so I went to work on getting it. I had to jump through only a dozen or so hoops to make it happen, but I ended up getting it back, and then getting it to Steve.

I'm soooo glad he got it - it's a special bass, and he is going to REALLY enjoy it!

[thndrstk6]

Very cool and very worth it.

[speyer]

Welcome to the club!

And Bravo to you Steve, for having one of the sickest looking BN5's around!

pat.

[steve f]

Thanks guys and I can't say enough good things about Donovan and how he helped me get this bass. No question who I will deal with in the future at any and every opportunity. If you're thinking of buying an FBass (or anything else he may dabble in from time to time) CALL DONOVAN BANKHEAD, you will not regret it.

[thndrstk6]

Originally Posted by steve f

Thanks guys and I can't say enough good things about Donovan and how he helped me get this bass. No question who I will deal with in the future at any and every opportunity. If you're thinking of buying an FBass (or anything else he may dabble in from time to time) CALL DONOVAN BANKHEAD, you will not regret it.

+1

[Tom7]

Originally Posted by steve f

It's been a long time coming but I've finally got a bass that makes me feel like there's no reason to look in the TB classifieds anymore...

A hearfelt thanks to Donovan Bankhead for helping me to score this amazing instrument. Donovan was really patient with me over the past month or two and really went above and beyond the call to make this happen. BRAVO to George F for making the best damn bass I've ever played!

You've heard it all before but.... tough!

The preamp is just completely usable. It puts an enormous palette of tones at your disposal. The action is very low and easy with no noise or buzzing. The neck contour feels perfect to my hand. Fit and finish are outstanding and the cocobolo top is really exceptional. Look carefully at the figure in the wood. It looks like a face to me - two eyes, nose, and fu manchu mustache. This bass really kicks ass, no other way to put it.

I'm in love with the BN-5!

I'd be happy to take a number if you've got an extra, Tom.

You've got it, Steve. In fact, that one is pretty enough to earn you two!

How 'bout two 8s?

I know this bass. It and Donovan's current BN5 are probably my all time favorite BN5s. I think.

Anyway, congratulations, Dr. Steve. This is a fantastic catch.

Cheers!


CLUB FBASS ROSTER
(Updated 04 December 2009)

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
8. Erick Lam - Vintage Fretless 5
9. knarleybass - BN5, BN6
10. Reefer - BN5, BN4?
11. VinceLovesF - BN5, AC5
12. T._Brookins - BN5
13. DKB - BN5
14. Speyer - BN6 (b)
15. jmilky - BN5
16. edel - BN5
17. administrator - BN5
18. Dave Hill - BN5, (b)
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. <reserved for the return of choad42>
34. donstrenz - Vintage 4 (stolen)
35. Gilsonite - Studio6
36. Tjluke - BN6, AC6
37. cabooke - BNF5
38. Brad Johnson - Studio5
39. MHemmber - BN4
40. FortressOne - BN5
41. dreamwood - BN5
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. Bassconbeatz - BN6
55. Basses55 -
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
75. Iposavad - BNF5
76. yinghock - BN5
77. pocketmonster - BN5
78. bassment bn5 - BN5
79. hairman - BN6, BNF5,
80. JOEP054 - AC5, BN5
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
88. steve f - BN5
89. <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,

[Tom7]

Originally Posted by dkb

That bass is an amazing bass! I sold it when it was new - it was my first "expensive" F Bass that I had sold.

Interesting story on how Steve got it. The guy I sold it to ended up needing some money, and had been trying to sell it on evilbay. Steve saw it on evilbay and was trying to get info from the guy, but the info just wasn't forthcoming. Steve happened to mention the bass to me, and I told him that I knew that guy and knew that bass. Steve was kind of uncomfortable dealing with this unknown guy in Las Vegas (the original owner), so I went to work on getting it. I had to jump through only a dozen or so hoops to make it happen, but I ended up getting it back, and then getting it to Steve.

I'm soooo glad he got it - it's a special bass, and he is going to REALLY enjoy it!

Donovan, I want to thank you again for deciding to become an Fbass seller. You are one of the best things that's happened to that brand in recent memory.

With your youtube presentations, your excellent customer service, and your finger right here on the pulse of the bass community, you are a walking case study of how to run a business I think.

And I'm not just saying that so I can butter you up and buy your BN5 from you someday (but is it working?).

[DonovanBankhead]

Man, you guys are so gracious - I really appreciate every one of you. It's a joy for me to be a part of this group, and I love getting the opportunity to serve you all. The fact that my efforts are so appreciated really makes it worth while.

But the real thanks goes to all of us that are active on this forum and do the good work of spreading the word of the awesomeness of FBass!

Originally Posted by Tom7

Donovan, I want to thank you again for deciding to become an Fbass seller. You are one of the best things that's happened to that brand in recent memory.

With your youtube presentations, your excellent customer service, and your finger right here on the pulse of the bass community, you are a walking case study of how to run a business I think.

And I'm not just saying that so I can butter you up and buy your BN5 from you someday (but is it working?).

[Tom7]

Originally Posted by dkb

Man, you guys are so gracious - I really appreciate every one of you. It's a joy for me to be a part of this group, and I love getting the opportunity to serve you all. The fact that my efforts are so appreciated really makes it worth while.

But the real thanks goes to all of us that are active on this forum and do the good work of spreading the word of the awesomeness of FBass!

Did everyone else notice too that he didn't say anything about me getting his BN5 someday?

I guess I'll have to slather more butter again at some later point.

Oh Donovan, have I told you yet what a nice shirt you have on today?

[DonovanBankhead]

Alright Tom, you can have my BN5. When I die.

[Tom7]

Originally Posted by dkb

Alright Tom, you can have my BN5. When I die.

Fair enough.

BTW, how would you feel about meeting in person? Ideally that would be at NAMM, but given your latest promise, I know of an event we should both go to in April. Monday, April 11, 2011 to be specific.

And then after we could head out to Utah's Nutty Putty cave for some spelunking....

Then after that, we could work our way down this top 10 list....
Wahahaha!

[DonovanBankhead]

BWA HA HA HA! That is too funny! I KNOW the Boston Marathon would certainly do me in!

But seriously, you able to go to NAMM??? That would be FUN! We could take George to dinner!

[Tom7]

Originally Posted by dkb

BWA HA HA HA! That is too funny! I KNOW the Boston Marathon would certainly do me in!

But seriously, you able to go to NAMM??? That would be FUN! We could take George to dinner!

I was invited by another luthier to go last year and didn't (big mistake, I know). And I'm pretty sure he isn't going this year, so I don't know if I'll be able to.

BTW, I read elsewhere that Fbass won't have a spot at NAMM but will be providing basses in the areas of some amp and cabinet makers.

So I guess that means George will still be there himself?