Club Fbass (thread 13)

[remcult]

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.

Yeah, as I've been researching/obsessively drooling over F Basses, a BN5 appeals to me more and more. This is based on Youtube (I've been trying to find a F Bass to try locally without success so far), but one of my concerns is some BN5s sound overly polite to me, while others are less so. This could be due to effects/the amp, but since I might not be able to try before I buy, I want to have decent confidence that I'll know what I'm getting.

Side questions: Does anyone find the slightly extended scale noticeable compared to a regular 34"? Also, it seems to me that F Basses tend to be on the slightly heavier side (closer to 10 than 9 pounds), is that an aberration of my research or is that accurate?

 

[Steve Clark]

Yeah, as I've been researching/obsessively drooling over F Basses, a BN5 appeals to me more and more. This is based on Youtube (I've been trying to find a F Bass to try locally without success so far), but one of my concerns is some BN5s sound overly polite to me, while others are less so. This could be due to effects/the amp, but since I might not be able to try before I buy, I want to have decent confidence that I'll know what I'm getting.

Side questions: Does anyone find the slightly extended scale noticeable compared to a regular 34"? Also, it seems to me that F Basses tend to be on the slightly heavier side (closer to 10 than 9 pounds), is that an aberration of my research or is that accurate?

I hope you find one to try locally. Youtube can be helpful but until you actually play one it's hard to judge. I'm lucky that I live just over an hour from F Bass. When I bought my BN5 we had a lot of fun figuring out which one I liked the most. There were four basses of similar construction. It was really hard to decide but eventually it came down to Marcel saying that every time I picked up one of them I was smiling. That's the one that came home. But they were all really close to each other. Marcel did say that he though black hardware sounded different from chrome. Tom laughed at that.

As for the polite tone you might be hearing, I can play the F Bass through my rig and love the tone and come back later or the next day and not like it without changing a setting. Happens with any bass, at least for me. I do like the F preamp a lot. For comparison, the Sadowsky pre can sound massive when you roll on the bass. Too much sometimes. I rarely ever use it beyond a quarter turn. I find the F Bass pre much more musical. I set the amp volume I want then use the pre but even then if I add a lot of bass it doesn't become too big. I also love having a mid control again.

I don't notice a difference between my 34" Sadowsky and the F bass scale. Although for me that's mostly an issue when it comes to reading gigs and muscle memory. 35 or 33 might be weird when it comes to a reading gig but for shows where I'm not reading the 1/2" is not an issue.

The only issue I have with the 34.5 scale is in my 99 AC5 and my intonation. That's me, not the bass. But I'll keep working on it.

Are you close to this store? They seem to have a few. I only mention it since your profile says New Jersey. [Invalid or Expired Link Removed]

If you are in NJ F Bass is a short 10 hour drive away. If you're dropping $5K+ CDN maybe it's worth the drive to Hamilton Ontario.

 

[tombowlus]

Side questions: Does anyone find the slightly extended scale noticeable compared to a regular 34"? Also, it seems to me that F Basses tend to be on the slightly heavier side (closer to 10 than 9 pounds), is that an aberration of my research or is that accurate?

It's barely noticeable, but noticeable nonetheless, IME/IMHO. Actually, the first question I had when playing one of George's basses at my very first NAMM Show was, "Is this 34.5" scale?" Of course, I had been playing a Gibson Thunderbird for years, so I was used to the 34.5" scale length. A lot of folks probably would not notice it.

 

[jim nolte]

In terms of first position "reach" I find the BN series to be slightly closer in feel compared to my Jazz Bass because the long upper horn moves the bass to the right when standing strapped on. In terms of the frets themselves I don't notice much difference from a 34" scale. For me 34.5 is a nice compromise between 34" and 35", tightens the B without a taut G string. YMMD

 

[Gnal]

I'm with Jim, the 34.5 scale tightens the B and also adds clarity to the E without really changing the D or G tone.

Due to the shape/length of the upper horn the fbass shifts slightly to make the reach to the 1st position very easy. I would say that it's easier to play in the first position on my BN5's then it is on my P bass, not that my P is difficult by any means but it is more fatiguing over time.

From what I have heard F's tend to be heavier, but my experience places them around 10 lbs. My Red BN5 is approx 9.5 lbs and is actually one of my lighter basses, while my Charcoal BN5 is 10 lbs 2 oz. I will say though, I have not had a lot of experience other then the 3 Fbass' I've owned so... I don't know how helpful that is.

IIRC when custom ordered light weight woods can be specified, but I'm not absolutely sure on that.

Edit: I just clicked through the recently sold items on F bass site. They list the weights for most of the BN5's of the 16 or so listed with weights most were between 9 lbs 11 oz and 10 lbs 2 oz. there were a few above 10-2 (3 I think) and a few below in the 9-11 (also about 3).

