Club Fbass (Part 4)

[narud]

yeah, that carpet is beautyful!

my cats think so too. thats why its kind of chewed up

Why why why are you selling this beauty (the F-bass )?

Anyway, good luck with the sale, i'm sure someone is gonna be VERY happy with it! ... i know cause i own a BNF5 myself ...

i want to order some new stuff. ive been playing a fernandes 5 string jazz bass as my main bass because of the narrow neck and string spacing. for what i want to be able to do on bass, it just makes my life easier to have narrower basses. i just put a hipshot a on my main fender as well so i could get the strings as close together as possible.

 

[hairman]

Okay i understand, that for me is a con on the f-bass too, I prefer a stringspacing of 17 mm, my F-basses have somewhere between 18 & 19 mm ... perhaps an upgrade of the bridge or saddles somewhere in the future if possible.
BUT I DON'T WANNA GET RID OF MY BELOVED F-BASSES!! NEVER!

 

[Tom7]

Sorry for the tardy reply, y'all; I've been busy. Thanks to everyone who gave advice about practicing and soloing. I REALLY appreciate it. I'll go over it again, and add it to some of my research outside of here.

All these suggestions has me thinking...

I recently stumbled across a blog written by a guy who announced that he was going to make $1 million over the course of the next 12 months, and that his blog was going to document the journey of what he was doing to make the goal happen.

Interestingly, the top entry, which in his blog was the last entry, was a statement saying that after 19 months, he was closing down the blog and giving up.

Three things about that effort stuck with me though.

(1) First, while you hate to dissuade ambition, you can readily see the value of having realistic goals. If memory serves, he rented a modest apartment and I got the impression that in his lifetime he probably hadn't seen $100,000, much less 10 times that.

Had he set a goal that was reachable, but only if he left his comfort zone, may have served him better, and he may not have got discouraged and given up.

(2) Second, even if the guy spectacularly failed by 90%, still, he would have had $10,000 he previously didn't have, and that certainly is progress in the right direction.

The REAL purpose of worthy goals isn't necessarily to achieve them, but to benefit from what striving for them does for and to us.

(3) Third, and here's the part that relates more directly to bass playing, I rather liked his approach. If you want something, then getting serious and giving yourself a little accountability could be a great thing. Besides, a format like that invites comments and guidance which could help you get past obstacles more quickly.

So...

I'm thinking about starting a blog documenting a bassist's journey. In fact, it would be cooler if there were a few of us documenting our journeys on the same blog. For example, we could have a part time bassist like me, a serious bass student... say someone going to Berkley, and a full time, gigging bassist all contributing to the site.

The blog I'm envisioning would include plenty of audio and video clips -- kind of like the before and after photos of people losing weight -- and clips of stuff we are working on.

A project like this would basically be the opposite of the instruction you can find on the Internet. Rather than showing people what to do, it would be showing people what we are learning to do.

If I were to do something like this, I think I'd record a bunch of clips that kind of show where I am right now as a bassist, such as soloing over a chord progression, some slap and finger style grooves, some sight reading from chord charts and from notation, and some exercises meant to challenge left hand dexterity and right hand technique.

Then I would post some goals.

Then I would post research on how I might achieve the goals, then get to work.

Postings after that might be weekly, bi-weekly or monthly, where I set out some practice goals, and record clips of things I am working on, and post links to youtubes and articles that I thought were interesting.

For me, I would give my practice a whole new level of accountability, something which I definitely think would be motivating. Also, it would open up each step of my growth for others to critique and help me.

Keeping in mind the value of setting realistic goals, as a part time bassist with a very busy life, I don't think the blog would be very interesting unless there were others contributing.

Or maybe the thing wouldn't be interesting at all regardless, and would serve more as a means to make myself get organized about my growth as a bassist.

I think I'd give it a 12 month life, and see how much I can grow as a bassist in 12 months.

Anyway, I like the idea... I'm just not sure if now is the right time for me to try it. I've got a LOT on my plate right now.

At any rate, I thought I'd share this and then probably, like the closing scene of Raiders of the Lost Ark, let it get lost in the mountainous clutter of Internet chatter.

