Club Fbass (thread 13)

[BassJuju]

I mentioned a week or so ago that I had ordered a Deluxe from Fretspot. Donovan is good to work with and a really nice guy. I’m sure many of you are already aware. Well, it arrived today. I’ve only been able to noodle around with it for a few minutes, but it’s still an Fbass at its core. I will say that I love the look. The flat carve is one of those things that when I first saw it years ago, I said “What is that?” Apparently, it grew on me. To me, the flat black, roasted ash guard, and splashes of gold, well, it’s like Connery as Bond cool. Anyway, a few photos, Fretspots where better and it’s black, so I won’t post a dozen.


For those that helped me with case instructions, they were very helpful and quite accurate as well.

 

[monsterthompson]

I mentioned a week or so ago that I had ordered a Deluxe from Fretspot. Donovan is good to work with and a really nice guy. I’m sure many of you are already aware. Well, it arrived today. I’ve only been able to noodle around with it for a few minutes, but it’s still an Fbass at its core. I will say that I love the look. The flat carve is one of those things that when I first saw it years ago, I said “What is that?” Apparently, it grew on me. To me, the flat black, roasted ash guard, and splashes of gold, well, it’s like Connery as Bond cool. Anyway, a few photos, Fretspots where better and it’s black, so I won’t post a dozen.
View attachment 4612574 View attachment 4612575 View attachment 4612576 View attachment 4612577

For those that helped me with case instructions, they were very helpful and quite accurate as well.

Nice. I was tempted by the immediacy of that one being available. The flat top carve is something I can’t figure out. What makes it different from the other top options?

 

[ZuluFoxtrot]

I, too, was checking in with intense interest on the flat top carve matte black BN5 deluxe, it would have matched my Flat Black NAMM Special Edition AC5 beautifully, but at $6200+ it was out of my comfort zone to pay for something that may not get played (vs. the AC5).

Now I'm looking at standard BN5 models and wondering if I could just install some Nordstrand or other brand pickups and some switch magic to try to get the Deluxe tones out of it. Dangerous thoughts for sure.

 

[BassJuju]

Nice. I was tempted by the immediacy of that one being available. The flat top carve is something I can’t figure out. What makes it different from the other top options?

I thought one of the cool things about my first BN is that didn’t seem to be a right angle or a corner anywhere on it. It seems to me that they just sculpt the bottom half and the top is left almost completely flat. It is eased in critical areas, but otherwise there are angles. Make sense? Think about the upper horn on your BN and then look at this photo. Does that help? I really think the better term might be uncarved. Or, left flat. Flat carve kind of makes it sound like something was removed, but in this case it is the lack of something removed.

 

[BassJuju]

I, too, was checking in with intense interest on the flat top carve matte black BN5 deluxe, it would have matched my Flat Black NAMM Special Edition AC5 beautifully, but at $6200+ it was out of my comfort zone to pay for something that may not get played (vs. the AC5).

Now I'm looking at standard BN5 models and wondering if I could just install some Nordstrand or other brand pickups and some switch magic to try to get the Deluxe tones out of it. Dangerous thoughts for sure.

That’s a sweet AC for sure. I’m not a “modder” so, can’t help you there. I debated on whether I needed all the switching options too. That seems to be the big debate for most of us. I decided to try it. Is it useable money spent, time will tell. I play a lot of styles in the same set, so I think the variety will be used.

 

[monsterthompson]

I thought one of the cool things about my first BN is that didn’t seem to be a right angle or a corner anywhere on it. It seems to me that they just sculpt the bottom half and the top is left almost completely flat. It is eased in critical areas, but otherwise there are angles. Make sense? Think about the upper horn on your BN and then look at this photo. Does that help? I really think the better term might be uncarved. Or, left flat. Flat carve kind of makes it sound like something was removed, but in this case it is the lack of something removed.
View attachment 4612616

Ah. That clears it up. Thanks!

 

[ZuluFoxtrot]

Did your AC5 every show up back in the wild? I do not remember seeing it go up for sale, perhaps someone on the F Bass wait list snagged it up directly from Marcel and team?

That's a beautiful bass, must be hard to let it go. I know how it goes tho. It was very emotional for me when I sold my AC5 back to Marcel a few months ago. I hope everything works out great for you.

 

[wthompson007]

Did your AC5 every show up back in the wild? I do not remember seeing it go up for sale, perhaps someone on the F Bass wait list snagged it up directly from Marcel and team?

