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In case anyone in the club is looking for a used VF5 PJ, there are two interesting ones on reverb right now. One sports a five piece Maple/Wenge neck and bird's eye fb with 70s spacing.
F bass VF5 2015 Sunburst | Jon's Gear Outlet | Reverb
The other is a rear-routed one with Alder wings, Ash center block, Maple FB, and Walnut pickguard.
F Bass VF5 PJ 2018 Natural Alder and Ash with Ebony Vaneers | feelinlow - Bass Shop | Reverb
If I get a third F Bass fiver, it would need to have 24 frets, so these are out for me. (I'm not holding my breath, but please PM me if anyone magically has one they'd let go of).
F bass VF5 2015 Sunburst | Jon's Gear Outlet | Reverb
The other is a rear-routed one with Alder wings, Ash center block, Maple FB, and Walnut pickguard.
F Bass VF5 PJ 2018 Natural Alder and Ash with Ebony Vaneers | feelinlow - Bass Shop | Reverb
If I get a third F Bass fiver, it would need to have 24 frets, so these are out for me. (I'm not holding my breath, but please PM me if anyone magically has one they'd let go of).
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Hey F-Bass family! Does any of you know if there's a "standard" pickup height for the BN basses (standard BN single coil pickups without exposed magnets). I have measured mine after receiving my BN6 "factory setup".. but as I change strings and slightly raise the action a bit now and then I wonder of there's a kind of "default" setting for the pickups or if any of you guys got good results to share? I found out something like this:
(without depressing the strings at all, neck/trussrod is very straight) measuring from the bottom of the strings to the top of the wood cover of the PUs:
Neck Pickup: B string 9/64'', C string 7/64'*;
Bridge Pickup: B string 7/64'', C string 5/64'';
My string action height looks like this (measuring at the 24th fret without depressing, neck very straight)
B string: 6/64, E string: 5/64, A string 4/64, D string 4/64, G string 4/64, C string: 4/64
any comments if the pickups are okay or too close?
Looking forward to your experience with BN pickup height.
Thanks guys and best regards!
(without depressing the strings at all, neck/trussrod is very straight) measuring from the bottom of the strings to the top of the wood cover of the PUs:
Neck Pickup: B string 9/64'', C string 7/64'*;
Bridge Pickup: B string 7/64'', C string 5/64'';
My string action height looks like this (measuring at the 24th fret without depressing, neck very straight)
B string: 6/64, E string: 5/64, A string 4/64, D string 4/64, G string 4/64, C string: 4/64
any comments if the pickups are okay or too close?
Looking forward to your experience with BN pickup height.
Thanks guys and best regards!
Hi there!
I'm looking for a BN5, ideally in Germany (I live in Berlin), but Europe works too provided the seller can ship the bass.
Please get in touch
Best,
Charlie
I'm looking for a BN5, ideally in Germany (I live in Berlin), but Europe works too provided the seller can ship the bass.
Please get in touch
Best,
Charlie
Hello Club Fbass!
I'm looking to buy my first high-end/custom bass, either FBass BN5/Deluxe or a Fodera.
Unfortunately I don't have a place to play the instruments in my country.
The only FBass I had the chance to play was a VF (I think 70's style) long time ago, all I remember is that the playabiliy was amazing and I really liked the bass.
But, I'm looking for a more modern J tone and versatility (Which why I'm considering the BN5/Deluxe)
So there are a few questions...
1.Can I get a tone on the BN5 or Deluxe that's close to Marcus Miller's slap sound?
2.Does the BN5 Deluxe sounds exactly like the BN5 in the Singles mode?
3.What reasons to get the Deluxe over the BN5?
4.And this question is a bit tough to explain, but there is this thing in Foderas (With the SD humbuckers) that they sound clear and I think the correct word is "wood" sound, especially on chords up high, will I be able to achieve something close with a BN5 or Deluxe? (I'm aware that the Fodera and FBass are different instruments, but there are some tones that I hope to at least get close to)
I'll appreciate any help, and if there are some other details I should know about the BN5/Deluxe, I'd be happy to hear them.
I'm looking to buy my first high-end/custom bass, either FBass BN5/Deluxe or a Fodera.
Unfortunately I don't have a place to play the instruments in my country.
The only FBass I had the chance to play was a VF (I think 70's style) long time ago, all I remember is that the playabiliy was amazing and I really liked the bass.
But, I'm looking for a more modern J tone and versatility (Which why I'm considering the BN5/Deluxe)
So there are a few questions...
