Thanks, the bass plays and sounds as good as it looks. I was following this bass for a while on their website and had the same concerns regarding the slow turnover. I think this is likely due to their location and many being put off by the perceived challenges of dealing with a foreign dealer. I found a couple of reviews regarding music force online which were all positive as was my experience. I don’t know what the process is like in the US but here in Canada it is pretty straight forward on the importing side albeit expensive.
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Turns out, there's an Fbass dealer in my state and they are only a 40 minute drive from work. Their updated site says they have a sunburst BN5 in stock, but they don't give pics or details. In fact, they like for you to call first and only allow 3 people at a time in the store. It's also frowned upon to ask to try an instrument that you are not seriously considering. It's serious out here, lol.
I haven't been there in years, but If they have a decent trade in policy, I can see a custom build happening. I'll call later today.
I haven't been there in years, but If they have a decent trade in policy, I can see a custom build happening. I'll call later today.
NJ I see. Must be NJ Guitar and Bass Boutique. I’ve never actually been there, but I’ve seen and talked to Rich many times at guitar shows as I used to work for one. I’m down in South Jersey and actually ordered my BNF online. They didn’t even ask if I was close to Rich’s store.
Didn't know that is his policy but at least you get a more relaxed environment. I think I prefer it. But, I’m going to need to play all the basses. Usually with intent to buy but if nothing sings to me, it’s not my fault as the consumer.
Do you have to remove your shoes first before you can enter ?
Yes, that's the place, lol. They actually state the rules on the updated site. I get it though. Jersey is no joke sometimes. I have contacted Donovan at Fretspot today. I have my Dragonfly or AtelierZ ready to go! I still can't believe that I'm totally ok with letting either go, but I need an alder/ebony Fbass in my life.
Funny thing is, when I build on the Fbass site, it's actually more than if I ordered the same spec from Korea. In fact, it's about $300 more through Fbass. Is this normal?
I know, right? It's like that Seinfeld episode with the soup guy. Lol.. no bass for you!Do you have to remove your shoes first before you can enter ?
I don’t think FBass has MAP, so dealers can set their own prices. Several manufacturers charge more to buy direct, to avoid competition with their dealers. Mike Lull used to charge 5% more for ordering direct, I think they are only direct now (and their prices went up, but I always thought they were underpriced before anyways
).When I shopped around for my FBass in 2019, Donovan had the best price, and he’s good to deal with (quick communication and no bs), I’ve since bought an MTD from him as well.
That makes sense, or there would be no need for dealers.I don’t think FBass has MAP, so dealers can set their own prices. Several manufacturers charge more to buy direct, to avoid competition with their dealers. Mike Lull used to charge 5% more for ordering direct, I think they are only direct now (and their prices went up, but I always thought they were underpriced before anyways
When I shopped around for my FBass in 2019, Donovan had the best price, and he’s good to deal with (quick communication and no bs), I’ve since bought an MTD from him as well.
I feel totally comfortable dealing with Donovan again, without hesitation. It's just that I want to do a trade in and I thought it would be easier to do this locally. The white, alder/ebony at Music Force is exactly how I want it already, but I wouldn't send a trade bass that far. I'll wait for Donovan to get back to me and I'll go from there. Thanks for the help!
I traded a few basses in to him for my MTD, it was very straightforward, and his trade in values were good, MUCH better than I’d have gotten at any of the local places.
+1 Donovan is the best to work with. His trade values are fair and his prices are the best. His customer service is also above and beyond.
Gonna pile on and say Donavan at FretSpot is a top notch F Bass dealer.
That BNF5 is gorgeous....the other one is pretty fine too!
you would know, my friend! Can’t wait till your build is done!
In case anyone here is looking. The bass at NJ Bass center is one of the older ones, with the 3x2 headstock. It's ash/maple, sunburst. I didn't get a weight but I was told that it is in good shape and they are asking for $3500.
They repair guitars there, so I'm sure it's as good as it can be. They also take trades.
Oh and they were super nice on the phone!
They repair guitars there, so I'm sure it's as good as it can be. They also take trades.
Oh and they were super nice on the phone!
Hey....don't scratch my future bass!!! Lol.
I treat it with kid gloves. Only used on one song and swooned 1,200 people with it.
Hey....don't scratch my future bass!!! Lol.
darn…. I was going to ask him for that Koa one…. I guess I’m second on the list now