I can't say for certain, but it appeared to me that the new buyer got there ahead of me and was anxiously waiting for me to make the transaction and be on my way. I didn't ever see it get posted again

 

[mbluto]

That’s beautiful. Someone is going to get a sweet deal at that price! Hope the health stuff comes to a speedy and good conclusion.

Thank you, my friend; very much appreciate it... work on hand/wrist (December) went well... still rehabbing, but soon will be able to play without pain again... let condition go for too long..... word of advice to the younger guys out there...

 

[mbluto]

I mentioned a week or so ago that I had ordered a Deluxe from Fretspot. Donovan is good to work with and a really nice guy....

Donovan is top notch... went to his house in Springfield to pickup my BN5... extremely gracious and excellent to put things in motion for purchase... Even took the time to show me his bass and trumpet collection... he has a very cool doggie as well; reminds me to send him a couple bags of dehydrated chicken dog treats for his pup

 

[BassJuju]

Morning, y’all! I played around yesterday and again this morning on the new deluxe. I’ve noticed that it seems extra growly when compared to its BN5 counterpart. I like it, just wasn’t expecting this. Is it the pups, the electronics/wiring, or have I just gotten really good at dialing in that tone?

What say you Deluxe owners? Is the bass at its core just extra growly? I know, I technical terms.

 

[31HZ]

Morning, y’all! I played around yesterday and again this morning on the new deluxe. I’ve noticed that it seems extra growly when compared to its BN5 counterpart. I like it, just wasn’t expecting this. Is it the pups, the electronics/wiring, or have I just gotten really good at dialing in that tone?

What say you Deluxe owners? Is the bass at its core just extra growly? I know, I technical terms.

Yes, and I think that in series-humbucking mode, with its higher output compared to the other two modes, it's particularly so.

Also, the Fbass website describes the single-coil sound of the Deluxes as such: "In comparison to the standard BN series, these singles are a little more lean and mean and have a slightly warmer woody timbre."

 

[31HZ]

I can't say for certain, but it appeared to me that the new buyer got there ahead of me and was anxiously waiting for me to make the transaction and be on my way. I didn't ever see it get posted againView attachment 4612634 View attachment 4612635

Is that a Dymondwood fretboard? That would only be the third such board that I've ever heard of on an F, if so.

 

[monsterthompson]

Morning, y’all! I played around yesterday and again this morning on the new deluxe. I’ve noticed that it seems extra growly when compared to its BN5 counterpart. I like it, just wasn’t expecting this. Is it the pups, the electronics/wiring, or have I just gotten really good at dialing in that tone?

What say you Deluxe owners? Is the bass at its core just extra growly? I know, I technical terms.

Curious what others will say. I’m on the fence between a standard and a deluxe. I do have a BNF5 so I have a sense of the standard sound. Either way, I really need to move a bass or two out if I’m going to add another F to the collection. Part of my decision will be what I’m willing to give up for what I’m going to get.

 

[wthompson007]

Is that a Dymondwood fretboard? That would only be the third such board that I've ever heard of on an F, if so.

Ebony fretboard

 

[wthompson007]

Curious what others will say. I’m on the fence between a standard and a deluxe. I do have a BNF5 so I have a sense of the standard sound. Either way, I really need to move a bass or two out if I’m going to add another F to the collection. Part of my decision will be what I’m willing to give up for what I’m going to get.

I don't own a deluxe, but I got a chance to play one of the first ones made at the shop. Personally, I like as much versatility as possible. All the options the deluxe offers definately appeal to me.

 

[BassJuju]

Yes, and I think that in series-humbucking mode, with its higher output compared to the other two modes, it's particularly so.

Also, the Fbass website describes the single-coil sound of the Deluxes as such: "In comparison to the standard BN series, these singles are a little more lean and mean and have a slightly warmer woody timbre."

Interestingly enough, my practice rig emulates an Acoustic 360 which also had that woody tone. Perfect storm perhaps? I’ll try it through my Ampeg physical amp later.

 

[JRMK]

anyone using ash+maple BN5 with flats? seems contradictory but was thinking of more thundercat-ish tone

 

[mngnt]

I've had Labella Tapewounds and TI Flats on my Ash & Maple BN6 before... Loved em, but needed more versatility since it's my main bass.

I can't see any reason why you shouldn't go for it!

 

[JRMK]

I've had Labella Tapewounds and TI Flats on my Ash & Maple BN6 before... Loved em, but needed more versatility since it's my main bass.

I can't see any reason why you shouldn't go for it!

Yeah I'm literally thinking TI flats or Dunlop flats. Currently strung with Super Brights Nickel 40-120 which are loose already... Wondering how big of a change it will be to put TIJFs?