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I will be joining this club very soon. I've got kotzman's VF5 on it's way to me. I've been gassing for a Jazz bass so I hope it does the trick!
BTW, I don't know if I've told you, but I used to do business just northeast of you in Amsterdam, with a trip once to Rotterdam. I LOVE the Netherlands!
haha, well i'm glad my GAS could eventually lead me here
Sadly I don't own a Pedulla anymore (although I do still run the club), but I hope to have one again at some point! Do I have to wait until its actually in my possession before I get a number? 
Here it is:
I had JUST traded for my Skjold Lion's Pride P5, but I think i'm just more of a 2-pup kind of guy...and I love having a preamp. So we are in the process of swapping. Looks great huh??
I absolutely love that VF5!
I've been courting one a bit myself - sort of torn between VF and BN - I'll figure it out eventually, maybe...
with the question of whether my first FBass should be a VF5 or BN5.
I don't have access to compare the two. I mostly play funk, R&B, latin, jazz, and some progressive stuff. Mostly fingerstyle with a little slap and pick as needed. I love the jazz vibe for the bridge and slap tones but always found the traditional jazz neck pup to be lacking. In fact, the alternative for me would be a PJ set up but then the slap isn't quite right.
Maybe I need more than one bass but could the VF or BN give me what I need?
Thanks to anyone who has the time to reply.
I don't have access to compare the two. I mostly play funk, R&B, latin, jazz, and some progressive stuff. Mostly fingerstyle with a little slap and pick as needed. I love the jazz vibe for the bridge and slap tones but always found the traditional jazz neck pup to be lacking. In fact, the alternative for me would be a PJ set up but then the slap isn't quite right.
Maybe I need more than one bass but could the VF or BN give me what I need?
Thanks to anyone who has the time to reply.
From my experience I've found the BN series to have a little more of a wet, round sound
to them. The VFs are a little more dry and jazz bass like.
Here's a good example of the BN sound:
to them. The VFs are a little more dry and jazz bass like.
Here's a good example of the BN sound:
IMHO, if you chose to go with a VF, I think you'd be on very familiar territory for that kinda' music, and at least for my tastes, there's definitely no lacking in the neck pickup in my VF. YMMV, but my thing with the BN's is they lack some of the aggression I crave.
Careful with those last two from Donovan... he's got a lot of the mids scooped on those. Sounds really nice, but definitely not the base tone of the VF.
Not to single Vic out at all (I fully respect your opinion)... but I completely disagree with this.
George's exotic tops absolutely justify the $1800 up charge. It's not about the wood or top used... it's all in the design and labor involved in the execution of the woodwork. (when I get home tomorrow night, I will post pictures to further explain why.)
For now... I will say that at least with the BN series basses, the entire top (and it's pinstripe veneer in underneath) is a hand carved curved lamination!! This is (as far as I know) unseen in any other luthiers work... and seems to be based entirely on 'staying true' to the ergonomics and design of standard a non-topped BN series Fbass. In other words... to keep the top one thickness, curving with the body... instead of 'jointing' two (or three) pieces of wood together, and then carving in to shape afterwards. Also, keep in mind... this price also includes other curved laminations at the heel and headstock, cut from the very same piece of wood.
At any rate... this is the exact kind of thing that puts George a cut above the rest IMO!
Pat.
No need. You must not of read my whole post. Here's the critical piece you left out...
I made it pretty clear I understood he had good reasons for charging what he does. HOWEVER, and this needs a big IMHO, that still doesn't justify the resulting upcharge amount for the BUYER.
BTW, this has been discussed MANY times here, but he has a comment right on his web site about pricing for tops and headstock veneers. It's a pretty well known thing.
Also, his (at least MSRP) prices for tops/veneers goes up to $3200 as of 1/1/2008. Heck, that's what some builders/luthiers charge for an entire instrument!
I've met George and spoke with him in person many times, I think George is a fantastic guy, and makes amazing products, but IMHO, that upcharge is well above what's typical in the market, and I think a fair amount of sticker shock is justified.
Also, his (at least MSRP) prices for tops/veneers goes up to $3200 as of 1/1/2008. Heck, that's what some builders/luthiers charge for an entire instrument!
I've met George and spoke with him in person many times, I think George is a fantastic guy, and makes amazing products, but IMHO, that upcharge is well above what's typical in the market, and I think a fair amount of sticker shock is justified.
Vic, my bad.. I did miss your second half there. 
I'm on the road right now... :/ Making excuses on my iPhone.
I look forward to picking this topic up tomorrow.
Pat.
I'm on the road right now... :/ Making excuses on my iPhone.
I look forward to picking this topic up tomorrow.
Pat.
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