F Bass VF5-J - This Crazy Custom Canadian is the BEST Boutique Jazz Bass - LowEndLobster Fresh Look

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F Bass: fbass.com/
Hey Everyone! Today we have quite the treat for you with this amazingly specced custom F Bass VF5-J! This vintage inspire boutique beauty features only the highest quality of woods, hardware, and electronics and brings them all together in an incredible player focused package that would inspire any player. Big thank you to Aviv for allowing me to borrow this bass. Let's check it out!
This bass and all my other basses with rounds are strung with SIT Foundation Nickel Plated Stainless Steel 45-105(125) unless otherwise noted. Check them out at sitstrings.com/
Info on my signal chain, setup and more: • Lobster's Filming & Re...
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[@funky_monk_9796]

It's the feel of these boutique basses that sets them apart, for me. The 'standard' BN5 models look and sound epic but I couldn't even justify the cost of those at $5k. Huge respect to FBass and other small, family run manufacturers for what they do, they set the bar so high, it makes the mass producers up their game. Happy to stick with my Sire/Squier etc lol 😀

[@steverolfeca]

George Furlanetto is a Canadian national treasure. Incredible design, construction and finishing chops.

[@lewis2207]

Baby Jesus that bass is heavenly 👼🎸

[@wren23_bass-synths]

The Fbass Alain Caron model is one of my bucket list basses.

[@christopherfidler3019]

F-Bass straight out of the Hammer baby 🇨🇦

[@delucajohn2000]

I have an F Bass BN5 and it is such an amazing bass. Yes, they are expensive but the quality and attention to detail is top notch.

[@harbass1648]

First F I saw was a UZEB bar gig at the Rivoli, Toronto 1981.

[@peekaboo4390]

Really really nice, as a Canadian I have to say we do make some great bass gear, Empress, Dingwall, St Germaine. Radial, F bass, Traynor.

[@MeatballCereal]

Fury. A Fury Tornado bass with the D-tuner bridge is on my bucket list. VERY hard to find in the US.

[@peekaboo4390]

@@MeatballCereal Yeah a very rare and beautiful beast. Hard to find anywhere.

[@davidmariorodrigues]

Don't forget Lado guitars! At a time, they were THE guitars to have.

[@peekaboo4390]

@@davidmariorodrigues Yes indeed how could I forget .. I have one. Look up this builder, St Germaine basses, a small shop building absolutely beautiful basses.

[@davidmariorodrigues]

@@peekaboo4390 HOLY CROW! These look great! Do you own one? Next time I'm down on a Halifax Pier, I'm going to have to check them out (and maybe walk out with one of them!!)

[@bryanwalsh999]

I am a massive fan of Fbass. I now have my 2nd BN5. 2nd because I stupidly let my first one go when I had the gas for something else that was also pricey. My current BN5 is a Chestnut top on a Swamp Ash body with a birds-eye fretboard on the maple neck. It is a custom order bass and also it has a piezo pickup in the bridge and a chestnut top matched ramp. Truly 1 of a kind. To date, whenever I gig this bass someone comes to ask what it is and tell me how great it sounds. And that is in the Nashville area, so fairly rare to have the locals enquiring or giving praise. These are top tier instruments and deserve way more recognition that they already get.

[@aldito7586]

Talk about a clear tone! NICE! There are some really pricey basses that do not deliver on tone. But this one does. Listen to how clear the low end is on this bass.

[@degeest5571]

Beautiful sounding bass

[@AvivSilverman]

Sounds 🔥🔥🔥 Nice playing as usual Lobster!

[@samlelowitch]

Wow, that bass sounds awesome!

[@samatza]

Great video and nice bass. F Bass makes some really nice instruments and the quality is superb.

[@MadJackF1]

Beautiful boutique bass. Beebe is a beautiful kitty too!

[@mauricemusician7636]

My buddy introduced me to F-bass. They're amazing!

[@rreennommaann]

I have been eyeing this exact bass for a long time, but it's $$$$.

[@Yeagerade]

What a great video to wake up to, I've been waiting to see Lobster check out an F-Bass!

[@gaulixthethird4307]

Hello Lobster! I have to say thanks to you because I bought a Stingray EX. I saw your videos about these basses and its a perfect bass for the price!

[@jermainelong1843]

The dark tone you dialled in @ 10:37 That was it for me🔥🔥🔥

[@geekguitars]

One of the few boutique brands that I think are worth the price tag.

[@WhatJeanWants]

THAT is one sweet bass!! Great to see you get so giddy over that excellent instrument. And I detected a bit of stank-face during the finger-style passages! Nice!!!

[@francescoatzori7417]

Thats my dream bass right there❤😊

[@Bassdriver]

I had an opportunity to try 2 VF5-Js (one alder/rosewood with 60s pickup spacing and one ash/maple with 70s spacing). Both were STELLAR. Mr Furnaletto was probably the first one to make a 5-string Jazz-like bass with a B string which sounds like the rest (others usually had a B string that sounded duller and a bit louder or quieter than other strings). And that buid quality... wow. Just wow. Absolutely killer basses. Wish I could afford one.

[@billholder1330]

still can't get used to you without the beard! but yeah,. F Bass has been "on my list" for decades, and that one sure is nice!

[@LowEndLobster]

Heheh in time ;P. F Bass has been on my list too forever. I still remember seeing a used 5 string fretless for 1900 at a local music shop about a decade and a half ago.... If I could only get that damn flux capacitor working!

[@billholder1330]

@@LowEndLobster There was this one FN5 fretless in the turquoise ceruse finish that still haunts my dreams hehe

[@element-dh9dx]

@@LowEndLobster Dude, flux that capacitor !. Go back to 1983 and buy all the early strats and telecasters, basses etc. Oh, they used to cost 200 bucks. ! Now, we are talking 15-20, g's

[@tlingit]

I just love how he laughs after playing each line.

[@justinhart1806]

I'm a bass player and I've vowed to name my next child Yamaha. My main is 5 string BB and I honestly cannot imagine changing it as my go to. I don't think there's q more comfortable P style neck. Ironically here in South Africa yamaha are very well regarded guitars, in the bass world they're a benchmark,The others you mentioned are unkown, I dont even think they're available.

[@Ben-ic1ve]

I hope you get a chance to try one of their bn deluxe models. My dream bass!

[@levirogocki1]

Agreed. It’s on my bucket list for sure.

[@Ben-ic1ve]

I got to go visit their HQ at the end of July. Such nice people there! Just a note on pricing. Their models start at around $4400 USD pre tax and shipping.

[@Below-Average_Joe]

I had no idea the price is so high for F Basses. I guess I should not be surprised given inflation. Congrats to anyone who can afford one.

[@LowEndLobster]

This particular one has a lot of high dollar upgrades including the ridiculous fingerboard. It's truly a thing of beauty

[@Iofflight78]

I love the sound of F basses

[@TwoBadBassist]

Sorry, but I can’t get passed the price. You should review some Mayones basses. The quality and sound are as good as anything out there and your money goes a lot farther in Poland!

[@jasoncompton7074]

Fbass been around since 1978, amazing people to deal with.

[@kelalamusic9258]

WOW!! That is a fantastic bass. If only I was a member of the “heavy wallet brigade” I would order one. Such a beautiful sweet tone.

[@marunikusbakufu]

Scott Devine from SBL is an F Bass guy. Nice instruments. Pricey! The contrast with Hard Luck Kings gear is striking! I guess F Bass doesn't need to cut out the middle man... 😂

[@funkypunk1001]

What a beast! Huge respect for F bass. A little too foofy for my punk rock sensibilities but I'd happily listen to Lobster or any other good player take this thing around the block

[@93greenstrat]

You can read my obituary after explaining to my wife that the exceptionally high quality of this bass is easily worth the (minimum) $5,000 price tag 😂

[@soulstart89]

😂

[@Incubus635]

We're all getting old lobster haha time flies

[@thomasecallaghan1111]

Lovely cat lovely bass!

[@greyfoxzero]

The world needs more Batwing bass tuners.

[@18hot30]

Would love to see / hear your take at a Ritter Bass, them things are just works of art

[@mikeforbass]

I first played a BN5 in 1997, been lusting after a Furlanetto ever since..