Both of mine sound great so whatever they are doing is working.

 

[Tom7]

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.

As someone who's owned VFs and BNs, I'd advise that you take a look at what you currently have before you lock into which Fbass to buy.

I'm a big believer in considering the basses I already own as I consider a new purchase. I like to have a range of tones, woods, looks, etc. so there isn't too much overlap in my basses.

For example, I owned this blue Nordy with an ash body, birds eye maple finger board:

Then I bought this blue Fodera Emperor with an ash body and birds eye maple finger board:

There was so much overlap there that the Nordy had to go.

 

[Tom7]

... but one of my concerns is some BN5s sound overly polite to me, while others are less so.

What you are hearing is one of the cool things about BNs... EVERY BN can sound polite or aggressive. BN pickups have two modes: noise cancelling (which sounds smooth) and single coil (which bites).

Here is a BN in single coil mode:

Side questions: Does anyone find the slightly extended scale noticeable compared to a regular 34"? Also, it seems to me that F Basses tend to be on the slightly heavier side (closer to 10 than 9 pounds), is that an aberration of my research or is that accurate?

Spreading a half an inch over 34 inches of scale length makes it hardly noticeable, but that extra half inch REALLY makes for a GREAT B string. It's really nice.

As for the weight, you might be right. The mass of the bass has a huge affect on its tone, making them meatier and tummy rumbling. For example, check out the weight of my Fodera I posted a photo of earlier:

This is more than some of my 6-string basses, but man, what a great tone. If you think of Marcus Miller's tone as he plays his Fender, imagine Shaquille O'Neal playing this and you'll get a visual idea of its sonic difference.

Here's a good clip you may have already seen showing the BN's versatility.

 

[Tom7]

I should mention I'm a huge fan of the FBass "weight reducing" leather straps.

Obviously they don't reduce a bass's weight, but they do distribute it well. Also, the way BNs and VFs sit on the strap puts more of the bass under you. This greatly reduces neck dive, but it also reduces fatigue, because your reach out to the nut isn't as far.

If you'll remember high school physics, the length of the lever past the fulcrum (point of balance) has a very big impact on force.

In other words, your left shoulder won't get as tired because you don't have to hold your arm out so far for so long.

 

[Tom7]

Okay, I've said too much already, but I've just got to put your attention to a couple of fantastic BN5 clip on YouTube:

 

[jim nolte]

And I'll second how the BN distributes the weight can make a difference. My BN5 weighs just about exactly as my Jazz Bass, but switching between the two with the same strap the Jazz feels heavier even though the BN is a couple of ounces more. There really is very little perception of weight towards the neck end of the BNs. The only other basses that have that same vibe that I have tried were all headless designs.

 

[JRB]

Just to add to the ongoing conversation of tone (polite vs bite), weight and what not:

1) Agree with what everyone said about weight not really being an issue due to balance

2) I have sold all my 35 inch scale basses because in first position it does impact my playing and while it is minimal and I played 35 scale for multiple years, I just prefer 34 scale. But the BN5 is an exception due what people have stated about the upper horn and 34.5 being a nice middle ground. (I think mainly the horn though.)

3) Like most advice I would also encourage you to play one first. There might be things you don't even know to ask about. For example the pickups on the BN5 extended father past the strings then standard pickups do. So if you usually rest your thumb on the pickup and not on the b string, it might take some adjustment. It might impact you VF or BN decision.

4) With regards to tone, in my view the BN's are a little polite. Even in single coil mode and even in the above video's where they do have bite. It is a polite bite that still has bark but is musical and not as in your face. I don't think that is a bad thing. No bass can make every sound and that politeness in my opinion is a little more musical/piano like/organic, while still having bite. But some might prefer more aggressive tone.

 

[Tom7]

... 4) With regards to tone, in my view the BN's are a little polite. Even in single coil mode and even in the above video's where they do have bite. It is a polite bite that still has bark but is musical and not as in your face. I don't think that is a bad thing. No bass can make every sound and that politeness in my opinion is a little more musical/piano like/organic, while still having bite. But some might prefer more aggressive tone.

+1.

My Alain Caron replica (7 of 9) BN6 has different pickups, different preamp, different body wood (basswood) than my other BN6, and the BN6LE is almost too agressive. I have to work hard with the preamp, pickup balance and amp settings to settle it down for more normal sound.

But man I like its weight for a 6-string:

 

[jim nolte]

Interesting, I didn't know the AC replica had a basswood body, I thought it was just different pups and pre. My BN5 is a '99 and according to Marcel it has the same split P type pups as yours but under the current humbucker type shells with the F pre-amp. A sort of transition model I guess. it can sound very full with plenty of bite along with the organic sound that I love. I hate to say it because it's so cliché here on TB but it really is the "sound in my head".

