F Bass

bigjames · #1 11-13-2011, 09:38 PM

I am considering buying a new fretless bass. I want something high end and sexy looking that plays well and sounds good. I am thinking F Bass. I am looking at the BNF5 or 6 or the AC5 or 6. I was curious if anyone had any review sources on these basses. I have found a couple of threads, but not enough info to justify at $4000 purchase. Also, where is the best place to buy one of these basses? I have limited options in Canada it would seem, unless I can order direct? Considering the high end nature of the product, for the right price and shopping experience I would be willing to travel almost anywhere in north america to get it.

Thoughts? Comments? Experience?

Thanks!

Mr Guy · #2 11-14-2011, 12:07 AM

I can't praise George's stuff enough. The build quality, playability and tone of his Alain Caron 6 in particular is other wordly. Played one in Clagary at Mother's Music and one in his shop in Hamilton (have played/loved lotsa F's) those two just blew my mind.

Dave Hill · #3 11-14-2011, 05:17 AM

There was a review of a AC5 in Bass Player a couple years ago (?). Maybe try and track that down. I seem to recall the reviewer claiming that it was the best fretless he had played. I had a BNF5, and I know it was the best fretless I have ever played. The BNF and AC are actually designed to be a fretless, as opposed to just removing the frets from an fretted bass. They have different woods, shapes. etc. Good Luck.

bradjonesbass · #4 11-14-2011, 06:24 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by bigjames

I am considering buying a new fretless bass. I want something high end and sexy looking that plays well and sounds good. I am thinking F Bass. I am looking at the BNF5 or 6 or the AC5 or 6. I was curious if anyone had any review sources on these basses. I have found a couple of threads, but not enough info to justify at $4000 purchase. Also, where is the best place to buy one of these basses? I have limited options in Canada it would seem, unless I can order direct? Considering the high end nature of the product, for the right price and shopping experience I would be willing to travel almost anywhere in north america to get it.

Thoughts? Comments? Experience?

Thanks!

Since FBasses are made in Canada you shouldn't have trouble ordering one...

Hotblack · #5 11-14-2011, 06:31 AM

Someone can correct me if I'm wrong, but I believe the AC is chambered while the BN is not (not sure if that influences your decision). I have tried a chambered AC5 and it was spectacular. That said, the cost is considerable, so really attempt to try it out before purchasing.

J.Wolf · #6 11-14-2011, 07:48 AM

I'll throw my 2c in since I'm an AC6 owner and an avid F bass fan. I've played a handful of BNF's and AC's, and yes they are quite different approaches to fretless tone. to overlysimplify: The BNF's have a solid ash body and yield a more "traditional" fretless tone, lots of mwah and growl. The AC's have a chambered maple body with a spruce top, and include piezos in the handmade ebony bridge. The tone out of the box is much more weighty and big, notes have more heft and the top end more airy (IMO YMMV etc)

Overall, theyre both stunning examples of what they were intended to be. It just depends on which sound and feel you are drawn to more. If you simply just cant get to play one of each, I'd spend some time watching youtube clips to get an idea of the AC models, there are some good clips up there by Alain or others.

But know that you can't go wrong either way. fretless F basses are the cats pajamas. My AC6 is just a work of art, and the sound is to die for.

Bass Viking · #7 11-14-2011, 04:57 PM

Donovan at Fretspot has a video of the BNF5:

FBass Used BNF5 - YouTube

He also has an AC6 video but it's a fretted.

bigjames · #8 11-15-2011, 12:29 AM

Thanks for the feedback so far... I will look at some options as to where would be best to first try an f bass and then where to buy it. Watching clips, the AC6 sounds amazing and looks fantastic, I am used to a fretless 6 so I think I would like to stick with 6... I will look at my Canadian ordering options.