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Club Fbass (thread 13)

#5,341
BassJuju said:
The tone quest continues on the Hot BN5 Deluxe... :) More to come...

In the meantime, @wthompson007 asked about an FBass family photo. I am still waiting for my AC Classic, and I should say that will be my last, but we all know how that goes. Anyway, here is the current family of BN's.

View attachment 5313721

View attachment 5313722
Click to expand...
That flat top looks amazing
BassJuju said:
The tone quest continues on the Hot BN5 Deluxe... :) More to come...

In the meantime, @wthompson007 asked about an FBass family photo. I am still waiting for my AC Classic, and I should say that will be my last, but we all know how that goes. Anyway, here is the current family of BN's.

View attachment 5313721

View attachment 5313722
Click to expand...
 
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#5,344
PXL_20240111_232308578.jpg
 
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#5,345
kevk said:
Nearing the finish line on my AC6…it’s been over a year wait—I’ve lost track of exactly when I started the custom build. Marcel emailed me with a question about my ramp, which is one of the last things they do before completion. I’m guessing sometime in Feb (fingers crossed)…
Click to expand...

Damn an AC6. That's next level stuff. I hope it's everything you hope for. Make sure to post it when you get it.
 
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#5,347
monsterthompson said:
... has anyone here done a short scale build? I'm debating going that route and considering if I want to spend for the 17mm spacing. I think the short scale is going to be easier on my hands, and I'm already okay with the standard BN5 spacing. I'm just wondering if I'd notice the 17mm on the short scale, which would bring it close to the Nordy Acinonyx I have. But I also have an 18" half scale bass with 17mm and I can't say that I appreciate the 2mm difference from there.
Click to expand...

I did. I really liked Janek Gwizdala's new FBass (32 scale 16.5mm string spacing). I inquired about getting a similar build. Here is what Marcel said and quoted.
_____
Thanks for your interest in that special build. It was actually based on a VF5 though it’s so customized that it took on a fairly unique shape/aesthetic. Here’s a full spec/price breakdown….


VF5 (Strung E-C, Aguilar DCB Preamp & Super Double Blade Pickups) - $4500 USD

Custom Dimensions/Specs: $1800 USD

- 32.5" Scale Length w/ Hipshot A Style Bridge

- 17mm String Spacing

- Shorter Bass Horn To Shift Body Left When Strapped In

- 26 Fret Neck

Spalted Maple Top with Matching Headstock - $1900 USD

Neck-Through Construction - $1500 USD

5pc Flamed Maple & Wenge Neck - $600 USD

Mac Ebony Fingerboard with Pearloid Face Dots - $350 USD

Mahogany Body with Ash Centre Block - $300 USD

Drop Tuner on E - $150 USD

Black Hardware - $150 USD

Hand-Rubbed Oil Finish

Slim 19.5mm Neck Carve

Small Vintage Fret Wire

2-Way On/Off Toggle - $150 USD

Total Retail: $11,400 USD / NOTE THAT WE ONLY CHARGE FELLOW CANADIANS A FIXED 20% EXCHANGE = $13,680 CAD (taxes and shipping included)

It’s quite spec’d out so if you’re interested in something similar at a reduced price, we can chat about the core/must-have specs.
_____________
We’ve been receiving more requests for the custom Janek Gwizdala build.
We’re now thinking we may need to craft a small batch—if that’s the case we can get the price down to $12,600 CAD + GST as a 5pc Neck-Through or down to $10,200 CAD + GST as a 3pc Bolt-On Neck. Shipping included.

To compare:

Deluxe BN5 @ 34.5” Scale - $7200 CAD
17mm String Spacing (changes neck, body, and pickups) - $1080 CAD
Roasted Ash Body with Matching Pickups & Headstock - $900 CAD
Matching Roasted Ash Finger Ramp - $360 CAD
Mac Ebony Fingerboard - $420 CAD
Black Hardware - $180 CAD
Total: $10,140 CAD + 5% GST (shipping included)

Standard BN5 @ 34.5” Scale - $5400 CAD
17mm String Spacing (changes neck, body, and pickups) - $1080 CAD
Roasted Ash Body with Matching Pickups & Headstock - $900 CAD
Matching Roasted Ash Finger Ramp - $360 CAD
Mac Ebony Fingerboard - $420 CAD
Black Hardware - $180 CAD
Total: $8340 CAD + 5% GST (shipping included)

Note that the Maple fingerboard is standard.

Our current lead time is 14-16 months from order date and we’d only require a $2000 deposit to make your order official.
 