 

[Tom7]

Thats interesting. I need to spend some more time with a BN5. I have played a few briefly, and my impression was that they felt and sounded more different than what I would have expected. I'm in the market for a good 5'er, maybe I shouldn't count out a BN5 on the basis that I already own a BN6.

Oh, I definitely agree you shouldn't rule out getting a BN5.

I got my BN5 first, and as a result I had no desire to get a BN6. I went a long time on a couple of John Patitucci signature basses, one fretless, but I got tired of fighting neck dive (it wore out my left hand much more quickly). Loving the balance and sound of my BN5, I decided to give the BN6 a try.

I told George I did not want a BN6 that sounded just like my BN5 and he assured me that wouldn't be the case. He explained that the difference in the mass of wood at the heal of the neck, and the difference in pickup placement would make the basses sonically different. That, and the Macassar ebony finger board, assured that my BN6 would sound different...

However, the basses are the same in very nice ways. First, the controls are familiar. Second, the feel makes it very easy to switch between the two basses.

I am firm in the belief that, even with the same woods, adding another string adds mass to the neck and heal and changes the tone of the bass. They both can sound great, but yet sound different, and that is my experience with my basses.

You should give a BN5 a try if there is one to play close by. And a VF5 for that matter, depending on what you are looking for.

I'm guessing that because a BN5 is closer to the mass and dimensions of a 4 string, the traditional bass tone in all our ears, then this is why my BN5 seems more flexible in reaching those tones than my BN6. Well, that, and the fact that the BN6's pickups are placed differently than on the BN5 I guess.

Please don't misunderstand: my BN6 is my go to bass. I play it 85% of the time and only go to another bass when there is a specific need (a tone, a look or sometimes weight). I'm just saying my BN6, while great sounding, does seem a tad less sonically flexible when compared to my BN5.

 

[J.Wolf]

Oh, I definitely agree you shouldn't rule out getting a BN5.

I got my BN5 first, and as a result I had no desire to get a BN6. I went a long time on a couple of John Patitucci signature basses, one fretless, but I got tired of fighting neck dive (it wore out my left hand much more quickly). Loving the balance and sound of my BN5, I decided to give the BN6 a try.

I told George I did not want a BN6 that sounded just like my BN5 and he assured me that wouldn't be the case. He explained that the difference in the mass of wood at the heal of the neck, and the difference in pickup placement would make the basses sonically different. That, and the Macassar ebony finger board, assured that my BN6 would sound different...

However, the basses are the same in very nice ways. First, the controls are familiar. Second, the feel makes it very easy to switch between the two basses.

I am firm in the belief that, even with the same woods, adding another string adds mass to the neck and heal and changes the tone of the bass. They both can sound great, but yet sound different, and that is my experience with my basses.

You should give a BN5 a try if there is one to play close by. And a VF5 for that matter, depending on what you are looking for.

Thanks Tom, that is good info. I would love to get a BN5 as my main gigging workhorse bass, but several factors keep me from jumping on it.
1. My two other main basses are F's, it would be nice to mix up the stable, and have some versatility in tone and appearance.
2. As much as I love my F's, I struggle with the high cost of repairs, due to both the shipping costs to Canada, and the actual cost at the F shop. For the record though, George's work is impeccable, and his customer service has truly been awesome.
3. Basically what I need is a really good and versatile 5 string workhorse for club dates. Partly because of my fault, and partly because the finish is more fragile and prone to scratching, I've seen my BN6 get beat up over the years, from having to fill that role. They're just too nice for the beating they get in a few places I play. Like I said, its partly me being clumsy

I dunno though, the couple of BN5's I played were freakin sweet.. Doesn't get much better for a versatile 5 string IMO..

