Adjusting To my Fodera?

[Hestan]

Hey Janek,

I've just bought a beautiful 5str Fodera Imperial but i've been a bit bummed as I was expecting an immediate impact in how it would sound and feel, but instead I've been struggling on gigs to get a good sound and set it up since?

For the last 18 months I've been practicing hardcore on a UK (highly respected make) handmade 6 string and really making progress with my sound but always had a hunch that Fodera were the ultimate in tone and playability and also felt my bass wasn't that versatile, especially for ocassional slap type things etc...

Initially I lost the high C string and used a low B but after two gigs where my playing and solos sucked I've switched to a high C instead without the B, but it still wasn't the differece I was expecting. Also it had a 35" scale - is the extreme playability I hear of from some foderas just the result of the 33" scale?

Have you ever had to aclimatise to a new bass or did you instantly feel at home on your Fodera? Was it easier for you cos you already played a 5 string? Could it be that being used to 6 string the loss of the extra string either side is just affecting my confidence and once i get that back again i'll be burning!

My question is, if the Fodera's the right bass for me, should I have noticed it immediately or is it worth giving it a few months to try and coax a sweet sound from it, my fingers and my amp?

peace,

J

[fretless Bob]

i know im not Janek but i think i might be of some help.

it took me a little while to get used to mine, i went from a 6 string Overwater to my emporer, i spent ages adjusting the setup, messing with string gauges and everything else before i was really happy.

but i did fall for it straight away, but i was ready for a massive change in what i used and how i played, i was getting stuck up high the 6 i had and couldnt really break out of it so i think it was the right move for me, the first thing i had to do was chane my approach though, maybe if you approach the instrument in a different way you might have better results.

good luck


Dave

[janekbass]

J,

it took me about 18 months to really get to grips with my fodera when I got it. that's nothing against the bass at all, I was just changing a lot of things in my approch and the way I played. So it took a while with a new instrument to get comfortable.

give it some time, and experiment as much as you can with it. It's going to be different, that's why you bought a new bass. You just have to give it time and become a part of the instrument.

Fodera basses contain some of the greatest luthier man hours in the history of the instrument. It's a beautiful instrument, you just have to let it sit for a while.

Easy,

Janek