Hey, I'm considering getting an F Bass, and for some reason I'm really interested in a VF5 with a PJ configuration. Can anyone speak to pros/cons/general experience with F Basses and a PJ setup? Thanks!
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Mark Wilson
Supporting Member
The BN series is the "true" Fbass for me. My BN5 buried my VF4 tone wise. Actually, I wanted a VF4 PJ, but at the time, George wouldn't build it. If he had, I may have kept it.
I do not have any experience with the VF series of basses, but my BN5's are amazing. There is a Youtube vid where Michael League (Snarky Puppy) and Janek Gwizdala both use VF5's with a PJ setup for a jam at NAMM 2015. Both basses sound great.
Ive had 3 BN's and now my current VF5 70's. The BN's to me sound like a boutique jazz bass but a bit more on the polite side with a more musical preamp than a lot of other designs. By that I mean they aren't super aggressive sounding, but have a very full and clear tone. The preamps are wonderfully transparent and useful. The necks feel GREAT, and I love the way the basses balance standing or sitting. The VF series sound as close to a passive Fender as I have ever heard in an active bass(again with that killer F-bass pre!). Its a killer design if you are looking for a traditional tone with boutique build quality and playability. Can't go wrong with either.
Great reply, thanks! Have you noticed a difference between how the BNs and the VFs balance, or between how their necks feel?
Thanks for the reply! Can you go into a bit more detail on the differences you hear between the tones of the two models?
Yeah, I love that vid, it's partly what got me interested in F Bass and in the pj config. The bass League is playing is for sale at Bass Club Chicago, I'd love to snag it but I'm more interested in a 5er at the moment: Invalid Link Removed
Been a while since I've had one(6 or 7 years)... both models balance perfectly. As for the neck, I am not sure how much difference there is between the 2. Better answered by someone who has both
My VF5 is little bit heavier than my BN5. Both of them are ash/maple combination. VF5's neck is a little bit "beefier" but it still is super comfortable. I actually play my VF5 alot more than the BN5 
My BN5 sounds like the black one in this video, which is the one I prefer. Great fundamental with a bit of grit.
The VF4 Daphne in this video is the one we have in stock. We brought that in after the NAMM show this year. Amazing.
I love both my BN5 & VF5 all ash maple combo. My BN5 is the older electronics, George said with the Seymour Duncan, 3+2 tuner confiq. This BN5 sounds so thick and glassy treble. The VF5 2012 with all FBASS electronics are 70s JB killer sound. All are superb playabilities. Thinking of getting BN6 with Ebony board now.
Here's a new BN5 for sale on fbass.com. Imagine how great this will look as the white ages:
Looks like there is no screw holes for the PG yet, IMHO, scrap the PG, it adds nothing to that beautiful bass. YMMDHere's a new BN5 for sale on fbass.com. Imagine how great this will look as the white ages:
Looks like there is no screw holes for the PG yet, IMHO, scrap the PG, it adds nothing to that beautiful bass. YMMD
I agree, was looking at the site the other day and skipped looking at the larger pic of this one because of the PG.
In all honesty, a PJ is a PJ is a PJ. You'll get a great onboard in a beautifully crafted PJ bass. I have owned BNs and played around on VFs and if you are getting your first Fbass, do your self a big favour and make it a BN, these are what put this company on the map.
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As others have said I would go with a BN for a first F Bass. I have Fender PJ 5 and a friends Lull PJ as well as a couple of Sadowksy Js and I'd have to say the BN does a fine P & J tone. In fact my other basses event left the house since I got the BN5.
Having said that I'd love to have VFPJ in Daphne Blue but I really don't need it.