 

[basses55]

Thanks Tom, that is good info. I would love to get a BN5 as my main gigging workhorse bass, but several factors keep me from jumping on it.
1. My two other main basses are F's, it would be nice to mix up the stable, and have some versatility in tone and appearance.
2. As much as I love my F's, I struggle with the high cost of repairs, due to both the shipping costs to Canada, and the actual cost at the F shop. For the record though, George's work is impeccable, and his customer service has truly been awesome.
3. Basically what I need is a really good and versatile 5 string workhorse for club dates. Partly because of my fault, and partly because the finish is more fragile and prone to scratching, I've seen my BN6 get beat up over the years, from having to fill that role. They're just too nice for the beating they get in a few places I play. Like I said, its partly me being clumsy

I dunno though, the couple of BN5's I played were freakin sweet.. Doesn't get much better for a versatile 5 string IMO..

Hey Jake, I dont know how old your Fs are but the newer ( from a few years ago) finish is more durable. Not sure if its as hard as poly but def. better than the nitro for that.

 

[J.Wolf]

Hey Mitch! Thats a good point, I haven't had much direct experience with the newer finish, both of my F's are older. The finish has gotten pretty beat up on my 6, and the satin on my AC5 I'm also finding to be pretty finicky and delicate.

Can anyone who's had experience with both compare the newer with the older finish, how different are they?

 

[Tom7]

...
1. My two other main basses are F's, it would be nice to mix up the stable, and have some versatility in tone and appearance.

Yeah, I hear you there. Variety is the spice of life, and I have some non-Fbasses too.

...
3. Basically what I need is a really good and versatile 5 string workhorse for club dates. Partly because of my fault, and partly because the finish is more fragile and prone to scratching, I've seen my BN6 get beat up over the years, from having to fill that role. They're just too nice for the beating they get in a few places I play. Like I said, its partly me being clumsy

I admire your tact discussing this topic. As we know, this has come up before and often with much less diplomacy and savoir faire.

My natural BN5 and AC6s have no problems with wear, but my burst finished BN6 has a couple of marks now.

At one point I decided to sell it while it was still nice, and buy another BN6 that was natural, that way when it wears, it is just finish giving way to the same color underneath (wood). But I couldn't do it.

This is going to sound silly to this group, but I'm half convinced my BN6 has special magical tonal properties that probably no other bass in the world, much less another BN6 could possibly have, so I don't want to give it up unless and until I can play the next one and assure myself that it sounds the same. Until then, I'm not letting this one go!

But Mitch (Basses55) is totally right about the new finish.

A couple of clumsy moments has proved to me that the burst finish of my newer VF5 is definitely MUCH stronger than the burst finish of my BN6.

If you are considering a 5 string, variety may be a good reason to look elsewhere, but not the finish. Not anymore.

Ironically though, if variety is what you are after, I don't have another bass, Fbass or not, that has more of a range of great, usable tones than my BN5.

Consider the really different sounds of these three BN5s:

BN5 sample #1

BN5 sample #2

BN5 sample #3

 

[Tom7]

BTW, I've been contacted by a new Fbass owner who has acquired one of Adrian Garcia's former BN5s and he'll be posting a photo soon to join the club. I'm looking forward to THAT photo!

 

[J.Wolf]

Wow those clips definitely highlight the versatility of the BN5.

This is going to sound silly to this group, but I'm half convinced my BN6 has special magical tonal properties that probably no other bass in the world, much less another BN6 could possibly have, so I don't want to give it up unless and until I can play the next one and assure myself that it sounds the same. Until then, I'm not letting this one go!

Its funny I've felt the same way about my BN6!

BTW, I've been contacted by a new Fbass owner who has acquired one of Adrian Garcia's former BN5s and he'll be posting a photo soon to join the club. I'm looking forward to THAT photo!

Thats very cool, Adrian had some sexy-as-can be F basses! I remember that his was the first Mac ebony topped F, and he had a buckeye topped BN5 that was amazing looking as well. What a guy, he's definitely still in my thoughts....

 

[basses55]

Hey Mitch! Thats a good point, I haven't had much direct experience with the newer finish, both of my F's are older. The finish has gotten pretty beat up on my 6, and the satin on my AC5 I'm also finding to be pretty finicky and delicate.

Can anyone who's had experience with both compare the newer with the older finish, how different are they?