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#5,349
MattLplaysBass said:
I think he could have given some more details :roflmao::roflmao::roflmao:

I’ve only had to email Marcel a few times, but he is always prompt, thorough and happy to help.
Click to expand...

Yes, Marcel has been excellent to work with. When I had an issue with one of my BN5 that a previous owner had caused, he swapped out the bad preamp free of charge, under warranty, and now it's good as new!
 
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#5,352
Kmrumedy said:
I did. I really liked Janek Gwizdala's new FBass (32 scale 16.5mm string spacing). I inquired about getting a similar build. Here is what Marcel said and quoted.
_____
Thanks for your interest in that special build. It was actually based on a VF5 though it’s so customized that it took on a fairly unique shape/aesthetic. Here’s a full spec/price breakdown….


VF5 (Strung E-C, Aguilar DCB Preamp & Super Double Blade Pickups) - $4500 USD

Custom Dimensions/Specs: $1800 USD

- 32.5" Scale Length w/ Hipshot A Style Bridge

- 17mm String Spacing

- Shorter Bass Horn To Shift Body Left When Strapped In

- 26 Fret Neck

Spalted Maple Top with Matching Headstock - $1900 USD

Neck-Through Construction - $1500 USD

5pc Flamed Maple & Wenge Neck - $600 USD

Mac Ebony Fingerboard with Pearloid Face Dots - $350 USD

Mahogany Body with Ash Centre Block - $300 USD

Drop Tuner on E - $150 USD

Black Hardware - $150 USD

Hand-Rubbed Oil Finish

Slim 19.5mm Neck Carve

Small Vintage Fret Wire

2-Way On/Off Toggle - $150 USD

Total Retail: $11,400 USD / NOTE THAT WE ONLY CHARGE FELLOW CANADIANS A FIXED 20% EXCHANGE = $13,680 CAD (taxes and shipping included)

It’s quite spec’d out so if you’re interested in something similar at a reduced price, we can chat about the core/must-have specs.
_____________
We’ve been receiving more requests for the custom Janek Gwizdala build.
We’re now thinking we may need to craft a small batch—if that’s the case we can get the price down to $12,600 CAD + GST as a 5pc Neck-Through or down to $10,200 CAD + GST as a 3pc Bolt-On Neck. Shipping included.

To compare:

Deluxe BN5 @ 34.5” Scale - $7200 CAD
17mm String Spacing (changes neck, body, and pickups) - $1080 CAD
Roasted Ash Body with Matching Pickups & Headstock - $900 CAD
Matching Roasted Ash Finger Ramp - $360 CAD
Mac Ebony Fingerboard - $420 CAD
Black Hardware - $180 CAD
Total: $10,140 CAD + 5% GST (shipping included)

Standard BN5 @ 34.5” Scale - $5400 CAD
17mm String Spacing (changes neck, body, and pickups) - $1080 CAD
Roasted Ash Body with Matching Pickups & Headstock - $900 CAD
Matching Roasted Ash Finger Ramp - $360 CAD
Mac Ebony Fingerboard - $420 CAD
Black Hardware - $180 CAD
Total: $8340 CAD + 5% GST (shipping included)

Note that the Maple fingerboard is standard.

Our current lead time is 14-16 months from order date and we’d only require a $2000 deposit to make your order official.
Click to expand...

Wow, that's a lot of bass.
 
#5,355
Kmrumedy said:
I did. I really liked Janek Gwizdala's new FBass (32 scale 16.5mm string spacing). I inquired about getting a similar build. Here is what Marcel said and quoted.
_____
Thanks for your interest in that special build. It was actually based on a VF5 though it’s so customized that it took on a fairly unique shape/aesthetic. Here’s a full spec/price breakdown….


VF5 (Strung E-C, Aguilar DCB Preamp & Super Double Blade Pickups) - $4500 USD

Custom Dimensions/Specs: $1800 USD

- 32.5" Scale Length w/ Hipshot A Style Bridge

- 17mm String Spacing

- Shorter Bass Horn To Shift Body Left When Strapped In

- 26 Fret Neck

Spalted Maple Top with Matching Headstock - $1900 USD

Neck-Through Construction - $1500 USD

5pc Flamed Maple & Wenge Neck - $600 USD

Mac Ebony Fingerboard with Pearloid Face Dots - $350 USD

Mahogany Body with Ash Centre Block - $300 USD

Drop Tuner on E - $150 USD

Black Hardware - $150 USD

Hand-Rubbed Oil Finish

Slim 19.5mm Neck Carve

Small Vintage Fret Wire

2-Way On/Off Toggle - $150 USD

Total Retail: $11,400 USD / NOTE THAT WE ONLY CHARGE FELLOW CANADIANS A FIXED 20% EXCHANGE = $13,680 CAD (taxes and shipping included)

It’s quite spec’d out so if you’re interested in something similar at a reduced price, we can chat about the core/must-have specs.
_____________
We’ve been receiving more requests for the custom Janek Gwizdala build.
We’re now thinking we may need to craft a small batch—if that’s the case we can get the price down to $12,600 CAD + GST as a 5pc Neck-Through or down to $10,200 CAD + GST as a 3pc Bolt-On Neck. Shipping included.

