All thumbs Posted March 3, 2012 Share Posted March 3, 2012 Hi all! I bought a new Farida FJB-6 the other day for a mere £149!!! It's REALLY great so I thought I'd do a full video review/demo. Here's the link... [url="http://youtu.be/Aks3fSHA1jU"]http://youtu.be/Aks3fSHA1jU[/url] insane deals on these at the moment if you search Google Shopping :-) Cheers, Scott. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
gjones Posted March 3, 2012 Share Posted March 3, 2012 Certainly sounds like the real deal. The quality of some of the so called budget basses coming out of the far east is scarily good. Of course it helps that your playing is pretty ace as well. Like they say, a lot of the sound you get out of an instrument is in the fingers. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
JakeBrownBass Posted March 3, 2012 Share Posted March 3, 2012 Got agree with you Scott, i picked one of these up last year and for they money they are stupidly good! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
redstriper Posted March 3, 2012 Share Posted March 3, 2012 Thanks for another great review - just a couple of questions.... What does it weigh? Also, how would you compare the output of the pick ups to a Fender Jazz? I had a 2010 MIM model, which had a much quieter output than my old '63s pick ups. Finally, can you re-string it with flatwounds and play over the neck with the tone off using just the neck pick up? Just kidding, but I want a new bass for reggae, hip hop and old skool soul - I don't slap or have any treble in my tone so it's hard to tell from your vid if this bass would be up to providing a very deep, smooth tone. Thanks again - great playing btw. Steve. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
All thumbs Posted March 3, 2012 Author Share Posted March 3, 2012 [quote name='redstriper' timestamp='1330784205' post='1562970'] Thanks for another great review - just a couple of questions.... What does it weigh? Also, how would you compare the output of the pick ups to a Fender Jazz? I had a 2010 MIM model, which had a much quieter output than my old '63s pick ups. Finally, can you re-string it with flatwounds and play over the neck with the tone off using just the neck pick up? Just kidding, but I want a new bass for reggae, hip hop and old skool soul - I don't slap or have any treble in my tone so it's hard to tell from your vid if this bass would be up to providing a very deep, smooth tone. Thanks again - great playing btw. Steve. [/quote] Hi Steve. It's not a lightweight, but then it's no-where near as heavy as many 70's Fender Jazz's. I'd say it's just a nice comfortable weight, you know your wearing it but it won't break the back :-) The pickups seem pretty hot for passive so I'd say no problem there! Hard to directly compare to a Fender Jazz I don't have a 'real' one anymore since I've discovered the joys of cheap Chinese basses lol! But from my experience they're easily as powerful. With flats and the tone rolled down it's sound great I reckon. I'm using Funkmaster .030-90 stainless roundwounds so a good fat set of flats will deffo give you what you want! Even with my skinny strings it sounds pretty warm on the neck pickup :-) Hope that helps. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
All thumbs Posted March 3, 2012 Author Share Posted March 3, 2012 [quote name='JakeBrownBass' timestamp='1330782354' post='1562929'] Got agree with you Scott, i picked one of these up last year and for they money they are stupidly good! [/quote] Yeah - amazing! I'd love one of their 'P-Bass' styles models but there are none available currently :-( Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
All thumbs Posted March 3, 2012 Author Share Posted March 3, 2012 [quote name='redstriper' timestamp='1330784205' post='1562970'] Thanks for another great review - just a couple of questions.... What does it weigh? Also, how would you compare the output of the pick ups to a Fender Jazz? I had a 2010 MIM model, which had a much quieter output than my old '63s pick ups. Finally, can you re-string it with flatwounds and play over the neck with the tone off using just the neck pick up? Just kidding, but I want a new bass for reggae, hip hop and old skool soul - I don't slap or have any treble in my tone so it's hard to tell from your vid if this bass would be up to providing a very deep, smooth tone. Thanks again - great playing btw. Steve. [/quote] [url="http://basschat.co.uk/topic/160554-just-fell-in-love-with-my-farida-p-bass-after-new-strings/page__p__1443972__hl__farida__fromsearch__1#entry1443972"]http://basschat.co.uk/topic/160554-just-fell-in-love-with-my-farida-p-bass-after-new-strings/page__p__1443972__hl__farida__fromsearch__1#entry1443972[/url] Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