Jake,
Although I dont own a newer finish F , I've played numerous "crystal" ( thats what George calls it)finished Fs..and...there is a significant and meaningful difference in the hardness. I agree with Tom that if finish durability and cleanliness is a factor then its MUCH less of a factor now..if a factor at all. But again, there is of course no guarantees that it will never get chipped or dirty....even poly will do that.

I'd contact George too and ask him directly about his experience with it so far....


Cheers
Mitch

 

[Tom7]

I've been asking myself now for a couple of weeks: does this bass have my name written on it?

It seems like a great match for my current AC6:

[Invalid or Expired Link Removed]

 

[DonovanBankhead]

I've been looking at that same bass.... I'm very tempted to pick it up...

 

[Tom7]

My biggest concern with her is the space between the finger board and the neck pickup. George says he made it 20mm so that there would be room for slapping, but I pluck with all three fingers (index, middle and ring), and I've been experimenting with my BN6 and I'm pretty sure I cannot do it within 20 mm.

Then again, it's not like my BN6 is going anywhere. Or my BN5 or VF5 or Alleva Coppolo, etc. My Fodera on the other hand may not be so lucky... hmm.

Can't you just imagine how this bass sounds and plays?

The pickups seem to be very close in placement to the spacing I see Ken Smith basses, and Yamaha's John Patitucci signature model. And that extended finger board range just screams, "Tom, take a solo!" This bass is a very intriguing one indeed as a compliment to what I have on hand.

I'm also intrigued by the piezos, and their blending with the two magnetic pickups.

Mitch, if you are out there, you haven't happened to play this particular bass, have you?

 

[speyer]

I've been asking myself now for a couple of weeks: does this bass have my name written on it?

Good Gawd!

I like that one!

 

[basses55]

My biggest concern with her is the space between the finger board and the neck pickup. George says he made it 20mm so that there would be room for slapping, but I pluck with all three fingers (index, middle and ring), and I've been experimenting with my BN6 and I'm pretty sure I cannot do it within 20 mm.

Then again, it's not like my BN6 is going anywhere. Or my BN5 or VF5 or Alleva Coppolo, etc. My Fodera on the other hand may not be so lucky... hmm.

Can't you just imagine how this bass sounds and plays?

The pickups seem to be very close in placement to the spacing I see Ken Smith basses, and Yamaha's John Patitucci signature model. And that extended finger board range just screams, "Tom, take a solo!" This bass is a very intriguing one indeed as a compliment to what I have on hand.

I'm also intrigued by the piezos, and their blending with the two magnetic pickups.

Mitch, if you are out there, you haven't happened to play this particular bass, have you?

Hey Tom, I believe I may have but it might have been a little while ago and I dont remember exactly what it was like...its my old age catching up!

But, I am planning on going to the shop in the next few days so I could give it a spin-

M

 

[J.Wolf]

Wow, that one looks incredible!

 

[Tom7]

Hey Tom, I believe I may have but it might have been a little while ago and I dont remember exactly what it was like...its my old age catching up!

But, I am planning on going to the shop in the next few days so I could give it a spin-

M

I would really appreciate that, Mitch.

Oh, and maybe you could make a statement or two about its weight. My (fretless) AC6 is really nice in a lot of ways, including that it doesn't weigh me down as much as my BN6.

Cheers,
Tom

 

[Tom7]

Good Gawd!

I like that one!

[Laughing!] I was thinking of you, actually as I contemplated this bass. If memory serves, you don't slap your BN6 and had the string spacing narrower than the standard 19mm.

I can't really see this being a real slapper, not unless I alter how I slap, which I don't want to do.

But it would be great if this were a funtastic fingerstyle and tapping bass that could end up being my main player ... although I like my BN6 for that still 'cause I know I can break into slap whenever without changing basses.

Anyway, I thought this had a look that would probably appeal to you.

 

[speyer]

Yeah go figure... my bass has a similar vibe I guess.

That redwood top is nuts... and with all the other goodies: piezo, 28 frets, pin striping, cool pup spacing etc etc. this bass will make someone (here? ) a very happy bass player!