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Brice Fanned Fret Five String.

#21
DeltaPhoenix said:
I have an AB1, the B string (37") has way more tension on it than a normal 34" or 35" scale bass. So I don't see how the B being 35" will get that high tension which focuses the sound of the B string, takes the flop out and allows you to dig in on it just like any other string on the bass.
So maybe there is some benefit, but not the maximum benefit I would say.
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Like another TB'er already said, the Super J/ P series is 35-32" scale. You get the benefit or a slightly-longer scale B with a shorter than normal scale on the G.

While 37" gives you the ultimate B (ABZ5 owner here), I think that 35" is a lot more appealing to 'traditionalists' (term used loosely; we're still talking about dudes playing fanned frets). And any extra scale length works to improve the low B. IMO, 35" is perfect for the Super-series, since they're based on old-school designs.

I'd love to try one of these new Brice's out, even if I am perfectly content with my ABZ5. I'm sure it's not even close to Combustion quality, but we're talking several hundred dollars difference. I'm curious as to their ergonomics (it is very similar to Dingwall in shape). I'm not big on the extended fingerboard nearly touching the neck pickup, but some quick Dremel or chisel work would take care of that.

And for anyone questioning Brice quality, it appears that Brice is just the bass-equivilant to Agile. Just Google "Agile" or take a look at extended range guitar forums. Rondo wouldn't have so many 7+ string model guitars in the Agile range if nobody was buying them.

My wallet is hoping they don't put up a fanned fret 4. And now I'm thinking the 5, defretted, would basically complete my bass lineup :o:D:crying::eek::spit::hiding::ninja::help:
 
#22
TheEmptyCell said:
I'm not big on the extended fingerboard nearly touching the neck pickup, but some quick Dremel or chisel work would take care of that.
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Sure would, and it would probably look much better. I'd add a couple partial frets instead.

I think this is a really cool, promising development. Unfortunately I'm not going to shell out for a multiscale unless I can get a 27" plus B.
 
#23
I can personally attest to how nice some of the Brice basses are. I've owned two, and I kept my Brice Defiant 5'er and haven't wanted any other bass since. It's very well made. My husband has an Agile 7 string guitar that is also very well made that cured his Jackson-preference. YMMV but if I were in the market to try a fanned-fret bass, this would be one I'd be looking at for sure.
 
#24
Keep in mind that the Defiant/Intrepid body shape has been around for a very long time, so I wouldn't call foul on the copy.

Also, 35" basses can have just as good low Bs as my 37" Dingwall. If I didn't have an ABI, I'd look at this (although it's close to a Combustion's price, and I'd rather have the Dingwall QC and setup).
 
#25
Fanned frets look so damn cool. I'd love to someday have one as I hate the B on my five string but I don't think I'd bother with a 35" B. My personal preference is my strings feeling stiff as possible. I'm sure for lot of people though this would be a great pickup.
 
#26
DeltaPhoenix said:
I know those are only 35", there is a difference in the B strings of those and the 37" models. The idea of multiscale can be applied to any scale length. It just seems like Sheldon figured out the optmal length for benefiting a B string is 37". I would suggest that the SuperJ and Super P are to bring in another demgraphic of buyers. Those basses are SEXY for sure. I am not saying there is a complete world of diffence, it is subtle.
This Brice is probably a decent way into the world of fan-frets. It will have more even tension across the strings than parallel fret basses. Obviously it won't be a Dingwall, but for $800 it seems neat. I just wonder why they didn't make it the 37" since they are referencing the AB models (albeit in backwards manner).
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I can see the trade off here on scale length. If you look around for 37" strings for fanned frets you find they are VERY scarce. In fact when I was looking at a used Dingwall, that was the think that made me decide against it. No real choice of string brand or type. But if you make the B string 35" instead, it now allows you to (hopefully) start using super-long scale string sets which while not for sale at every mom and pop music store, are much more widely available in many types and brands.

I'd love to hear a review on this one! I would be a lot more inclined to buy one if the price were not pushing a grand so hard.
 
#27
bassbenj said:
I can see the trade off here on scale length. If you look around for 37" strings for fanned frets you find they are VERY scarce. In fact when I was looking at a used Dingwall, that was the think that made me decide against it. No real choice of string brand or type. But if you make the B string 35" instead, it now allows you to (hopefully) start using super-long scale string sets which while not for sale at every mom and pop music store, are much more widely available in many types and brands.

I'd love to hear a review on this one! I would be a lot more inclined to buy one if the price were not pushing a grand so hard.
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Dingwall, Payson's, Circle K are 3 definate string choices for a Dingwall.
 
#33
basskababble said:
Is there a learning curve with these?
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No, not really.

Its a bit wonky up past the 12th until you're used to it. I bought my first one as my first 5 string. It took me longer to adjust to the additional string. I got mine on a Thursday and gigged it on the following Saturday.


I'm pretty taken with the 37" Dingwall B, so I'm not clamoring for a 35" version, If I was, I'd be considering one of the Dingwall Super P or J "Z" versions.
 

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