Yikes is right. But, compare a similarly spec’d bass from some of the other builders!!!
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 is crazy, but I never soloed the front pickup until I started buying vintage fender precisions about 8 years ago. I solo that front pup on my BN5 and was amazed that killer precision sound was there since I bought it in 2002. Tail between my legs embarrassed. BN does it all.
It really does. The bridge pu Jaco tone is also awesome.
Happy Holidays bass guys. I'm looking at the early 2k, BN5 in the classifieds. It's got some wear for sure, but it's really close to the spec I've been flirting with on the Fbass site. Alder/ebony with a vintage burst that would compliment my ash/maple, brown burst. Anyone else looking at this, or are the newer ones vastly better?
there is nothing to discern quality of F Bass eras. They are all built to same standard with A+ precision. The only difference you’ll find is that if you have a 2002ish or older, it has the reverse headstock. There was a special model of BN that was Commisioned with this feature first of which I have one. After that, every F Bass has the same longer B string headstock.
Thank you. I did notice the headstock and I've seen a few videos with sound. What I mean by "better" is, I remember reading that Fbass occasionally tweaks the pickups and preamp parameters and something about the neck profile of the older ones. The few clips I've seen and heard sound just as amazing as the recent ones. I can also see that they are well made, but I'm still relatively new to Fbass and I know things can change in the 20 years since this particular bass was made.
I'm trying to find out if it is worth it to pick it up and send it back to Fbass for a refresh.
there are a handful of players here that can probably speak better to this, but yes I believe there was something about the neck profile possibly changed. My bass may even have a slight body difference but I don’t notice anything different between my 3 F Basses. They are all comfy as can be. And the preamp I don’t think a thing has changed. The pickups used to be different back in the 90’s. But like I said, others can chime in to give even more insight. All I know is any F bass that is set up right and put in my hand could go on stage with me tonight and I’d have no worry.
George and Marcel can walk you through anything you want done or history of changes. Give them a call.
I’ve owned three F Basses. The newest was made in 2022. The oldest happens to be completely passive and was made in the year 2000. The onboard preamp is as good as any I’ve come across, but it isn’t what makes these basses truly special. The neck profiles and such vary, and people have their preferences, but every F Bass I’ve played (including four that weren’t mine) has been killer. That’s actually what impresses me most about them, because such consistent quality is nearly unheard of even at the highest level of instrument production. I personally wouldn’t assert that the quality, sound, or playability is better on newer or older ones, though there are differences, and some may matter more to you than they do to me.
Thank you for that. Pretty much what I was trying to find out. I'm asking the seller about the condition of the frets and I'll go from there, once they are assessed.
Marcel is VERY quick to respond to emails and is super pleasant to deal with, so I wouldn’t hesitate to reach out to him for definite answers.
Hey guys...
I'm currently in possession of a VF5 PJ, natural finish, Aguilar pickups, rosewood board. I play a wide a variety of music. I'm just wondering if anyone has found a particular set of strings that works really well? I have no idea what strings are on it currently, part from the fact that they are round wounds.
I'm currently in possession of a VF5 PJ, natural finish, Aguilar pickups, rosewood board. I play a wide a variety of music. I'm just wondering if anyone has found a particular set of strings that works really well? I have no idea what strings are on it currently, part from the fact that they are round wounds.
It’s been a bit since I had a VF, but then Marcel recommended Nickel Low-Riders. I am sure he would be happy to help should you call or email. Or, post a photo of the bridge and tuner ends of the strings and we can try to provide additional info.
I’ve been playing d’addario nickels for about a decade. Haven’t found a bass that they didn’t sound great on.
Your bass, like my ‘99, will also have the softer nitro finish , some years back George started using a harder more durable finish, everywhere I place my fingers eventually wore down to the wood like you see on old Fenders before they started to use poly, this may or may not bug you.
First show with the ol' girl. Impeccable as expected.
Yes, I do remember reading this in much earlier posts. I did forget to consider this point until just now, though. So, thanks for that.
So far the list of differences doesn't raise any real concerns. Looks like it's all about the price now.
I see they have some really nice, new Fbasses for sale in South Korea, so I'm considering that option as well.
The switch to the poly finish was in 2008.