 

[remcult]

Hi everyone,

I just wanted to say thank you for the considered and interesting responses to my questions. I finally got to play an F Bass a few nights ago, a BN5, and it's hard to describe how pleasurable an experience it was. Unfortunately, though it's an absolute knockout (see the pic below), I won't be able to buy this one for what the seller wants. The playability was ridiculous, the tone bright but not harsh, the upper frets truly sweet. It was also on the lighter side (around 9.2 lb), but even beyond that, it did indeed balance perfectly. The only issue I found was that the B string was, to my surprise, a bit loose for my taste, as least compared to my 34" scale Roscoe, but to be fair I didn't get to play or fiddle with it as much I would have liked. And to be honest, if the guy had been open to a trade I'd probably have gone for it. Anyway, I'm now pretty determined to make my next bass a BN5, due in no small part to all of you. Thanks for all your time and help!

All the best,
Dave

 

[Steve Clark]

Hi everyone,

I just wanted to say thank you for the considered and interesting responses to my questions. I finally got to play an F Bass a few nights ago, a BN5, and it's hard to describe how pleasurable an experience it was. Unfortunately, though it's an absolute knockout (see the pic below), I won't be able to buy this one for what the seller wants. The playability was ridiculous, the tone bright but not harsh, the upper frets truly sweet. It was also on the lighter side (around 9.2 lb), but even beyond that, it did indeed balance perfectly. The only issue I found was that the B string was, to my surprise, a bit loose for my taste, as least compared to my 34" scale Roscoe, but to be fair I didn't get to play or fiddle with it as much I would have liked. And to be honest, if the guy had been open to a trade I'd probably have gone for it. Anyway, I'm now pretty determined to make my next bass a BN5, due in no small part to all of you. Thanks for all your time and help!

All the best,
Dave

View attachment 931053

That's a nice one! Lots of upgrades on that build including the top. There is a build and price link the F Bass site. Fun to play with.

 

[zortation]

Hi everyone,

I just wanted to say thank you for the considered and interesting responses to my questions. I finally got to play an F Bass a few nights ago, a BN5, and it's hard to describe how pleasurable an experience it was. Unfortunately, though it's an absolute knockout (see the pic below), I won't be able to buy this one for what the seller wants. The playability was ridiculous, the tone bright but not harsh, the upper frets truly sweet. It was also on the lighter side (around 9.2 lb), but even beyond that, it did indeed balance perfectly. The only issue I found was that the B string was, to my surprise, a bit loose for my taste, as least compared to my 34" scale Roscoe, but to be fair I didn't get to play or fiddle with it as much I would have liked. And to be honest, if the guy had been open to a trade I'd probably have gone for it. Anyway, I'm now pretty determined to make my next bass a BN5, due in no small part to all of you. Thanks for all your time and help!

Most guys on here are perfectly happy with just a regular ash body BN5. That particular bass I can tell you has thousands of dollars of exotic wood upgrades. Lots labour is involved in putting a topwood on a sculpted body. They come up for sale semi-regularly on TB so keep your eyes peeled.

 

[jim nolte]

Hard to tell from the pic but did it have exposed core strings on it? That might explain the loose feel of the B string, personally I prefer non-exposed core strings, YMMD.

 

[xroads]

Hard to tell from the pic but did it have exposed core strings on it? That might explain the loose feel of the B string, personally I prefer non-exposed core strings, YMMD.

Agreed - setup and string type is quite critical for the B-string performance.

 

[Tom7]

Hi everyone,

I just wanted to say thank you for the considered and interesting responses to my questions. I finally got to play an F Bass a few nights ago, a BN5, and it's hard to describe how pleasurable an experience it was. Unfortunately, though it's an absolute knockout (see the pic below), I won't be able to buy this one for what the seller wants. The playability was ridiculous, the tone bright but not harsh, the upper frets truly sweet. It was also on the lighter side (around 9.2 lb), but even beyond that, it did indeed balance perfectly. The only issue I found was that the B string was, to my surprise, a bit loose for my taste, as least compared to my 34" scale Roscoe, but to be fair I didn't get to play or fiddle with it as much I would have liked. And to be honest, if the guy had been open to a trade I'd probably have gone for it. Anyway, I'm now pretty determined to make my next bass a BN5, due in no small part to all of you. Thanks for all your time and help!

All the best,
Dave

View attachment 931053

How did you find the 34.5" scale length?

 

[Tom7]

Interesting, I didn't know the AC replica had a basswood body, I thought it was just different pups and pre. My BN5 is a '99 and according to Marcel it has the same split P type pups as yours but under the current humbucker type shells with the F pre-amp. A sort of transition model I guess. it can sound very full with plenty of bite along with the organic sound that I love. I hate to say it because it's so cliché here on TB but it really is the "sound in my head".

Yeah, the basswood is more scooped than ash, which contributes considerably to its aggressive tone.