Cheap Fan Fret

[anzoid]

Just showed up on the Gear4Music website at £170 - https://www.gear4music.com/Guitar-and-Bass/RedSub-INF5-Fan-Fret-Multi-Scale-5-String-Bass-Guitar/2NQW

Worth a punt?

[Newfoundfreedom]

Just looking at them makes my brain itch. It's like one of those optical illusion puzzles. The neck always looks bent. I don't even understand the point of them. 

[anzoid]

Better tension on the B-string I think - though this is only 35.5" compared to Dingwall's 37" on stuff like the AB and NG series.

I've owned a Dingwall and didn't get on with it for a number of reasons - but the fanned fret thing was no problem, barely even registered once you start playing.

Very tempted to try one and report back

[Daz39]

39 minutes ago, Newfoundfreedom said:

Just looking at them makes my brain itch. It's like one of those optical illusion puzzles. The neck always looks bent. I don't even understand the point of them. 

Think of piano strings.

[anzoid]

OK... have ordered a 5-string. Should arrive tomorrow and will put up some comments and pictures

[Muzz]

Interesting, that shorter scale length difference...I'll be interested too, to see how it works out...even less adjustment than a Dingwall, and as you say, that's second nature after a few seconds: I switch between mine and a standard layout mid-gig, and it never even registers.

[DarkHeart]

I had the Harley Benton single cut FF for a while, it does make a difference to the B string and it is remarkable easy to get used to, unfortunately a single cut didn`t cut it with the image of the rock band so it got replaced by a Tbird.

[pete.young]

Looks not unlike the Ibanez, but much cheaper. Look forward to your comments anzoid.

[BassApprentice]

I've played a Dingwall briefly and it does work and feels very natural - although I've read on other threads that these shorter fan frets (1" change) doesn't make the best use of the fan fret. 

 

Intrigued to hear how it is @anzoid! 

[therealting]

12 hours ago, anzoid said:

Better tension on the B-string I think - though this is only 35.5" compared to Dingwall's 37" on stuff like the AB and NG series.

I've owned a Dingwall and didn't get on with it for a number of reasons - but the fanned fret thing was no problem, barely even registered once you start playing.

Very tempted to try one and report back

The Dingwall Supers are 35” on the B string (32” on the G), so a little closer. Personally I really like the fan on the Supers and have a feeling the 1” difference won’t be enough to sway it for me. Having said that, £170...?!

[anzoid]

Well, it has arrived and I've done a first impressions review:

 

[BigRedX]

IME you have to go to at least 36” on the low B string before scale length alone makes any improvement to the sound and feel of the string.

[therealting]

Anyone in the Midlands after a cheap 4-string version, this is on eBay. £90 (not mine)

https://rover.ebay.com/rover/0/0/0?mpre=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.ebay.co.uk%2Fulk%2Fitm%2F173683803019

[bnt]

Gear4Music have a new Multiscale out soon, the Coliseum, in 5- and 6=string versions. It looks to me like they've done a much better job with the design overall e.g. I think the shape looks wonky on a stand but makes more sense when being played.

 

[DarkHeart]

I`ve been looking at them, not a single cut fan as such but I can see hints of t/bird and kellybird in the shape, might have to try one.

[Bearfist]

Quite like that, think il give one a go when available.

[Jean-Luc Pickguard]

6 hours ago, bnt said:

Gear4Music have a new Multiscale out soon, the Coliseum, in 5- and 6=string versions. It looks to me like they've done a much better job with the design overall e.g. I think the shape looks wonky on a stand but makes more sense when being played.

 

I like the look of that, but on the video it sounds like someone twanging a ruler on the edge of a table.

[bnt]

Yeah, it must be aimed at the Periphery/Nolly fans with the Darkglass rigs, but I hope it’s more versatile than that. The low B on these is 36.25”, meaning detuning is more feasible. I’m considering the 6, just to challenge myself to get more adventurous.

[DarkHeart]

I`ve just ordered one of the 5ers

[Machines]

15 hours ago, Jean-Luc Pickguard said:

I like the look of that, but on the video it sounds like someone twanging a ruler on the edge of a table.

Sounds like it's downtuned with the wrong gauge strings. That said, they don't look like utter tripe and I am considering a dabble on the 6.

Edited February 10, 2020 by Machines

[eude]

19 hours ago, Jean-Luc Pickguard said:

I like the look of that, but on the video it sounds like someone twanging a ruler on the edge of a table.

I expect a lot of that kind of bass playing for that style of music sounds exactly the same until you put it through the de rigueur DarkGlass signal chain, regardless of the bass.
I'm not trying to be negative, just it seems to me you need a bit more processing to get the best out of the instrument in that genre.

Here's a great example, there's a lot more eq in play and a delicious dose of dirt. I expect you might be able to get close to that sound with the bass above if you had the right outboard gear, and Nolly's chops of course...

Eude

[Hellzero]

3 hours ago, Machines said:

Sounds like it's downtuned with the wrong gauge strings. That said, they don't look like utter tripe and I am considering a dabble on the 6.

So am I. The price is ridiculously low without having all the hassle of the Alish*tcrap as there will be a full legal warranty... Very tempted to order a sixer.

[Bigwan]

Really tempted by one of these 5 strings...

 

[Pea Turgh]

6 string with roasted maple neck £300?!  I fancy a 6 some day - these seem a highly accessible option.

[DarkHeart]

Just noticed on the G4M website that the delivery date has been put back from March 8th to August 8th!! Also had an email confirming this this morning, needless to say my order is cancelled. Shame as I was looking forward to this one.