I think you’re right. My 21 year old BN5 is northern ash
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.
I think you’re right. My 21 year old BN5 is northern ash
Northern Ash unless Swamp Ash is requested (for weight, usually).
My ‘99 is Swamp Ash, it came with a little flyer explaining the different woods used, African Blackwood for the knobs. I think in the early years it was the standard.
I remember the part about the African Blackwood knobs! Now you have me thinking about the body wood. All I know is my BN5 is sturdy as anything and sounds beautiful. I’m good knowing that. You are all better detectives than I and I salute you.
Man… I like everything the Furlanetto’s make… Whatever wood it is, when it’s time to rock, I get the F out. 
BN5 Studio-1
Don't see many Studios. Is that original or one of the reissues?
@Chace90 It was made in the early 2000's so first run I think
This is always one of my favorite f bass finishes! Looks amazing!
Did anyone else check out this video from Donovan at FretSpot?
I think I prefer the standard BN5 by quite a bit, although I think the slap tone on the "Smith Inspired" BN5 is pretty dope! I wasn't a huge fan of the Smith tone in this video.
I think I prefer the standard BN5 by quite a bit, although I think the slap tone on the "Smith Inspired" BN5 is pretty dope! I wasn't a huge fan of the Smith tone in this video.
I’ve watched them all…
Donovan described the Walnut Deluxe as articulate and that was the first word that came to my mind when I heard the samples. I played a Smith bass or two in the past decades and they weren’t my thing, but to be fair, I was way into P Bass, flats, blues, Motown, and country. I don’t think those styles of music lend themselves to an articulate tone with tremendous presence. Just my opinion. To be fair, I still don’t want a Ken Smith bass. They are excellent instruments, but not my style. For the music I play these days, that is exactly what I need; Gritty, growling, bridge pickup with neck dialed in to add just the right amount of bottom, punchy, and present.
In short, I love it…
(Donovan’s BN is wicked cool too.)
I’ve watched them all…
For the music I play these days, that is exactly what I need; Gritty, growling, bridge pickup with neck dialed in to add just the right amount of bottom, punchy, and present.
In short, I love it…
(Donovan’s BN is wicked cool too.)
So did you buy it?!?
So did you buy it?!?
Guilty
- Apr 3, 2003
- 35,515
- 19,942
- Disclosures
- Editor-in-Chief, Bass Gear Magazine
To me, the biggest factor is the pickup placement/aperture. This is a big reason why I have never really bonded with most Ken Smith basses (tonally), and also why I tend to gravitate towards basses with pickups placed in basically J (or P) locations. For the record, yes, I love both J-basses, and P-basses, and P/J-basses, but I struggle with two-pickup basses with both pickups moved closer to the bridge - including many Roscoes, Sadowsky "Moderns," and many Ernie Ball basses.
Some sound samples of the three different basic configurations of the new package in the link. These are in a short piece of music meant to demo the tones.
Click first option.
https://fbass.com/deluxe-bn-series/
