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F-bass tone

#5
iamlowsound said:
If a Sadowsky is a Jazz on steroids, then a F-bass is a jazz with a bit of champagne in it.

lowsound
Click to expand...

I like that analogy.

My BN-5 has a multitude of possibilities. Very refined sound. Well suited if you like to get a little crazy and creative with your tonal palette. Plays like a dream. Plenty of bark, bite, and growl if you want it. Plenty of oomph too. I had no problem adapting to how it sits slightly different on a strap - in fact, I like it. I've bounced around between a number of great instruments (Fender J and P, Sadowsky J and P, Musicman Bongo and Ray, Warwick) and ever since buying the BN-5, I've gotten rid of everything else and not wanted another.
(other than the Skjold fretless I have on order, of course!)
 
#7
steve f said:
I like that analogy.

My BN-5 has a multitude of possibilities. Very refined sound. Well suited if you like to get a little crazy and creative with your tonal palette. Plays like a dream. Plenty of bark, bite, and growl if you want it. Plenty of oomph too. I had no problem adapting to how it sits slightly different on a strap - in fact, I like it. I've bounced around between a number of great instruments (Fender J and P, Sadowsky J and P, Musicman Bongo and Ray, Warwick) and ever since buying the BN-5, I've gotten rid of everything else and not wanted another.
(other than the Skjold fretless I have on order, of course!)
Click to expand...

That was always how I thought of my f-bass, I miss it some days, too bad it was a four string. If it was a five, it would still be my main bass.

lowsound
 
#10
iamlowsound said:
If a Sadowsky is a Jazz on steroids, then a F-bass is a jazz with a bit of champagne in it.

lowsound
Click to expand...

+1 I always describe the BN models as 'jazz on satin'.... J like, but very smooth and a bit polite.

However, the VF models are VERY 'Fendery'... with the 70's models being grindy and sizzly and 'Marcus like'.

Here's a clip of a VF (ash/maple/70's pickup position) that I had for a short while:

[Invalid or Expired Link Removed]
 
#11
Strong and clear fundamantal, very even up and down as well as across the neck. Extremely versatile...more so than any other bass I've played...can go from vintage to moderately modern, tastefully. Best on-board mid control, period
 
#12
Kink Rimson said:
I'm sure I read somewhere that Tom Hamilton of Aerosmith recorded 'Get A Grip' with an F bass, can anyone confirm this?

If he did, I want one! :bassist:
Click to expand...

Yes, he told Bass Player in his 4/06 cover issue:

"I bought my first one when we were recording Get a Grip in 1992, and I used it for the whole record. And then a couple years ago, they made me this unbelievalbly rich, blue bass with a maple neck. The thing has so much tone that it's an absolute blast to play. So it's become one of my regulars."

Lot of hits on that record. Must have been the bass ;)
 
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#13
I should have added, I used to own an Fbass BN6 and factoring that I am purely a 4 string player, I would say it was one of the most beautifully playable basses I have ever seen. The neck and body contours are world class.

I agree with Ken that the BN is quite polite tonally. It's very rich and versatile sounding but I never settled with it for rock music. I sold mine due to not being comfortable with the 6 strings and tone but I would consider a VF4 in a heartbeat.
 
#14
There are some very good descriptions of the BN series here. It is a very versatile instrument, that has almost a vintage elegance to the tone. It's not harsh or agressive - but rather smooth and articulate.

The VF series can be smooth (alder/rosewood), or can be very aggressive (ash/maple).
The two series are completely different in tone. However, they both share the same wonderful preamp, great ergonomics and balance, and unbeatable setup and playability. I've played other basses that were as good in terms of playability, but never one that was better...
 
#16
iamlowsound said:
If a Sadowsky is a Jazz on steroids, then a F-bass is a jazz with a bit of champagne in it.

lowsound
Click to expand...

That is a great way to put it! :smug:

I hear my BN's as being very smooth and sweet, though you can dial in some aggression (not a ton, though) with the EQ. Speaking of the EQ, the F Bass pre is one of the where I like to dial in a decent amount of EQ as my "base tone." For most on-board preamps, I try to leave them flat and use the amp/head controls for tone shaping, and the on-board for room control and variation within a set. But that F Bass pre sounds so good (and doesn't seem to get into that "too much EQ screwing up my tone" category)! :bassist: :bassist: :bassist: :cool:
 
#17
tombowlus said:
That is a great way to put it! :smug:

I hear my BN's as being very smooth and sweet, though you can dial in some aggression (not a ton, though) with the EQ. Speaking of the EQ, the F Bass pre is one of the where I like to dial in a decent amount of EQ as my "base tone." For most on-board preamps, I try to leave them flat and use the amp/head controls for tone shaping, and the on-board for room control and variation within a set. But that F Bass pre sounds so good (and doesn't seem to get into that "too much EQ screwing up my tone" category)! :bassist: :bassist: :bassist: :cool:
Click to expand...

You can use it in Bass Gear for the small fee of a years free subscription ;)

lowsound
 

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