FP or BSB - Which to choose

[Purplehaze]

I'm lining up my latest aquisition, but am drawn between these two. *I wont get an opportunity to take a test drive prior to choosing, so I'm soliciting your opinions. *All help gladly appreciated! *

[chromeboy]

IMO, the FP has so much character. Just for the fact that it has the same patterned cloth as Vai's curtains, the tree of life inlay combined with the floral print is what I think makes it a special guitar.

Just my $.02

[Jimi D]

Many of us can vouchsafe the special-ness of the florals in all their idiosyncratic glory - but I still want a BSB too

[frankfalbo]

I think you get more guitar with the FP. I want an old one, like '88 or '89 but I can never convince myself to sell anything I have for one. What a packrat I am! besides, those are usually dinged up and I can't do my magical finish repairs as well on the FP. It's not like you can just match the color!

(Edited by frankfalbo at 9:20 pm on May 15, 2001)

[Skaught]

BSB. Satin finished (as in no clear coat) guitars are awesome!
You actually feel like you're playing a wooden instrument...

[Wicked Blade]

Skaught is right, with a BSB you certainly know that your guitar is made of wood.

But Purplehaze, there is something to consider first, I think : the BSB is very fragile. I mean, basswood is a very soft wood, easy to scratch, and easier again on the BSB as there is no clear coat.
So if you're kind of set on keeping your guitars in mint condition, you might think twice. For instance, the simple wear or my strap made scratches on the back of my BSB, after only 2 days of playing... (but nothing worse since... because then I became very careful). That said, I wouldn't give my BSB back for a FP. But if ever I have the opportunity and money to buy a FP, I will

Not really helping, eh ?

[WMerkert]

I prefer the FP, looks awesome!

[Purplehaze]

Thanks for the input everyone. *Seems the FP is out in front on looks, but what about playability/feel?

The BSB has the advantage of the AANJ. *But what about neck profile and frets (what's the difference between 6100 & 6105)?

And what about tone? *Would I be safe to assume that (all things equal) the FP would be in PAW terriotory? *IMO the neck pickup tone found in abundance on that album is to die for!


Mikey

[Vaibanez]

Quote: from Purplehaze on 4:56 am on May 16, 2001
Thanks for the input everyone. *Seems the FP is out in front on looks, but what about playability/feel?

The BSB has the advantage of the AANJ. *But what about neck profile and frets (what's the difference between 6100 & 6105)?

And what about tone? *Would I be safe to assume that (all things equal) the FP would be in PAW terriotory? *IMO the neck pickup tone found in abundance on that album is to die for!


Mikey

You'll be closer to the PAW tone with the FP than you would with the BSB. However, if the BSB is in great condition, buy it. Keep it clean and pretty and wait for an FP to come along used. There are a billion five FPs out there and not too many clean BSBs.

Just my .02

J>

[jemsite]

For me personally....

Advantages of the FP:
+ PAF Pros
+ Original JEM "feel"
+ thicker neck (front/back) and fretwire
+ vintage JEM looks

Disadvantages of the FP:
- no AANJ


Advantages of the BSB:
+ AANJ
+ less "pink" or 80s look
+ natural wood finish

Disadvantages of the BSB:
- Evolutions
- stain flakes off too easily (body and neck)
- thinner "new-JEM" neck

You can't go wrong with either one. You just need to decide what tone you want and if AANJ is important... glen

[Purplehaze]

Quote: from jemsite on 2:54 pm on May 16, 2001

You can't go wrong with either one. You just need to decide what tone you want and if AANJ is important... glen

I guess what I want is more PAW & less UZ, thinner neck and bags of harmonics. *The bottom line is whichever I choose I'll be a happy bunny, to me Jems are like curries, sex & chocolate...so much variety, very pleasurable & rarely dissapointing (Jem jr anyone!)

If I bagged an FP would there be much scope to shave a little of the neck profile?

[jemsite]

If I bagged an FP would there be much scope to shave a little of the neck profile?

I don't think you would want to do that. Most FPs have a profile between the original 777s and the newer 7s... glen

[Purplehaze]

Thanks for everyones input. *I had decided to go for a 77FP and was about to close the deal when I was suddenly offered an BFP out of the blue (forgive the pun!).

Well, I've bought it! *Should be here in a week, but just curious...what do you guys think? *I know Kenny will approve! :biggrin: * I guess when money allows I will probably try & track down another FP. *Man, this is sooo addictive! *

Thanks...

Mikey

[WMerkert]

Congrats man ! Good decision, i play a BFP for about ten years and she never left me alone.