1.Can I get a tone on the BN5 or Deluxe that's close to Marcus Miller's slap sound?
2.Does the BN5 Deluxe sounds exactly like the BN5 in the Singles mode?
3.What reasons to get the Deluxe over the BN5?
4.And this question is a bit tough to explain, but there is this thing in Foderas (With the SD humbuckers) that they sound clear and I think the correct word is "wood" sound, especially on chords up high, will I be able to achieve something close with a BN5 or Deluxe? (I'm aware that the Fodera and FBass are different instruments, but there are some tones that I hope to at least get close to)
I'll appreciate any help, and if there are some other details I should know about the BN5/Deluxe, I'd be happy to hear them.
Marcus Miller has recorded with a BN5 but I can’t tell you what songs they were, maybe somebody can chime in and you can check them out. When I bought my BN5 21 years ago I wasn’t trying to emulate any specific sound except to branch out from the Bartolini pups and pre-amps which every other high end manufacturer seem to be using back then, those and EMGs, I was impressed with the original pickup design that George created and having grown up playing a ‘65 L series Jazz Bass it seemed like a modern extension of that sound and has all the woodiness that I love being influenced by Jack Casady in my early days.
I have played a BN5 for almost 20 years. It nails everything. Literally everything. I have tons of other basses but only my BN5 does it all. It can get Marcus all day. Then you can solo the front pickup and get Motown punch. And everything in between. I have no experience with the deluxe model, but I know I’m not missing anything. Because of the deluxe options with the preamp, you’ll definitely have more “Fodera” options. But having played F and Fodera, I’ll take F all day.
(Posted this on the book of face as well, but probably a little more rambling here 
)
So after having this bass for about a year and a half, I FINALLY took my BN5 out if the house. Went to a blues jam that I’ve been to before- I know the house bass player/fellow tb’er and am familiar with the rig he is nice enough to bring (Bergantino B|amp and NV115 cab), know the room pretty well. Was also lucky enough to play both sets with the house drummer, who I just love to play with- when he and I are locked in it is magical.
Anyways, got lots of compliments on my tone (and some on my playing
), and was really happy with it. I tended to stay in first position (as the pictures show- I swear I’m not photoshopped in those pics, was just focused and not moving much), and just the clarity and definition, even with the low b and c#. Just a wonderful bass to play and listen to- I was inspired to push my admittedly limited skills, and the bass rewards you with every note- well, the right ones anyways 
.
)So after having this bass for about a year and a half, I FINALLY took my BN5 out if the house. Went to a blues jam that I’ve been to before- I know the house bass player/fellow tb’er and am familiar with the rig he is nice enough to bring (Bergantino B|amp and NV115 cab), know the room pretty well. Was also lucky enough to play both sets with the house drummer, who I just love to play with- when he and I are locked in it is magical.
Anyways, got lots of compliments on my tone (and some on my playing
), and was really happy with it. I tended to stay in first position (as the pictures show- I swear I’m not photoshopped in those pics, was just focused and not moving much), and just the clarity and definition, even with the low b and c#. Just a wonderful bass to play and listen to- I was inspired to push my admittedly limited skills, and the bass rewards you with every note- well, the right ones anyways . Thanks for the replies for my previous comment!
After reading a lot of information throughout the thread, trying out the BN5 which I was really impressed, I'm probably going to order my FBass soon.
Though, there are a few options which I'm not sure about.
Which Hipshot bridge should I get for the BN5? Style A or Style B? Are there any differences in sound? I've had a reply from FBass which I was told that the Style A bridge has more sustain and a bit heavier, but other than that, any reason to get it over the Style B bridge? (Which seems to me easier to set-up).
Also, should I get the string through body option? Any major difference or sound difference that worth the extra?
And is there anything else about the build that is worth checking before I place my order? Or any other info?
After reading a lot of information throughout the thread, trying out the BN5 which I was really impressed, I'm probably going to order my FBass soon.
Though, there are a few options which I'm not sure about.
Which Hipshot bridge should I get for the BN5? Style A or Style B? Are there any differences in sound? I've had a reply from FBass which I was told that the Style A bridge has more sustain and a bit heavier, but other than that, any reason to get it over the Style B bridge? (Which seems to me easier to set-up).
Also, should I get the string through body option? Any major difference or sound difference that worth the extra?
And is there anything else about the build that is worth checking before I place my order? Or any other info?
