Fodera Club Part XVI

[Baird6869]

Perfect, Otto!

What a nice bass.

[nostatic]

Originally Posted by otto B

Fodera Emperor standard

*cough* gateway drug *cough*



Beautiful bass. Congrats.

[gkbass13]

Originally Posted by nostatic

*cough* gateway drug *cough*



Beautiful bass. Congrats.

They really are. I played a Yin Yang standard at last years NE get together in Rhode Island and was instantly hooked.

A few months later I bought my Emperor 5 bolt on, which is not a standard, but definitely one of the custom orders that helped lead to the Emperor standard specs becoming "standard". Figured maple, 5 string, bolt on, rosewood board dual coils, etc...

I love my Emperor but have always loved the Imperial body shape, and have always wanted a custom instrument, built to my specs. So, sometime early next year (if not sooner) I will be putting down a deposit to have a custom Imperial Elite built for me as a 30th birthday present to myself(unless something goes terribly wrong between now and then). Hopefully I will be able to keep the Emperor as well. That all depends on some other major life changes that could take place in that time. Anyway, This is a fun addiction!

Grady

[nostatic]

Originally Posted by gkbass13

So, sometime early next year (if not sooner) I will be putting down a deposit to have a custom Imperial Elite built for me as a 30th birthday present to myself(unless something goes terribly wrong between now and then). Hopefully I will be able to keep the Emperor as well. That all depends on some other major life changes that could take place in that time. Anyway, This is a fun addiction!

Grady

I'm about 21 years past my 30th b-day. Been a good couple of years so I'm splurging and getting exactly what I want so if the bottom falls out of the day job in the next year I'll be set for gear. I don't have the collector gene and I can only rationalize owning about a max of 5 instruments. At this point the plan is that three of those are Foderas - the YYD and the new pair in the works. If I had to only have one, at this point it would be the YYD but maybe one of the new ones will change my mind on that. Hopefully I won't be faced with those types of choices though...

[Lennard III.]

Originally Posted by otto B

Well it has being said that once you try a Fodera bass, you get hook up. I agree with that statement. I used to own the Fodera Emperor standard and I sold it because I wanted a Fodera Elite. Well I finally got the bass. Thanks to Jason, I have my Fodera Imperial elite coming home sometime next week.

what's the deal with the PUs on this Bass ? they look different on the pics...

[gkbass13]

Originally Posted by nostatic

I'm about 21 years past my 30th b-day. Been a good couple of years so I'm splurging and getting exactly what I want so if the bottom falls out of the day job in the next year I'll be set for gear. I don't have the collector gene and I can only rationalize owning about a max of 5 instruments. At this point the plan is that three of those are Foderas - the YYD and the new pair in the works. If I had to only have one, at this point it would be the YYD but maybe one of the new ones will change my mind on that. Hopefully I won't be faced with those types of choices though...

I always carried multiple instruments in my stable, then went through a pretty tragic life event. I was attacked by a student at work 2 years ago and lost 1/3 of my right ring finger and nearly lost the same amount of my right index finger(fingernail saved it from a full amputation). My technique has as a result been forever changed, and I was really close to being even more limited physically.
When that happened, I realized how quick and sudden anything can change for any of us. So I decided that I shouldn't wait to spoil myself. I sold my other 3 basses and bought a used Emperor. I don't feel the need to keep buying and selling instruments anymore and am inspired to play every time I pick up or look at that bass!

Grady

[Baird6869]

Originally Posted by gkbass13

I always carried multiple instruments in my stable, then went through a pretty tragic life event. I was attacked by a student at work 2 years ago and lost 1/3 of my right ring finger and nearly lost the same amount of my right index finger(fingernail saved it from a full amputation). My technique has as a result been forever changed, and I was really close to being even more limited physically.
When that happened, I realized how quick and sudden anything can change for any of us. So I decided that I shouldn't wait to spoil myself. I sold my other 3 basses and bought a used Emperor. I don't feel the need to keep buying and selling instruments anymore and am inspired to play every time I pick up or look at that bass!

Grady

Terrible what happened but good to hear you are still pumped to play! Many would quit playing and feel sorry for themselves.

[Baird6869]

Originally Posted by nostatic

*cough* gateway *cough*

Great.

Luckily my new Emperor 5 Standard will be cleaning out my bank account for all things bass for a long time.

I guess I could fund a custom Fodera by breaking into my parents house and stealing the silver cutlery and some jewelry... Pretty sad for a 43 year old to be doing that though!

[bassdoubler]

Originally Posted by gkbass13

I always carried multiple instruments in my stable, then went through a pretty tragic life event. I was attacked by a student at work 2 years ago and lost 1/3 of my right ring finger and nearly lost the same amount of my right index finger(fingernail saved it from a full amputation). My technique has as a result been forever changed, and I was really close to being even more limited physically.
When that happened, I realized how quick and sudden anything can change for any of us. So I decided that I shouldn't wait to spoil myself. I sold my other 3 basses and bought a used Emperor. I don't feel the need to keep buying and selling instruments anymore and am inspired to play every time I pick up or look at that bass!

