Wow- that’s amazingly gorgeous! Good score!
Love the back of the neck as well!
Love the back of the neck as well!
Enjoy the benefits of a premium membership!
Upgrade Account
-
TalkBass has been independent since 1998. Add your voice.
Create a free account to reply to discussions, view embedded media, and browse with fewer display ads.
Join free Log in
Want zero display ads or expanded classifieds tools? Compare plans.
This bass is really something special. It's my second F, but there is something about the way this one plays and sounds that is quite remarkable.
- Apr 3, 2003
- 35,515
- 19,942
- Disclosures
- Editor-in-Chief, Bass Gear Magazine
Anyone know where Marcel and the guys get their control knobs from ? I want to get one of their small chrome knobs
Dealing with Marcel is awesome. He'd probably just send you one if you contact him but they can definitely provide parts.
Has been a while since last time I have browsed this thread, as it brings irremediable GAS síndrome in me and I can barely control it. Nevertheless, wanted to share some music out of my beloved BNF6 recorded a few days ago, a humble version Michael Hedge’s Rikki’s shuffle
Hello FBass fans. I'm hoping you all might share a bit of your wisdom on these fine instruments.
I am strongly considering purchasing or having built, a new FBass or Fodera. I have owned a couple of BN5's and a VF5 and definitely liked them but now it is time to possibly get one that is more speced for me personally. At the same time, I am highly interested in the Fodera Standard Special line. I realize there are significant differences but I would really appreciate any commentary from FBass lovers who have also experienced Fodera — the similarities, differences, things to consider, etc.
As a side note, it seems the new BN5 Deluxe might move the FBass closer into Fodera tonal spectrum and possibly in the direction of MTD too. Do I have this right?
Both FBass and Fodera look (visually) fantastic to me but I am more concerned about ergonomics and tonality than beauty. I love the throaty flavor of FBass. I love the smooth nature of Fodera. How much overlap is there?
Ideally I'd have both an FBass and Fodera side-by-side to really compare but that isn't an option.
This would really be helpful:
• Top 3 reasons to play FBass
• Top 3 reasons NOT to play FBass
Thank you for your feedback.
I am strongly considering purchasing or having built, a new FBass or Fodera. I have owned a couple of BN5's and a VF5 and definitely liked them but now it is time to possibly get one that is more speced for me personally. At the same time, I am highly interested in the Fodera Standard Special line. I realize there are significant differences but I would really appreciate any commentary from FBass lovers who have also experienced Fodera — the similarities, differences, things to consider, etc.
As a side note, it seems the new BN5 Deluxe might move the FBass closer into Fodera tonal spectrum and possibly in the direction of MTD too. Do I have this right?
Both FBass and Fodera look (visually) fantastic to me but I am more concerned about ergonomics and tonality than beauty. I love the throaty flavor of FBass. I love the smooth nature of Fodera. How much overlap is there?
Ideally I'd have both an FBass and Fodera side-by-side to really compare but that isn't an option.
This would really be helpful:
• Top 3 reasons to play FBass
• Top 3 reasons NOT to play FBass
Thank you for your feedback.
I haven’t owned a Fodera, but I’ve played several (none of which could separate me from my BN5). IMO, the Fbass, if you stick to the standard ash/maple “recipe” with no top, etc. provides a simpler, classic, Fender-esque tone being focused on the fundamental. The Foderas I’ve played were all pretty fancy-wooded, and had a more complex, harmonically rich sound.
Ive found that the former (Fbass) is better suited for effects, and for cutting through a mix in general...start with a good strong fundamental, and season to taste.
The B-string on the Fbass can’t be beat. It is so strong and balanced with the rest of the bass, particularly with the Fbass strings.
Last edited:
I can add that the BN5 body is probably the most comfy 5-string I have played. The belly cut, forearm contour, pickup placement and string spacing make it effortless to play. The preamp is my favorite of any bass I have had or played.
I can also attest that the "B" string is about as good as it gets. It balances well.
That being said, my #1 5-string is my BN5 NYC (Jimmy Coppolo specs for the neck) which is different from the other 3 BN5's I have owned. It's the same 34.5" scale but the neck shape is faster than the other BN5's I sold and also has vintage fretwire.
Also, I play my VF5's more these days but mostly because I have been more comfortable with 34" scale basses for the past few years.
I would say definitely know what you want in a neck and have your BN5 made to your specs. Maybe tonality wise the BN5 deluxe will get you what you mentioned about Fodera or MTD but you cannot go wrong with an F-bass. The VF5 same deal, know what you want spec wise as I have played different neck profiles of BN5 and VF5 and they can be very different.
If I had only 1 bass it would be my BN5 NYC but a close 2nd is my ash/maple VF5 with flatter neck profile and 70's position F-bass pickups.
4-strings are my vf4's everyday!
Hope this helps.
Last edited:
