Trick out my Fodera

[Brad Johnson]

Originally Posted by narud

that was nice! you know what thats from? someones album or something? drumming was kind of like a gospel chops-lite but in a good way.

i had trouble getting a burpy sound like that with the aeros and is one of the reasons i prefer the duncans in my emperor 5.

Not sure what's it's from, Joe. Don't even remember how I came across it... the beauty of going into a Youtube trance I guess.


I've had no luck getting that from Aeros either. That's not their forte as far as I've seen (speaking personally, in my opinion, etc. of course). I have several Bart installs that excel at that. I love that vibe.

OT: Don't know if you've seen this one, one of my favorite Youtube clips, featuring Sharay Reed on a Fender Jazz...

http://vids.myspace.com/index.cfm?fu...deoID=43931943

Not the same vibe but the almost muted soft staccato he's got going on is nice IMO.

[KJung]

Originally Posted by Brad Johnson

This is true, it's definitely not unheard of. And more important, it's your bass.


No offense to anyone but you don't even know what his bass sounds like. So how can you tell him what not to do?

Just saying.

+1 However, being a St. Louis guy (the second home of Fodera), I've played a ton of them and owned a couple... passive, Pope pre, old two band with barts, ash, mahogany, maple, rosewood, alder, Aero's, Seymours..... they all sound more similar that different, and pretty far from the vibe he's looking for.

I would have no problem at all with someone swapping pickups and pre's in a Fodera (and as posted above, the most 'famous' Fodera players for the most part don't even use the 'stock' Fodera electronics), I just don't personally think it's going to get him where he wants to go (again, only based on his displeasure with the bass for the playing context he describes at the moment). I'm more in your camp that any bass can work in any context. However, some sure do sound better than others!

What I wouldn't do is drill or route... very bad idea for resale.

[chicagodoubler]

Previously unmentioned-

Experimenting with touch, angle of attack, and right hand placement. You can tremendously vary the sound of any bass without changing electronics etc...

Something that always helps with sound is to listen to the sort of guy you want to cop, and try to get that sound out of the bass in your hands without touching the amp, or as much as possible, the controls on the bass. You should be able to go Jamerson to Jaco with a little work and alot of listening.

With a combination of RH variation and tone/ blend, you can get almost any popular bass sound out of a Fodera.

Oteil's Fodera may or may not have stock electronics, but ain't it funny how similar he actually sounds on his new Fodera, all his old Modulus basses, and... wait for it... even a Warwick streamer?
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2idCMAyU5jc

Without using my eyes I couldn't have possibly told you which of the three he was using here.

[KJung]

Originally Posted by chicagodoubler

Previously unmentioned-

Experimenting with touch, angle of attack, and right hand placement. You can tremendously vary the sound of any bass without changing electronics etc...

Something that always helps with sound is to listen to the sort of guy you want to cop, and try to get that sound out of the bass in your hands without touching the amp, or as much as possible, the controls on the bass. You should be able to go Jamerson to Jaco with a little work and alot of listening.

With a combination of RH variation and tone/ blend, you can get almost any popular bass sound out of a Fodera.

Oteil's Fodera may or may not have stock electronics, but ain't it funny how similar he actually sounds on his new Fodera, all his old Modulus basses, and... wait for it... even a Warwick streamer?
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2idCMAyU5jc

Without using my eyes I couldn't have possibly told you which of the three he was using here.

I agree that basses played way up high with some effects and a light touch can sound remarkably similar. I also agree with the obvious comment that a lot is in the hands.

But... do you think Tal would sound the same as that clip on Oteil's Fodera

If every bass sounded the same and was optimal for every tone and playing situation, there would only be one bass made

[bearshimmy]

you can actually trick out a Fodera?

I thought the whole point of buying one was that it comes as tricked out as possible...

[Brad Johnson]

Originally Posted by KJung

+1 However, being a St. Louis guy (the second home of Fodera), I've played a ton of them and owned a couple... passive, Pope pre, old two band with barts, ash, mahogany, maple, rosewood, alder, Aero's, Seymours..... they all sound more similar that different, and pretty far from the vibe he's looking for.

I would have no problem at all with someone swapping pickups and pre's in a Fodera (and as posted above, the most 'famous' Fodera players for the most part don't even use the 'stock' Fodera electronics), I just don't personally think it's going to get him where he wants to go (again, only based on his displeasure with the bass for the playing context he describes at the moment). I'm more in your camp that any bass can work in any context. However, some sure do sound better than others!

What I wouldn't do is drill or route... very bad idea for resale.

This brings a few things to mind...

My Fodera doesn't sound like most other Foderas I've played. I've played several over the years and they ranged from okay to (usually) very nice to phenomenal IMO. I won't hazard a guess as to where this one falls.

I don't know exactly what "Gospel" vibe Eric's going for. For that matter, I wonder how anyone does based on this thread?

His bass could be fine for what he wants, it might need, as I said, something as simple as a string change. It could be setup. It could be string gauge. It might also not even be the bass. There's a fairly easy way to check that... let someone who gets the vibe you want play your bass. If they still get that vibe, it not the bass. That can be a hard pill to swallow.

As far as Foderas already being tricked out, Foderas are custom and if you're not the first owner... it wasn't built for you.

There are way too many unknowns to bother generalizing about his bass. IMO of course.

[KJung]

Originally Posted by Brad Johnson

This brings a few things to mind...

My Fodera doesn't sound like most other Foderas I've played. I've played several over the years and they ranged from okay to (usually) very nice to phenomenal IMO. I won't hazard a guess as to where this one falls.

I don't know exactly what "Gospel" vibe Eric's going for. For that matter, I wonder how anyone does based on this thread?

His bass could be fine for what he wants, it might need, as I said, something as simple as a string change. It could be setup. It could be string gauge. It might also not even be the bass.

As far as Foderas already being tricked out, Foderas are custom and if you're not the first owner... it wasn't built for you.

There are way too many unknowns to bother generalizing about his bass. IMO of course.

+1 My Emperor Elite actually had quite a bit more 'zip' in the treble than most I've played, although it still sounded like a Fodera (which of course is not a bad thing).

The only reason I suggested moving to another bass was my assumption that the OP was not particularly happy with his Fodera tone for that type of playing. Since most of the Fodera's I've played sounded nice and warm and fat and full, but maybe a touch dull (especially in a busy mix), my assumption was that he was going after one of the classic 'modern' gospel tones, primarily defined by the Ken Smith, the classic J bass, and the MTD to my ear.

Who knows though! All this is just 'food for thought' for the OP.

I guess I was in a similar position, trying to tweak my Fodera (and later, an MTD) into sounding more like a Jazz Bass type instrument. I became much happier when I went to instruments closer to the source of that tone!

[Brad Johnson]

Originally Posted by KJung

I agree that basses played way up high with some effects and a light touch can sound remarkably similar. I also agree with the obvious comment that a lot is in the hands.

But... do you think Tal would sound the same as that clip on Oteil's Fodera

If every bass sounded the same and was optimal for every tone and playing situation, there would only be one bass made

I think by and large many spend way too much time trying to find an instrument that kind of idiot proofs what they're trying to achieve. They obsess over even the slightest fret buzz, they're on a constant search for dead spots, anything to find a culprit other than themselve for not getting the results they seek. They refuse to make any changes in what they do and instead search for gear that's immune to it.

More times than I can recall I've bought basses from people who weren't happy with them. I get the bass, restring and set it up to my liking and the next time I run into them with their old bass, let them check it out. Almost without fail they want their bass back. Bad. They already had what they were looking for, they just didn't know how to get it out of what they had. I can only imagine how annoying that must be in hindsight.

Not saying that's the case here, just my experience buying "problem" basses that didn't "perform".