[@pine3737]

What I think makes "F Bass" so good is consistently they put out the same bass and it is GREAT! Yes they do that wonderful fretless, but for the most part they use one platform and it is really good, in the same way we still compare everything to the "P Bass" we will hold "f Bass" as the standard of the modern bass sound IMHO. I want one and I live in Buffalo, their only a couple hours away!

[@Sir_P]

I’ve never seen you play a bass with such enjoyment like you did at the start😂😂😂

[@portshore8552]

Don't worry about it. The 80's seem like only 20 years ago to a lot of us.

[@element-dh9dx]

it was only 20x2 years ago

[@rawhead66]

Great sounding bass , same level as Le Fay , Marleaux or MLP e.g...But you dont have to spent so much money if you dont like or are able to . Sire , Cort or Ibanez nowadays are building great budget basses .But this one for sure is one of the best and versatile sounding jazz basses I ever heard in the last 50 years..! Amazing , even the optical factor!

[@abstractholiday]

F Basses are amazing in sound and quality. They don’t sound too “modern”.

[@rexfmspu]

Your playing need to be appreciated too!! Very nice!! 🦞

[@room34]

For that price I would want the bass to have a way to magically make up for my own technical shortcomings as a player, but since I know that's not a possibility… well, I think it does just about as much as someone could expect. Looks and sounds incredible. Also seems to bring out some "stank face" we do not normally get from Lobster! :D

[@Incubus635]

I own an F bass and you wouldn't believe how incredibly reactive the thing is. It's truly unbelievable until you try it yourself. 100% a professional bass and 100% worth every penny.

[@randyclere7756]

Loves me my FBass!! Best AC 5string fretless

[@vince8081]

F bass : you love fenders but want it better. Great review as always.

[@markblackstad8705]

Ash bodied basses do seem to run heavier. Beautiful bass though both in looks and sound! Scott Devine of Scott's Bass Lessons "banana" bass is a 5 string F bass. I think I remember on one of his recent podcasts he deemed that his "desert island" bass if he had to keep only one. Lobster is gassing for a F fretless! I think Scott has one of those too? Now on to a video featuring your Donny Benet T-shirt collection!!

[@jeanmatos6627]

That bass is awesome 👏🏻. What do you think about the Fender American Ultra Jazz Bass V ?

[@jmsmikey]

Your cats always show up when a bass is really amazing! They only offer ebony fretboards in fretless ~ I wonder it cutting frets into ebony is difficult. Mac ebony isn't the same~

[@element-dh9dx]

Mike Lull makes a boutique shorty P-bass, I am really interested in what that thing sounds like. I have seen you review the short scales, good job because they are good too sometimes.

[@thehachisquad246]

It may be a bank buster, but it sure is a beast of an instrument

[@maciejbrusio8321]

Well, it sounds like a Jazz Bass with a Sadowsky preamp.

[@braddietzmusic2429]

Glad to see a five string review. And… so expensive. While this is not a truly a “Fender style” instrument in the copy sense, there is something about this that that is close enough in inspiration and execution to Fender Jazz Basses that it seems like a LOT of money, versus the exact same thing but neck through made out of high gloss exotic woods at that same price where that same price might seem a bit more reasonable.

[@kgamaseg]

Oooooooooh! That bass beautiful, thick crispy bacon 🥓, glazed donut sweet tones!

[@shuruff904]

I know this has nothing to do with this particular bass, but I recently found a bass from a company called "Kent". It's called a Jetstar, is from November 1965, tobacco burst, all mahogany body, chrome guards everywhere, even an all-chrome pick-guard. I can't find another like it ANYWHERE online. It has some nice wear, and is complete. I need help valuing it, or just any info would be awesome, and as a long-time viewer, I figured maybe you and your lobster-knowledge could help...I found one that was similar, but not all mahogany and beat the hell up that sold for 1,500$, "for parts only" with a plastic pick guard...Mine just needed the action lowered, some strings, and the pots cleaned. Oh, and it's extremely heavy lol....any info would be cool. P.S. it's even got the original "Made in Japan" sticker, which is also intact, almost mint. It also reminds me of a Jaguar bass shape more than a P Bass or Jazz Bass shape and has an all black Fender-shaped headstock with a gold "K" on it. I'm lost honestly.....I only paid a guy 30 bucks for it at my local flea market, so I'm sure I got a steal

[@StefanDan85]

i'm pretty sure it's 34.5" scale length. that's their thing usually - although i've seen also 33" f basses

[@LowEndLobster]

I think I accidentally cut out the bit where I mentioned this is a custom spec. They are usually 34.5" scale and 19mm spacing but this one was custom ordered with 34" scale and 18mm spacing.

