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Club Fbass (thread 13)

#3,882
I'm actually thinking that I will try and make use of my Tone Hammer DI and level the output difference with AGS gain (which otherwise is TH's drawback) to make for usable clean tone off singles and slightly driven with HC.
 
#3,883
J.Wolf said:
I like the humbucking sound with some generous EQ boost for a particularly modern and articulate sound. I wish there wasnt such a difference in output levels between the modes but thats what it is.
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The volume difference is, sadly enough, the main reason I haven't used the humbucking mode much. I've thought about grabbing a small boost pedal to level match and make this easier, but single-coil mode sounds so good...
 
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#3,885
Hi everyone, I thought it was about time for my first post (I’ve been reading only for a LONG time)... and I’ll ask one of the most hated question:
I am on the market for a new bass, shortlisted a VF5-PJ va Fodera Emperor Standard Classic 5 (price difference is immaterial): what should/could make me chose the F over the Fodera.
I am aware of the specs, market value etc. I’ve played both long time ago and no chance to touch one where I live.
 
#3,886
Both are very fine basses - excellent craftsmanship, great tones, and excellent tonal flexibility. I bet you could get the tone you desire out of either bass. I've owned both, and enjoyed them both.
For me, my tonal and playing preferences are a bit more closely aligned with the FBass aesthetic - so I stick with it.

It might sound crazy, but at some point, you'll need to try both. Buy both and then sell the one you don't want...
 
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#3,887
Juzh said:
Hi everyone, I thought it was about time for my first post (I’ve been reading only for a LONG time)... and I’ll ask one of the most hated question:
I am on the market for a new bass, shortlisted a VF5-PJ va Fodera Emperor Standard Classic 5 (price difference is immaterial): what should/could make me chose the F over the Fodera.
I am aware of the specs, market value etc. I’ve played both long time ago and no chance to touch one where I live.
Click to expand...
IME, Fbass leans more to a vintage vibe/tone. At least compared to the Foderas I’ve tried. I know they can vary, though.
 
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#3,888
What if I say I give up on a Fender JB Custom shop because I couldnt get low enough action (true story unfortunately). I already own a Spector NS2 that I love and playability is insane. Looking for something as easy to play with different sound (since I have my Spector for the rest).

I like the VF « vintage » idea but does that mean vintage disadvantages (noisy PU, neck that takes ages to settle and not that stable, more than 1.75mm at 12th fret on E)
 
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#3,889
Juzh said:
I like the VF « vintage » idea but does that mean vintage disadvantages (noisy PU, neck that takes ages to settle and not that stable, more than 1.75mm at 12th fret on E)
Click to expand...

I can tell you with confidence that, aside from some unavoidable hum occasionally with single coil pickups (BN series has a hum cancelling mode), no F-bass suffers from the other vintage problems you describe. In fact I'd go out there and say the VFs are probably the best modern variation of J/P basses for feel, sound, and looks - IMO of course, and you're in the F-bass club so I'm obviously biased.

There are a few video tours of the F-bass shop on YouTube; I can't remember which one it's in, but they mention that the maple neck blanks sit for years as they're glued up and assembled.

I haven't had to touch my neck once in 3.5yrs and it's rock solid with ridiculously low action.
 
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#3,892
CliffD said:
The strings are definitely part of the F Bass package when it comes to the set up on a BN, and I would't personally shim the neck as you have a killer package with that BN. If the strings really aren't your vibe and you have to have lower action I would file down the bottom of the saddles...you might even be able to reach out to Hipshot to get a shallower A-style bridge.
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Brian suggested that, saying Hipshot could do a bridge base with a shallower bottom. Either case, I will have to detach the piezo saddle’s wiring, etc..... filing down the individual saddles a bit makes sense to me. None of this would be necessary, if the design of the piezo pieces didn’t ride so high!
 
#3,893
Here are my 2 FBass beauties. Great tone, playability, looks, and second to none fit and finish.

F9FD8F4D-C161-414D-9D98-14DC7D347F1F.jpeg
 
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#3,896
100%! Thanks.
I was litterally blown away by the P sound when solo’d as well. Oh and the bass is so comfortable!! It’s insane. Only thing I’ve noticed is that the trussrod is quite « hard » to adjust. It’s works well but I have to force a bit more than I’d like too. Rest is 100% modern built indeed, with 100% vintage vibe.
 
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#3,897
Juzh said:
100%! Thanks.
I was litterally blown away by the P sound when solo’d as well. Oh and the bass is so comfortable!! It’s insane. Only thing I’ve noticed is that the trussrod is quite « hard » to adjust. It’s works well but I have to force a bit more than I’d like too. Rest is 100% modern built indeed, with 100% vintage vibe.
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Awesome, glad to hear!

If you haven't been in touch with Marcel or someone from F-bass already (not sure how you purchased), you might consider reaching out to them via the website to find out what's normal with the trussrod or if it's something that should be looked at.

Hope to see more videos soon!
 
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#3,898
I forgot to say that the action can be set really low, I reached 1.25mm on the B, 12th fret (but then put it back to 1.75mm).
That's something I could only achieve with my Spector NS2 so far. Just mentioning that because I tend to be a pain when it comes to string heights and I am sure I am not the only one out there.
 
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