I don't think there are noticeable/appreciable differences in sound - but their are more adjustments with the A-style bridge (if that's important to you).
String through body option isn't common - which tells me that it's subjective, and if you have to ask, you can likely skip it.
Maybe run by the specs of what you are thinking of getting and what you are hoping to get tone wise?
String through body option isn't common - which tells me that it's subjective, and if you have to ask, you can likely skip it.
Maybe run by the specs of what you are thinking of getting and what you are hoping to get tone wise?
I would go with the standard Fbass specs. They are that way for good reason.
I personally prefer the Hipshot a style bridge- you can adjust string spacing (not that I have) and string changes are easier. I don’t believe you can swap them without drilling holes, fyi.
As for through body stringing, I have a Lakland with it, and it’s cool, but I don’t know if it does anything. One thing to consider is that some manufacturers don’t recommend using non-taper strings (at least the lower ones) with thru-body stringing, so that may limit your choices. It also adds a little to the length of the string distance to the nut/tuners, so with a 34.5” F, you may need to use xl scale strings. Although looking at my pictures, the standard F exposed core strings look like they’ll work, but probably double check, just to make sure.
When I ordered mine, I asked for it to be under 9.5lbs (which they were happy to oblige) and the only options I added on mine were recessed straplocks (look cool, just don’t forget your strap)
luminlay dots on the side (which also look cool, but I have yet to use them, but they are also easy to see in normal light since they have black rings around them)
a birdseye maple fingerboard because I wanted it (and yes, it looks cool
).
And the upgraded deluxe poly/vinyl gig bag, which is nice, but more of a cosmetic difference than anything else (trying to not say it looks cool
) with the regular bag.
If I had to do it over, I would have inquired if they could put an ash laminate on the headstock so it was a perfect match, but that’s just my ocd- it looks great as is and no one but me would notice.
Honestly, I think it’s pretty hard to screw up a BN bass (the only F I have experience with, although I’d guess it’s true for the others as well), the basic recipe is just so dang good, you're just putting some sprinkles on top when you get options.
Good luck- hope you’re as happy with yours as I am with mine!
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I don't think there are noticeable/appreciable differences in sound - but their are more adjustments with the A-style bridge (if that's important to you).
String through body option isn't common - which tells me that it's subjective, and if you have to ask, you can likely skip it.
Maybe run by the specs of what you are thinking of getting and what you are hoping to get tone wise?
It's kind of hard to put exactly what tone I'm looking for, also keep in mind I might be using wrong terminology, but for example I liked this FBass:
It has some "grit" in the high-highmids that I like but yet still remains smooth and articulate.
That "grit" (mostly heard in slides and the high notes), is actually something I'm looking for because it fits the sound and not overpowers it, I want to make sure the bass I order has the characteristic.
As for the sounds, I do want to get somewhere close to the famous 60's JazzBass bridge sound, the Marcus Miller sound (slap and fingerstyle) and many more sounds, actually the FBass sound is what I liked.
And I feel like I need to note that I'm not looking to replicate exactly the sounds I mentioned, but to get close enough.
I also liked this punchy tone
I'm guessing there will be no problem to achieve it.
One thing I'm worried about which was very rare, a very little number of videos with FBass BN demoes had a very dull and lifeless sound, I'm guessing it was the type of strings and the recording device/way.
As for the specs, I want to go with the Ash/Maple(birdseye) combination, 5 string, no top or anything out of the ordinary.
Meanwhile after reading your comments (First of all, thank you!), I'll most likely pass on the string-through body option, and I'm still not sure about which bridge I should get (the last piece of the puzzle).
Dull and lifeless are not terms I would use for my BN5- even with the tone turned down and the bass up, there’s still plenty of definition and clarity.
I’d highly recommend contacting Marcel at Fbass for his advice. I have a BN6 build in-progress (and BN5 on hand…) For my BN6, we went with the A bridge/string-thru body option, as I chose 34” scale (and really like the stock strings)—wanted to make sure they fit properly. Also gives me more string options, as I viewed it…
Bottom line, Marcel was extremely helpful with developing all my specs!
Actually this high mid presence and well dosed sizzle vs overpowering clank is what is the overall typical ash&maple F-Bass sound to me. It's slightly matured take on 70s jazz + has excellent fundamental and evenness across the neck. If this is what you look for you should be able to get this with an F and you are likely to be happy camper
Setup and right hand attack certainly contributes to this. The BN5 is such a versatile bass that if you want it, you can probably get it with technique, setup, and settings.