[Brad Johnson]

Originally Posted by KJung

+1 My Emperor Elite actually had quite a bit more 'zip' in the treble than most I've played, although it still sounded like a Fodera (which of course is not a bad thing).

The only reason I suggested moving to another bass was my assumption that the OP was not particularly happy with his Fodera tone for that type of playing. Since most of the Fodera's I've played sounded nice and warm and fat and full, but maybe a touch dull (especially in a busy mix), my assumption was that he was going after one of the classic 'modern' gospel tones, primarily defined by the Ken Smith, the classic J bass, and the MTD to my ear.

Who knows though! All this is just 'food for thought' for the OP.

I guess I was in a similar position, trying to tweak my Fodera (and later, an MTD) into sounding more like a Jazz Bass type instrument. I became much happier when I went to instruments closer to the source of that tone!

But your suggestion is to give up and move to another bass... the most expensive tact for an issue like this. Imagine how annoying it would be if he did that and went on a search and bought more basses and in the meantime found that there was a simple way to address his goal with what he already had.

I'm pretty sure I recall that Eric has/had a Ken Smith so if that's the vibe he's after...

why guess? He can expand on it in due time.

[KJung]

Originally Posted by Brad Johnson

I think by and large many spend way too much time trying to find an instrument that kind of idiot proofs what they're trying to achieve. They obsess over even the slightest fret buzz, they're on a constant search for dead spots, anything to find a culprit other than themselve for not getting the results they seek. They refuse to make any changes in what they do and instead search for gear that's immune to it.

More times than I can recall I've bought basses from people who weren't happy with them. I get the bass, restring and set it up to my liking and the next time I run into them with their old bass, let them check it out. Almost without fail they want their bass back. Bad. They already had what they were looking for, they just didn't know how to get it out of what they had. I can only imagine how annoying that must be in hindsight.

Not saying that's the case here, just my experience buying "problem" basses that didn't "perform".

Another good point. And I, in general, agree with you that a good player can do any gig on any bass with no problem. I do like that 'matching an instrument to the tone in my head thing, but I view it as a luxury and a joy versus a necessity or a 'life changing' thing!

And, way back in the day, I was obsessed with fret buzz and low action and tweaking and measuring, etc.. I now have my action set at a more 'reasonable' level (still nice and low, but not crazy), and can go for literally years without even tweaking a truss rod Sounds better too!

[OrionManMatt]

So, perhaps we should ask the OP for some ideas of what he is going after tonally. Youtube links, artists, etc. A recording of his own bass, too.

[KJung]

Originally Posted by Brad Johnson

But your suggestion is to give up and move to another bass... the most expensive tact for an issue like this. Imagine how annoying it would be if he did that and went on a search and bought more basses and in the meantime found that there was a simple way to address his goal with what he already had.

I'm pretty sure I recall that Eric has/had a Ken Smith so if that's the vibe he's after...

why guess? He can expand on it in due time.

Actually, given he has multiple Fodera's, my suggestion (and others) is the cheapest. Sell the Fodera you like the least, and use part of the $6,000 to buy a jazz bass or used Smith

Again, I'm being a little tongue in cheek about the whole thing, but I do believe sometimes it's better to not try to make something into something it's not. Who knows though!

[macboy]

Originally Posted by KJung

Actually, given he has multiple Fodera's, my suggestion (and others) is the cheapest. Sell the Fodera you like the least, and use part of the $6,000 to buy a jazz bass or used Smith

Again, I'm being a little tongue in cheek about the whole thing, but I do believe sometimes it's better to not try to make something into something it's not. Who knows though!

Fodera emperor w/ jazz pick up is the answer ! second is smith or mtd

[Brad Johnson]

Originally Posted by KJung

Actually, given he has multiple Fodera's, my suggestion (and others) is the cheapest. Sell the Fodera you like the least, and use part of the $6,000 to buy a jazz bass or used Smith

Right... because you can't lose any money selling a Fodera. I recall another brand deemed depreciation proof here on TB.

