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Club Fbass (Part 4)

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#881
BIg O said:
The body shape is actually slightly different, the heel is not only rounded but more symmetrical than the BN5, and it has 20 frets instead of 24. I find it has a deeper bottom than my BN5, even with the same tone and boost settings.

George can probably add to this explanation, and confirm that the reason he dropped the Studio model was that it wasn't enough different from the BN5 to justify.

Why did I buy it? It was in stock when I visited the shop one day, and I fell in love with the sound (and, to be honest, the colour! :D)
Click to expand...

Studio vs. BN5

Because the Studio has 20 frets and the BN-5 has 22, to keep the scale length the same the Studio has more wood in the neck end of the body and less wood in the neck itself than on the BN-5 (shorter neck, larger body). What this difference means functionally is that the Studio has more of a P-bass sound, that is, more lower mid range and bottom. The people who buy Studios tend to be players who are really comfortable on Fender basses but who need a 5-string. When I warned one player that he might miss the two frets, he said, "there's no money up there."
The BN-5 is more like an evolved Fender Jazz bass. If you can imagine the difference between the sound of a Precision and a Jazz, you can figure out the difference between a Studio and a BN-5. Both instruments have identical pickups and wiring.
 
#886
George Furlanet said:
I found strings make a world of difference and you can get as picky as switching individual string gauges to suit the instruments response.
There is a "sweet spot" for each individual instrument:
String material (nickel, stainless)
String gauge
String height
Pickup height
String height
The material the bridge is made of

I know it's getting picky, but it's worth squeezing the best out of your instrument.

The F Bass strings have a slight mid scoop. The DR Marcus Miller (not the standard DR stainless) have a much more filled in mids and punch.
Click to expand...

if i can get dr to send me strings for free, ill gladly try different gauges and mixed sets;)

string height and pickup height have already been set for the best tone and playabilty (for me that is)

realistically though, there are characteristics that remain constant acoustically regardless of string. when carey nordstrand played my fodera unplugged he commented on it sounding like a 35"scale because of the thinner sounding d and g strings. this bass has some of that. its a great bass and it sounds nasty. i dig it. no string though is going to get the thick sounding g that the fender has. at least on this particular bass. over the near 10 years i had that fodera, i used almost every string and it never magically gained a thick g.

ive got a set of lowriders and another badass v bridge thats already been filed for narrower spacing on the way so ill report back once i get that stuff installed on the bass.
 
#890
chrisloe said:
Donovan, just wondering, if Tom decides against the fretted AC6, would it be for sale?
Click to expand...

Yup, it would be for sale, but only because it's a 6-string. If it was a 5-string, you all would just have to listen to me tell you how wonderful MY new bass is! :D

I'm good on minivans. Now that Honda truck....
 
#891
dkb said:
Yup, it would be for sale, but only because it's a 6-string. If it was a 5-string, you all would just have to listen to me tell you how wonderful MY new bass is! :D

I'm good on minivans. Now that Honda truck....
Click to expand...
You are also welcome to our Alaskan huskie or our 12 year old daughter as well.

Oh, and if it were a 5 string, I'd be congratulating you on your new acquisition, GAS free.

I realize I'm asking the wrong group, but if you were a 6 string player that only plays 5 or 4 strings for certain looks, sounds, or weight...

Which makes more sense?

A Fodera Yin Yang that looks great, sounds great (and unique) finger style, is rare and always in demand, is a conversation piece everywhere it goes and represents your living philosophy since you were 17 years old....

Or a fretted AC6 with the looks, sound and number of strings you love, is a one of a kind, and is from your favorite luthier?

Keep in mind, I have other six string basses I love just fine.
 
#892
I'm in a similar predicament.

I want another Fbass really bad but I also feel like I need a "standard" in my collection.
There are some gigs that I'm going to want to get were the BN6 might not help me
because some people are looking for guys who have a certain look and sound. I figure
after I get it, I'll whip out the Fbass. I'm thinking of getting a super Jazz type bass for
those gigs then getting a BN or VF later. I don't know, it sucks.
 
#893
thndrstk6 said:
I'm in a similar predicament.

I want another Fbass really bad but I also feel like I need a "standard" in my collection.
There are some gigs that I'm going to want to get were the BN6 might not help me
because some people are looking for guys who have a certain look and sound. I figure
after I get it, I'll whip out the Fbass. I'm thinking of getting a super Jazz type bass for
those gigs then getting a BN or VF later. I don't know, it sucks.
Click to expand...
I know EXACTLY what you mean.

I sometimes get asked if I play an upright. I answer, "Yes, I played one in jazz band years go, but it's a pain to transport and amplify. Now I play an electric upright, is that okay?"

They always ask, "Is it fretless?"

I say yes and things are always fine. The thing is, while it may have the look, it doesn't sound at all like a upright, but no one seems to care because it still sounds good.

Ironically, my AC6 does a WONDERFUL upright tone, much more on target than my electric upright, but it doesn't have the look.

Back to YOUR problem though, if you got a VF5-60s with a vintage burst finish, would that hit your look and sound target while still letting you get another F?

Mine has been clearing the hurdle....

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#897
George, you shouldn't hint at a VF-6, and they should not be available in Lake Placid blue with a front pickup cover.

Seriously though, are there any future plans for a VF-6, or if someone was interested, would that be a special order?

Also, this might have been covered before and if so I am sorry, but what is the difference between a 60's style VF-5 and a 70's style?
 
#898
chrisloe said:
Also, this might have been covered before and if so I am sorry, but what is the difference between a 60's style VF-5 and a 70's style?
Click to expand...

60's style generally has the following:
* Alder Body
* Rosewood Fingerboard
* 60's pickup placement

70's style has:
* Ash body
* Maple fongerboard
* 70's pickup placement
 
#899
dkb said:
I wish I knew someone that had a black and maple 70's style VF5 for sale... Hmmm.... I SWEAR I know someone who has one for sale.... ;-)
Click to expand...
Bass Northwest? Bass Southwest? Bass Eastwest?

thndrstk6 said:
Yeah but I want a black and maple 70's style VF5. I was thinking of getting a more
"rounded" looking vintage style bass for the picky gigs. Like a Sadowsky, A-C, Lakland, or something like that.
Click to expand...
Is THIS rounded enough for you? :smug:

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Kidding of course.

This doesn't do it for me really, but I can see how it would appeal to others.

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This does it for me though:

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And this:

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