- Apr 3, 2003
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That's an actual f-hole (yes, it's semi-chambered; and shaped like a bass clef). It played and sounded phenomenal. I believe that is a piezo bridge (forget the maker).
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That's an actual f-hole (yes, it's semi-chambered; and shaped like a bass clef). It played and sounded phenomenal. I believe that is a piezo bridge (forget the maker).
Gorgeous basses on those NAMM shots. Unfortunately, I can't afford a single one of them. 
However, I did run across an early model AC 5 for pretty darn cheap. Neck through, dual magnetic pups, 3 knob configuration. The deal breaker,....a bad headstock break.
Opinions on if it would be worth it to chance picking it up? It's been repaired, but the repair looks pretty second rate form the pics I received. Waiting for a quote to do a "re-repair" before I pull the trigger. Opinions would be greatly appreciated from you guys. Have wanted an F bass for ages, finally find one I can afford, but pretty gun shy of being burnt on this. Please chime in. Thanks and here's a couple of shots of the "repair".
However, I did run across an early model AC 5 for pretty darn cheap. Neck through, dual magnetic pups, 3 knob configuration. The deal breaker,....a bad headstock break.
Opinions on if it would be worth it to chance picking it up? It's been repaired, but the repair looks pretty second rate form the pics I received. Waiting for a quote to do a "re-repair" before I pull the trigger. Opinions would be greatly appreciated from you guys. Have wanted an F bass for ages, finally find one I can afford, but pretty gun shy of being burnt on this. Please chime in. Thanks and here's a couple of shots of the "repair".
Three questions come to mind:Gorgeous basses on those NAMM shots. Unfortunately, I can't afford a single one of them.
However, I did run across an early model AC 5 for pretty darn cheap. Neck through, dual magnetic pups, 3 knob configuration. The deal breaker,....a bad headstock break.
Opinions on if it would be worth it to chance picking it up? It's been repaired, but the repair looks pretty second rate form the pics I received. Waiting for a quote to do a "re-repair" before I pull the trigger. Opinions would be greatly appreciated from you guys. Have wanted an F bass for ages, finally find one I can afford, but pretty gun shy of being burnt on this. Please chime in. Thanks and here's a couple of shots of the "repair".
1. Is it cosmetic or structural damage?
2. What kind of bargain are we talkin'?
3. Does the damage bug you while you play?
Obviously, if you plan on getting it re-repaired, that last question doesn't really apply.
Hi Tom, it's structural damage. The headstock was literally snapped in two. As far as a bargain, I'm looking at around 1k. I can't answer about feel as I've yet to lay hands on it. It's in another state, so it would be a sight unseen buy.
I'd actually feel more confident buying it if the repair hadn't already been done. There's a couple of local repair men who do excellent work close by me. My worry is more on how difficult and expensive it would be to undo what looks to be a less than satisfactory repair job.
I'm thinking in the $300 range for a decent repair job? I'm really just guessing on that amount, have nothing to actually base that on. Anyone with some actual knowledge on what it might run, feel free to chime in. Thanks in advance.
I'd actually feel more confident buying it if the repair hadn't already been done. There's a couple of local repair men who do excellent work close by me. My worry is more on how difficult and expensive it would be to undo what looks to be a less than satisfactory repair job.
I'm thinking in the $300 range for a decent repair job? I'm really just guessing on that amount, have nothing to actually base that on. Anyone with some actual knowledge on what it might run, feel free to chime in. Thanks in advance.
- Apr 3, 2003
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It was honestly one of my favorites from the show (talking all basses, not just F bass)!
My opinion is keep saving your money and spend more on a used with no damage. It may be a downer now because you want an FBass, but in the long run you'll be happier and much better off.
It was honestly one of my favorites from the show (talking all basses, not just F bass)!
Did you experience it in piezo-only mode?
- Apr 3, 2003
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I don't believe so. But I do know that other luthiers have had troubles with that bridge sounding right, but that George found a "trick" to make it work to his satisfaction. Marcel was showing it to me. It was unique in several ways, but I found it really compelling.
Wait a minute, after a second look at that bass, I believe that is the Di Piazza "fretless bridge" isn't it? If so, I don't care for it (the bridge...not the bass). Just not into that type of tone; I would love to hear that exact bass with another type of piezo-loaded bridge.
- Apr 3, 2003
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I think that is correct. That being said, I've played other basses with that bridge which did not sound like this F bass did. Again, George did modify it - in a simple but apparently effective way.
It all comes down to how much you trust the person who will do the re-repair.
Can they give you an estimate before you buy the bass based on the photos? Would the seller be willing to do a video to give the potential re-repairer a better feel for the condition of the bass? Would the sell agree to talk directly to the re-repair shop?
If you trust the re-repairer to
1. Do a great job
2. Charge very close to his estimate
Then you know whether or not the bass is a bargain.
Decades ago I had a wood shop teacher who told our class that a wood repair can actually be stronger and more stable than the wood if the repair is done right. Some in the class scoffed at him so he proved it. Sparing you the details, I will say he DEFINITELY convinced ALL of us in the class, skeptics included, and that lesson stayed with me.
So I personally am not afraid of a well done repair.
If you can get an AC5 and only give up $1,300 (and some stomach acid) for it, then very well done! Moreover, that bass could probably be sold on for a profit in time should you choose to.
I will say though, I own several Fbasses, and while my BNs and VFs never seem to need adjusting, my two fretless ACs do as the seasons change.
Moreover, wooden bridges have less adjustability than metal.
It would be terrible to spend that much money on a bass that can only be used some seasons. That bass would be very hard to sell on and you would lose money when you do sell it I am sure.
I probably wasn't much help, was I?
I think Marcel and George should do a video on the floating bridge --
Or better yet, someone should just do an Fbass video. Not a shop tour, but a history of innovation focus. Wood pickup covers, 34.5" scale length, balance on the strap, stacked single coil / hum cancelling pickups, the floating bridge, etc.
There are plenty of luthiers who make pretty basses with pretty woods that pay and sound good, but George has done it with extra innovation for bassists I think.
- Apr 3, 2003
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Oh, I am a fixture every year at NAMM!
I know you are there for sure ( nice pics BTW)
I was referring to Alaska Tom.....
It's a good day when....................you take a drive on a nice sunny day to pick up your new Bn4 at fbass..... chat with Marcel and George.......meet his dedicated and talented staff....... take a shop tour ..........try out the new tecamps......and then hurry home to play your new bass. Wish all days could be as good!!!
That would be a lovely day, indeed. Kind of a long drive for me from Vancouver, but I think I'd enjoy it nonetheless.
I'll talk to my wife about it. We have 2 perpetual conflicts with NAMM... she has a crafting convention the same week each year, and I have a film festival that happens the same week -- and this year an Amazon web developer's convention was the same week.I know you are there for sure ( nice pics BTW)
I was referring to Alaska Tom.....
It's like all the conventions look for the same time of year to happen.
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