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I believe the early BNFs (which this one appears to be due to the 3+2 headstock) originally featured the ebony bridge with bone saddle, Hipshots later becoming standard on the model with the ebony/bone bridge being an upcharge option until the BNF was discontinued. the piezos were for the most part only available on the AC model, although I think you could get them on the BNF as an upcharge as well. if this bass was a true two magnetic pickup AC there would piezo elements visible behind the bone saddle and there would be a seventh knob to control the piezo output.
at least I think I’ve got that right!
I've got strings on the brain these days. What's out there for BN5 exposed core strings? I've only used the F Bass brand. Any of these worth a try?
F Bass brand 43-128
SIT Power Steel 35-135
GHS Contact Core 40-125 & 45-129
La Bella Super Steps 46-128
(DR Long Necks are also on my radar, but they are tapered not exposed)
F Bass brand 43-128
SIT Power Steel 35-135
GHS Contact Core 40-125 & 45-129
La Bella Super Steps 46-128
(DR Long Necks are also on my radar, but they are tapered not exposed)
That is a BNF5. I had one like it. When I ordered it, the wooden bridge was standard, but I opted for a Hipshot A.
There is no piezo.
There is no piezo.
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The La Bella super steps are the same as the F Bass ones, except the gauges, I believe...
I had a feeling they might be.
I guess I’ll just have to grab a set of something and give it a shot. There doesn’t seem to be much online about exposed core strings in terms of demos or reviews.
I have a question about the BN vs BN Deluxe.
Why does the BN Deluxe cost $1400 more than the same spec'd BN using the custom builder?
The only difference is the pickups.
And does anyone know if those prices are accurate or do they cut you a break on a build?
I'm asking because it sure gets pricey once you add a few options.
Why does the BN Deluxe cost $1400 more than the same spec'd BN using the custom builder?
The only difference is the pickups.
And does anyone know if those prices are accurate or do they cut you a break on a build?
I'm asking because it sure gets pricey once you add a few options.
It's not just the pickups. The wiring from each pickup to go series, single, parallel is part of the deal (though some might consider that being just a pickup difference). The string through is also part of the deal which is a $200 charge. Many of the Deluxe models are gloss finish which is a $200 charge. Hipshot A bridge is $100.
Ahhh, that makes sense.
Thanks for clearing that up.
No problem. It is a price jump. I think if you are trying to be price conscious, check with Donovan at FretSpot. I believe his prices are generally better than direct from F Bass when ordering in the US.
I am in Canada so I'm assuming it would make more sense to order direct.
Both specs I did were north of $10k US. (Just over 10 for BN and a little over 11 for the BN Deluxe)
By the time I convert that to Canadian and add taxes, it gets really eye watering.
You also get the "vegan leather" gig bag, with is pretty nice (but I think it is the same as the regular one except for the outer material). I upgraded to it when I ordered my BN5, not a deluxe.
While a bit rambling, Donovan explains the deluxe series pretty well here
While a bit rambling, Donovan explains the deluxe series pretty well here
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There is that. I switched it out for the standard gig bag with my Deluxe.
I heard the neck carve is an asymmetrical D shape. 20mm at the first fret and about 24mm near the fifteenth fret.
How does it feel, and can you offer any comparisons?
Sorry for asking a bunch of questions but there is no way I can try one out where I live.
How does it feel, and can you offer any comparisons?
Sorry for asking a bunch of questions but there is no way I can try one out where I live.
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I wish I could answer those questions. I just know that I like the shape but couldn’t explain it in those measurements.
I'm back to considering tapes on my BNF5 and the search function took me back to this post. Do you know if the Black Tape La Bellas for a BNF5 should be Long or XL? I'll get my measuring tape out later but thought I'd ask here ,too.