To compare:

Deluxe BN5 @ 34.5” Scale - $7200 CAD
17mm String Spacing (changes neck, body, and pickups) - $1080 CAD
Roasted Ash Body with Matching Pickups & Headstock - $900 CAD
Matching Roasted Ash Finger Ramp - $360 CAD
Mac Ebony Fingerboard - $420 CAD
Black Hardware - $180 CAD
Total: $10,140 CAD + 5% GST (shipping included)

Standard BN5 @ 34.5” Scale - $5400 CAD
17mm String Spacing (changes neck, body, and pickups) - $1080 CAD
Roasted Ash Body with Matching Pickups & Headstock - $900 CAD
Matching Roasted Ash Finger Ramp - $360 CAD
Mac Ebony Fingerboard - $420 CAD
Black Hardware - $180 CAD
Total: $8340 CAD + 5% GST (shipping included)

Note that the Maple fingerboard is standard.

Our current lead time is 14-16 months from order date and we’d only require a $2000 deposit to make your order official.
Click to expand...

Nice!
Using the online builder I priced out a fairly basic BN5 with a 17mm spacing and 32.5” scale and got closer to $7k. The 17mm is $900 of that and short scale is $800.

What I’m really trying to figure out is if I really care about the 17mm bridge as much as I think I do. For me the nut width and spacing is more critical than the bridge.

I’m also hoping someone here has real world experience with a standard scale and short scale to share their thoughts.
 
#5,357
monsterthompson said:
Nice!
Using the online builder I priced out a fairly basic BN5 with a 17mm spacing and 32.5” scale and got closer to $7k. The 17mm is $900 of that and short scale is $800.

What I’m really trying to figure out is if I really care about the 17mm bridge as much as I think I do. For me the nut width and spacing is more critical than the bridge.

I’m also hoping someone here has real world experience with a standard scale and short scale to share their thoughts.
Click to expand...

I have had about 6 or 8 shorts over the years. My experience has been 4's are more like their counterparts and 5's take a new technique on the B; seems like common knowledge. If there was one I wish I had back, it would be the JMJ Mustang-- it was very much a P bass and suffered from all of the typical QC issues that one would expect. There is not a single 5 that I would want back. Having said that, none of them were F Basses. In addition, I have sold/traded them all.

I have a few 19mm and the new one is 18. Is there a difference, yep. I can tell, but it isn't a technique crusher. For me, I think going back and forth between 19 and 17 would be quite different and I might not keep trying. I will also say that the last 2 BN's(1 each 19mm&18mm) have the 5 pc maple/wenge necks and I can get my thumb on the B string like I am playing a P from years ago. The profile of the 5pc is, to me, noticeably more slim and thin. I am sure Marcel can arrange that for you with any neck composition too. When I asked if the profile has changed, he said no, but I can feel a difference and I actually like it.

All of this is personal preference and I support anyone trying new things to find what they want. For me, the BN's are it. Other folks like P Basses with tort. I will also say this. Without a doubt, if you work with Marcel to build a bass of any spec, it will be the finest example of that bass to be found anywhere in the world. I'm sure that doesn't do anything to help you make a decision and I can't wait to see what you do. :D
 
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#5,359
Kmrumedy said:
I did. I really liked Janek Gwizdala's new FBass (32 scale 16.5mm string spacing). I inquired about getting a similar build. Here is what Marcel said and quoted.
Click to expand...

Very cool specs. I owned a BN6 about 20 years ago and really liked it except for the 19 mm string spacing. I inquired at the time and IIRC they were not offering any changes to this, so as a result I wound up selling the bass. Nice to see that they are offering string spacing options.

I also used to have a problem with the price of their options, which I really don't anymore. When I was inquiring about the string spacing, I was also looking at getting a figured top added (mine was plain Ash), which I think was something like 1500 CAD for Burl Maple. Anyway, I guess I have more of an appreciation for the amount of disruption and inefficiency that's introduced by some of the options.

All that to say, I hope I see a bass come about with those specs you asked for.
 

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