[@StefanDan85]

@@LowEndLobster i have a very similar one although it's quite different :))) same woods 34.5 with PJ in the 60s configuration and alleva coppolo pickups

[@howardfischer1915]

As per FBass’s website, the VF models are actually 34” scale length in their standard configuration. The BN series are 34.5”.

[@flipper2gv]

Maybe I missed it but those are 34.5 inch scale usually, which is kind of unique.

[@howardfischer1915]

Actually the VF models are 34” standard. The BN5 and BN5 Deluxe are 34.5” standard.

[@flipper2gv]

@@howardfischer1915 thanks for the correction

[@130mMer5boc]

Shootout between this bass and your Real Michael Tobias?

[@lewis2207]

Great idea! Would love to see that

[@jamestom2510]

By the way love your t-shirt

[@vicocueva]

Quién es este señor?? Donde se está el Sr Barba? Excelente el Fbass

[@hulkenstrong]

As a Bass player and fortunate reviewer. Is there anything you'd like to improve controversial or not(on this and al basses). Me as a noob for sure. I have an entire different "tuning" system in mind. So far the best bass for me is G&L L2000

[@sidbates3423]

Lobster it’s gotta be the feel my Bass Mods will give that F Bass the business Lol but it’s a nice looking bass though

[@BassPoet]

Yes Sid, BassMods makes mean, beautiful sounding and looking 👀 basses guitar 🎸 for a fraction of the price. 🤓

[@sidbates3423]

Yea Lobster I’m big fan of your channel I wasn’t trying to dis the F Bass but I got the same Aguilar pickups and OBP3 preamp in high grade swamp Ash and one piece maple neck with Birds Eye fretboard and I didn’t have to pay 5 to 10K Bro and it’s got tone for days nothing against boutique basses but at the end of the day the tone comes from the hands that play it

[@alanphillips4413]

Have you ever reviewed the Yamaha Billy Sheehan signature bass?

[@abls8458]

How did you like the 18mm spacing? I think you mentioned you normally prefer 19?? Great vid thanks

[@LowEndLobster]

It's still good. I've been playing more 18mm recently. Very comfy!

[@josecantu5039]

Thanks! Wish I could afford an F bass. Is it possible to possibly make a comparison video of a Spector Euro LT vs the RST?

[@paulharris7037]

Love an F bass …

[@dwayneelizondomountaindewh1465]

it seems to me, most basses have a lot of tone options that you probably will never use, take my bass for example 90% of the time the knobs are turned up all the way, If I turn any of them down too much it sounds bad. During your testing I notice this as you cover the tonal range of each bass, seems like a passive bass makes more sense, the tone is in the correct range even though it might not be "versatile", usually I go for a full or balanced tone anyways, not sure who needs these dark or super bright tones, and for what song ?.

[@admacdo]

My BN5 is my favourite bass. Only thing better would be a BN5 deluxe because I'm a switch flipping tragic.

[@sicilianmammalian]

It’s expensive for a bass guitar but just a beginner upright price I think the diminishing returns on a guitar aren’t as justified for a boutique versus a upright if you had to pick one though, guess that’s why Stanley clarkes bass is so expensive he’s probably used to that as a upright bass player

[@renji35]

where did it go...

[@stephencshapiro]

What are you talking about, the 80s was 20 years ago 😅 don’t correct me or I will feel old

[@LowEndLobster]

I caught it while editing and the olds hit me hard lol

[@ronbzoom8531]

Couldn't help but notice how the outline of this F Bass VF5-J resembles the very budget friendly Harley Benton JP-450P. Here's a wacky idea. How about totally tricking out the Harley (pickups, preamp, hardware) and putting it up against the F Bass to see if it can give the F Bass just a little run for its money?

[@phipschi4255]

He already did that with a set of dimazios or EMG i think. He should let it get plekked and then compare them, would be very interesting indeed!

[@donaldrobidoux4862]

Like those kids that are modding Honda Civic and thinking they're equal to a Ferrari...