geoffbassist Posted March 3, 2012 Share Posted March 3, 2012 After seeing Scott's review I went to try one for myself at Dawsons in Leeds. They had a red one and it was amazing. For £150 it beats anything in that price range. It was well put together and the set up was really good. Even the strings were ok. I really am blown away by what you can get for £150. I prefer white so have ordered one for (free) delivery. Of course I will need to use it on a gig before I can really say, but so far I'm VERY impressed. Thanks for a great review Scott. It must have taken a while to put together and your playing sounds fantastic! I think Farida should send you some different models to review for your troubles. Geoff Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Lozz196 Posted March 3, 2012 Share Posted March 3, 2012 Great review, and what great sounds from a "budget" bass. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Pinball Posted March 8, 2012 Share Posted March 8, 2012 (edited) It's not just their basses that are good, some of their top line leads and acoustics are also exceptional for the money. I missed out on one that I was after as the seller changed his mind. I believe they make top guitars for other factories and wanted to establish their own brand.. I can only think that they were selling cheap to break into the market but their timing was awful in terms of the economic crisis. I have an amazing peerless semi acoustic guitar I got for a couple of hundred. If they ever get into basses they will be another to watch. They are definately aiming at the quality end of the market. Jazz players love them. +1 great review Edited March 8, 2012 by Pinball Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
geoffbassist Posted March 8, 2012 Share Posted March 8, 2012 I got my white FJB6 yesterday and love it. It was £149.99 delivered. It turned up set up really well, plays great and sounds fantastic. I'm knocked out at the quality. Whilst I havnt used it on a gig my impressions at home are very positive. If anyone wants a simple, well made jazz bass for a stunning price this is it! Thanks again for the review Scott. Geoff Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
All thumbs Posted March 8, 2012 Author Share Posted March 8, 2012 [quote name='geoffbassist' timestamp='1331227224' post='1569896'] I got my white FJB6 yesterday and love it. It was £149.99 delivered. It turned up set up really well, plays great and sounds fantastic. I'm knocked out at the quality. Whilst I havnt used it on a gig my impressions at home are very positive. If anyone wants a simple, well made jazz bass for a stunning price this is it! Thanks again for the review Scott. Geoff [/quote] No prob's - glad someone else has bagged this bargain whilst it lasts :-D Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
redstriper Posted March 14, 2012 Share Posted March 14, 2012 I bought the red one that Geoff tried from the Leeds shop and I must agree with everything that's been said so far. It's not just a good bass for the money, it's a great bass at any price! The finish is flawless, intonation bang on, neck straight as, thin vintage style frets, pick ups very powerful and articulate with no background noise, great tone, smooth controls, low action - it looks nice too, having a style of it's own instead of just another Fender clone. The only downside for me is the 10 pound weight, but I would be perfectly happy if this was my only bass, thanks for the heads up Scott. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
geoffbassist Posted March 14, 2012 Share Posted March 14, 2012 Great buy redstriper. That red one is a fantastic bass. U know what you mean though, they are a bit heavy. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
BassBunny Posted March 15, 2012 Share Posted March 15, 2012 [quote name='geoffbassist' timestamp='1331227224' post='1569896'] I got my white FJB6 yesterday and love it. It was £149.99 delivered. It turned up set up really well, plays great and sounds fantastic. I'm knocked out at the quality. Whilst I havnt used it on a gig my impressions at home are very positive. If anyone wants a simple, well made jazz bass for a stunning price this is it! Thanks again for the review Scott. Geoff [/quote] You did well Geoff. looks like they are back up to £229. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
redstriper Posted March 15, 2012 Share Posted March 15, 2012 I think I got the last one at £150 and they have about 4 left at £230, they reckon the new stock will be closer to £300 when they arrive. They are still great value even at twice the price. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
shizznit Posted March 15, 2012 Share Posted March 15, 2012 First up, great review Scott! If they have done the basics...good timbers, hardware, solid construction etc... these basses are ideal personal modification projects at that price. Well, if the mood took you to do that. They sound pretty good anyway! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
redstriper Posted March 15, 2012 Share Posted March 15, 2012 The only mods I did were to put flatwounds on and raise the action a bit - I might also take the plastic off the pick ups and scratch plate........... eventually Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
geoffbassist Posted March 15, 2012 Share Posted March 15, 2012 I've been tempted to try and put a j retro in. Might change the strings, but they are actually not bad. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
