VF5 vs BN5

If you are going to order, you can ask a VF body with BN (or AC) guts. The guys at F have always been very accomodating.

I believe the VF is more of a vintage/classic Jazz-on-steroids bass, where the BN takes from there and brings an incredibly versatile instrument, able to conver so much spectrum.

Love FBass, in no way you’d end dissapointed.

 

I’ve had both. Still have my BN5; I like everything about it better. Most of all, the thick tone which is so even and balanced all over the neck. The VF was a very nice jazz bass, but for me, the BN is on another level.
I prefer the Charcoal BN5 here:

 

I just asked about this on my recent order and Fbass will not do BN pickups in a VF body shape. They are both nice. It depends on if you want a Jazz bass or something a bit more modern.

 

I’ve had my BN5 for 16 years now. It’s the most versatile bass I’ve ever owned. I always favored the bridge pickup until in the last two years I started giving more juice to the neck pickup. Wouldn’t you know, I had one of the best P bass sounds right in front of me this whole time. A BN will be a j or a p in one instrument. The preamp is boost only which I prefer. The bass sounds great passive or active. I’ve been running it passive lately to prove active electronics aren’t always necessary. This thing is still impressing me years later. You should come over to Club F Bass on TB. You can talk to hundreds of F players such as the great ones that posted above.

 

I have had both, and like both but I ultimately feel the BN is the flagship, and what put F bass on the map, for good reason. The VF is a very cool take on a jazz bass, but the BN has some magic sauce and killer versatility that, were I to own only one F bass, would be my definite preference.

 

But if you're really looking for something close to the Fender Jazz family tree with better ergonomics and killer jazz bass tone, a VF would be a great option.