[@ronbzoom8531]

@@donaldrobidoux4862 Sure, it's fun. And within the financial means of most.

[@xdoctorblindx]

All preamps use capacitor, transistors, and resistors...Do you mean that it uses through-hole components instead of surface-mount?

[@LowEndLobster]

Yep! I didn't do a good job explaining that bit

[@Simon__T]

nice t shirt

[@davidsolano9363]

I work in a music store and we are fbass dealers, it doesn’t cost $9k, one like that y more around $5.8-6 max, hope your friend didn’t pay $9k if not is a total scam hehe

[@klaymeister]

This is a Bentley bass. I drive a Honda Civic and play Honda Civic basses lol

[@18hot30]

The price on those is thanfully less than a Fodera, but just slightly lol .

[@oleran4569]

I didn't hear the ticking at the end of the video.

[@YTRopp]

It is unclear from the video what is so nice and special about this bass. Good sound, yes. No doubt about the build quality, the components, the playability and the looks. But I do have a lot of doubts if it worth the money. If you want something special, OK. But compared to quality basses from e.g. Ibanez or Yamaha the tone (in particular with EQ) is not distuingishable from boutique basses. Or does this bass better on e.g. dead spot, low B tone, better humpf-attack, warmer sound, etc

[@Bass.Player]

F-bass makes some really beautiful Basses... Very expensive... For me a thoroughly massaged Harley Benton makes more sense. I have owned some high end Basses from Moonstone to Cirrus but no more. Now days you can get some really great instruments for a lot less money...

[@precbass]

Looks like its made of marble😁

[@freddiesoverbite6162]

For its price it might as well be.

[@son0fsocal]

My STINGRAY 5 HH was $3k and made by 🤖 Robots!

[@liamtahaney713]

Very cool looking bass, but you simply cannot convince me that its anything more than an exercise in diminishing returns. Even 3-5k gets you into the territory of an amazing jazz bass, but almost 10? That's quite excessive.

[@Crodon]

These are about 5k though, which is a lot.

[@CliffHuxtableSweater]

Yeh but the days of me paying over 2 grand for a bass are ohhhhhver. And I’m sure this is +4000 range. It’s nice but not that much better than what I can find in the 2000 range🤷🏾

[@user-ed7hd3uy2c]

Who can help me tell how much this f bass thanks ❤

[@lewis2207]

It’s $7000. But that’s because it has many, many upgrades. You can bump off several thousand bucks if you just order a base model. Still a bit pricey tho. But F-Bass is second to none. Quality and feel can only be understood by those who held and played them.

[@user-ed7hd3uy2c]

@@lewis2207thank you ❤

[@adamchilton6652]

The 80s weren't 20 years ago my friend :)

[@LowEndLobster]

it hurts so much

[@rod_andrade]

Neckdive in a bass at that price point?!

[@mikarage3677]

Looks like a harley benton

[@TheDarkKnight73]

cool bass.. to much for me

[@DuchessOlivia]

I miss the beard :(

[@learnmusic488]

I’m sure it feels great. But $8000 for that? 🙄 idk, I’ve heard (& played) $600-$700 Jbasses that sound just as good or better than that. 🤷🏼‍♂️ A Testament to the Overhyped guitar market since 1993

[@mikeburford3005]

Yeah, I love my used MIM Fenders and Tribute G&L basses, most of which I bought for $350 to $400. Some day maybe I'll be able and willing to pay thousands for a bass, but until then I'll remember Jaco played a Fender. He may have even got it used.

[@stephencshapiro]

Had to stop watching. It sounds too good. The last thing I need is to be gassing over a bass that expensive.

[@schm4704]

That pretty much sums it up... 👍

[@TheJeanieBeans]

I miss your beard

[@element-dh9dx]

Maybe you should trade your soul for this bass, if it's worth as much even.

[@LowEndLobster]

I saw that Simpsons episode so I know what happens when you sell your soul. Automatic doors won't open for me anymore ;P

[@element-dh9dx]

@@LowEndLobster That's hilarious, but you will have the coolest bass in town. ⚖

[@crapadopalese]

TBH, sounds very generic (not sure I could tell it apart from a Squier P-bass at 6:30). Also has a lot of fret buzz, maybe someone should've fixed the action before the demo.