Again, I'm being a little tongue in cheek about the whole thing, but I do believe sometimes it's better to not try to make something into something it's not. Who knows though!

The not so amazing thing about this thread is how much advice people will give him knowing nothing about his bass except brand and model. That makes about as much sense to me as this:

"I have a Chevy vehicle... what kind of tires should I get".

So instead of getting suggestions relevant to a particular vehicle you'd get snow tires, summer tires, knobby off road tires, anything that might fit on anything Chevy might make. Then you find out it's a 55 Chevy Bel Air and they want original bias ply tires and most of the suggestions were pointless.


Again, we have no idea what his bass sounds like. We have no idea what it's even made of. We have no idea what he runs it through. This is just typical shooting in the dark. What someone else would do with the stereotypical Fodera through the stereotypical rig with the stereotypical player.

Don't worry, I know this thing isn't on.

[KJung]

Originally Posted by macboy

Fodera emperor w/ jazz pick up is the answer ! second is smith or mtd

I have played a couple Emperor's with Seymour single coils, and you are right, they are a pretty good $6,000 jazz bass if you run them passive

[KJung]

Originally Posted by Brad Johnson

Right... because you can't lose any money selling a Fodera. I recall another brand deemed depreciation proof here on TB.




The not so amazing thing about this thread is how much advice people will give him knowing nothing about his bass except brand and model. That makes about as much sense to me as this:

"I have a Chevy vehicle... what kind of tires should I get".

So instead of getting suggestions relevant to a particular vehicle you'd get snow tires, summer tires, knobby off road tires, anything that might fit on anything Chevy might make. Then you find out it's a 55 Chevy Bel Air and they want original bias ply tires and most of the suggestions were pointless.


Again, we have no idea what his bass sounds like. We have no idea what it's even made of. We have no idea what he runs it through. This is just typical shooting in the dark. What someone else would do with the stereotypical Fodera through the stereotypical rig with the stereotypical player.

Don't worry, I know this thing isn't on.

Actually, I think the solution is to not play Gospel

[Brad Johnson]

Originally Posted by KJung

Actually, I think the solution is to not play Gospel

Nah, he could get one of those old DOD Gospel pedals.

[chicagodoubler]

"Nah, he could get one of those old DOD Gospel pedals"

Brad just made me laugh hummus out my nose.



Seriously, this thread has made me do some thinking.

10 years ago almost every gospel player I knew was on a Smith. Then there was a shift to pre-Gibson Tobias. About 5 years ago I started seeing guys selling everything for an MTD. Recently there have been some "rogues" even playing 4 string Fender designs...

Again, these cover the whole spectrum of the rainbow. I'd assume that between the three amazing basses the OP already has, that if you can't cop at least a poor man's Andrew Gouche, the gear ain't the biggest problem.

Peace and love, y'all. Off to the wood shed.

[narud]

Originally Posted by Brad Johnson

Not sure what's it's from, Joe. Don't even remember how I came across it... the beauty of going into a Youtube trance I guess.


I've had no luck getting that from Aeros either. That's not their forte as far as I've seen (speaking personally, in my opinion, etc. of course). I have several Bart installs that excel at that. I love that vibe.

OT: Don't know if you've seen this one, one of my favorite Youtube clips, featuring Sharay Reed on a Fender Jazz...

http://vids.myspace.com/index.cfm?fu...deoID=43931943

Not the same vibe but the almost muted soft staccato he's got going on is nice IMO.

yeah thats a good one too. the other video of Sharay that someone posted made me grab my bass and start practicing!

[Dr. Cheese]

I have played Gospel with a Ken Smith, Music Man Stingray H & HH, Spector, Yamaha, Alembic, Peavey, Fender, import MTD, G&L (USA & Tribute) among others. Honestly, I have to agree with Brad in the sense that learning more about Gospel, and listening to more Gospel has done more for my playing than any change of bass.

My current 2008 Fender Jazz V works beautifully. It works well passive, but my Sadowsky preamp gives it a nice modern edge when I want, which is most of the time!