daz Posted March 17, 2012 Share Posted March 17, 2012 (edited) [quote name='redstriper' timestamp='1331810846' post='1579168'] I think I got the last one at £150 and they have about 4 left at £230, they reckon the new stock will be closer to £300 when they arrive. They are still great value even at twice the price. [/quote] Looks like people have wised up as to how good these are. 230 of the queens pounds, seems to be the new price. Someone trying to sell a second hand one on [url="http://www.amazon.co.uk/Farida-FJB-6-Bass-White/dp/B003SQ5C2Y/ref=pd_sxp_f_pt"]amazon for 700 quid[/url] is a bit much though ! The FPB 18 is now priced at 350 quid in sunburst or Natural (got mine for 150) [url="http://www.imusician.co.uk/acatalog/info_00059798.html"]http://www.imusician...o_00059798.html[/url] [url="http://www.dawsons.co.uk/guitars/bass-guitars/farida-fp8m-electric-bass-guitar-maple-neck-chrome-hardware-three-colour-sunburst"]http://www.dawsons.c...colour-sunburst[/url] I told ya all last year to get one. You wouldn't listen and now all the bargains have gone Dont worry they are still worth their price and then some. The top of the range [url="http://www.dawsons.co.uk/guitars/bass-guitars/farida-fjb20-sunburst"]FJB - 20[/url] are now 700 quid. I got mine for 170 but prices have been up and down like a yo yo, over the last few years. 530, then 350 then 530 then 229 and now 700 from[url="http://www.imusician.co.uk/acatalog/farida_fjb-20_tobacco_sunburst.html"] here[/url] or [url="http://www.dawsons.co.uk/guitars/bass-guitars/farida-fjb20-sunburst"]here[/url] The Natural is a bit cheaper at 685 [url="http://www.imusician.co.uk/acatalog/farida_fjb-20_natural.html"]here[/url] But as ever, have a look around. Edited March 17, 2012 by daz Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
paul_5 Posted March 17, 2012 Share Posted March 17, 2012 We've got a Farida 'P' bass at college and it's OK, probably been abused a bit though. I might look into setting it up properly next week... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
daz Posted March 17, 2012 Share Posted March 17, 2012 (edited) [quote name='redstriper' timestamp='1331810846' post='1579168'] I think I got the last one at £150 and they have about 4 left at £230, they reckon the new stock will be closer to £300 when they arrive. They are still great value even at twice the price. [/quote] Looks like people have wised up as to how good these are £230 of the queens pounds, seems to be the new price. Someone trying to sell a second hand one on [url="http://www.amazon.co.uk/Farida-FJB-6-Bass-White/dp/B003SQ5C2Y/ref=pd_sxp_f_pt"]amazon for 700 quid[/url] is a bit much though ! The FPB 18 is now priced at £350 quid in sunburst or Natural [url="http://www.imusician.co.uk/acatalog/info_00059798.html"]http://www.imusician...o_00059798.html[/url] [url="http://www.dawsons.co.uk/guitars/bass-guitars/farida-fp8m-electric-bass-guitar-maple-neck-chrome-hardware-three-colour-sunburst"]http://www.dawsons.c...colour-sunburst[/url] I told ya all last year to get one. You wouldn't listen and now all the bargains have gone Don't worry they are still worth their price and then some. The top of the range [url="http://www.dawsons.co.uk/guitars/bass-guitars/farida-fjb20-sunburst"]FJB - 20[/url] are now £700 quid. I got mine for a bargain £170 from a fellow forum member. But generally, prices for these have been up and down like a yo yo, over the last few years. £530, then £350 then £530 then £229 and now £700 Here they are all on one page: [u]FJB - 6 White[/u] [u]FJB- 6 Candy apple red[/u] [u]FPB - 18[/u] [u]FJB-20 Natural[/u] [u]FJB-20 Tobacco sunburst[/u] Edited March 17, 2012 by daz Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
redstriper Posted March 17, 2012 Share Posted March 17, 2012 Thanks for the info Daz. The FJB-20 sounds a bit steep at £700 considering the earlier prices and I'd love to compare it to the FJB-6, which is a great bass in it's own right. I nearly bought one last year, but I heard they are even heavier at over 11 lbs. I believe they are made in the same factory that produces the CV range for Squier and I can see similarities with my CV Jazz, both are excellent quality instruments. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
daz Posted March 17, 2012 Share Posted March 17, 2012 (edited) Yeah the thing about the FJB - 20 is that if they hadn't messed about with the prices all over the place. Then nobody who had tried it would think that £530 or even £700 was overpriced, certainly not if they compared them to the Fenders in the store, and tried them side by side. I'm certainly glad that I bought both of mine when i did. I am actually GLAD the prices went down from £530 to £229 a while back, As it happened just when i tried to sell mine, when i was in need of money to repair the car. Three days after i put it up for sale, the price for a new one went down to £229. So I decided that there was no way I was gonna let it go for a daft price, and took it off the market. [i]Very glad [/i]that happened now Some people who would not even dream of buying an instrument for £200, as they think it must be rubbish, and that money = quality, and quality always equals high prices. But they would buy the same item if it was £500 more expensive. I think this is partly where Farida went wrong. People simply didn't believe that a bass could be that good at so low a price. When this was and still is added to the fact that Farida gave them zero advertising backup, it meant that they didn't sell very well. (The guy on Amazon who is selling an FJB - 6 at £700 secondhand, must have either had a slip of the keyboard, or be mixing it up with the new price for the FJB - 20 ?) Edited March 17, 2012 by daz Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
redstriper Posted March 17, 2012 Share Posted March 17, 2012 The prices are mental and it's hard to see the extra features on the FJB20 being worth nearly £500 more than the FJB6. It went up from £229 to £706 overnight at Dawsons, while the FJB6 went from£149 to £229. But I agree about the quality and if they had a different name on the headstock, (like Sanberg or Lakland etc.) they would be thought of as a bargain. Daz - I'll give you £200 for yours, next time your car needs fixing Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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