Grady

That's pretty heavy bro....happy to see you were able to move on and continue your love of playing! I'm sure it wasn't easy to readjust your feel with those fingers. My buddies dad sustained some serious back injuries in while in prison defending himself and from nerve damage he can hardly move his fingers. Dude was a slammin bass player in the 70s. Very sad to see him not able to play so you're very fortunate if you can look at it that way.

On a lighter note, im having a friend make me custom wooden pickup covers for my imperial and I want to take the ramp off but its def glued to the body. Any tricks to getting it off or do I need to take it to the shop? Also, has anybody had a ramp with screws for easy on and off access?

[pringlw]

Originally Posted by gkbass13

They really are. I played a Yin Yang standard at last years NE get together in Rhode Island and was instantly hooked.

My gateway drug was a NYC, before the standards came around. I haven't actually played a standard yet and I think that they are probably better than the NYCs (don't know that, guessing). But the principle is the same - the more affordable Foderas are really Trojan horses. Beware!

[Just Thumpin']

The bass originally had Bartolinis in it before it came back in as part of our Certified Pre-Owned Program. Those are the adjustment tabs that are used on Barts and so when we switched to a new set of Duncans, we used a new set of Bart-style adjustment tabs.

Hopefully that makes sense.

Originally Posted by Lennard III.

what's the deal with the PUs on this Bass ? they look different on the pics...

[Just Thumpin']

A couple of thoughts...

1. Our wooden pickup covers are larger than the plastic ones and, as such, require the pickup cavities to be re-routed. If wooden covers are made that will fit in the existing pickup routes, they will be too thin and will crack with use.

2. If it is an original Fodera ramp it is not glued on, it was installed with two-sided tape and can be removed.

Since it seems like you live in Brooklyn, I'd gladly show you in person how to take of the ramp without damaging the top...

Regards,

J

Originally Posted by bassdoubler

That's pretty heavy bro....happy to see you were able to move on and continue your love of playing! I'm sure it wasn't easy to readjust your feel with those fingers. My buddies dad sustained some serious back injuries in while in prison defending himself and from nerve damage he can hardly move his fingers. Dude was a slammin bass player in the 70s. Very sad to see him not able to play so you're very fortunate if you can look at it that way.

On a lighter note, im having a friend make me custom wooden pickup covers for my imperial and I want to take the ramp off but its def glued to the body. Any tricks to getting it off or do I need to take it to the shop? Also, has anybody had a ramp with screws for easy on and off access?

[Just Thumpin']

Grady, wow, that is heavy. I am sorry that you went through something like that, but am thrilled that you not only survived it but used it to move forward. That is inspiring.

Regards,

J

Originally Posted by gkbass13

I always carried multiple instruments in my stable, then went through a pretty tragic life event. I was attacked by a student at work 2 years ago and lost 1/3 of my right ring finger and nearly lost the same amount of my right index finger(fingernail saved it from a full amputation). My technique has as a result been forever changed, and I was really close to being even more limited physically.
When that happened, I realized how quick and sudden anything can change for any of us. So I decided that I shouldn't wait to spoil myself. I sold my other 3 basses and bought a used Emperor. I don't feel the need to keep buying and selling instruments anymore and am inspired to play every time I pick up or look at that bass!

Grady

[Lennard III.]

Originally Posted by Just Thumpin'

The bass originally had Bartolinis in it before it came back in as part of our Certified Pre-Owned Program. Those are the adjustment tabs that are used on Barts and so when we switched to a new set of Duncans, we used a new set of Bart-style adjustment tabs.

Hopefully that makes sense.

aaah, thanks J. ! I remember those old Barts with their adjustment tabs ... this makes sence

[pringlw]

I'm so sorry that happened to you but at least it does sound that you've moved on in a positive way. Peace my brother.

Originally Posted by gkbass13

I always carried multiple instruments in my stable, then went through a pretty tragic life event. I was attacked by a student at work 2 years ago and lost 1/3 of my right ring finger and nearly lost the same amount of my right index finger(fingernail saved it from a full amputation). My technique has as a result been forever changed, and I was really close to being even more limited physically.
When that happened, I realized how quick and sudden anything can change for any of us. So I decided that I shouldn't wait to spoil myself. I sold my other 3 basses and bought a used Emperor. I don't feel the need to keep buying and selling instruments anymore and am inspired to play every time I pick up or look at that bass!

Grady

[gkbass13]

Thanks for all the kind words, guys!

Jason, will you be around the shop Monday the 14th or Tuesday the 15th? I will be visiting my brother in Brooklyn and wouldn't mind sharing some thoughts and ideas for an Imperial Elite that have been floating around in my head for awhile...

[jonno1707]

FYI people my Imperial Elite is F/S in the classifieds check it out she's an amazing piece.
Any potential buyers PM me.

[gkbass13]

A little morning time glamor shot.

[libanass]

Originally Posted by Just Thumpin'

Joey and I loved it in the shop but, as you all know, out on the gig is the only place that you can truly tell. Michel will be picking up the bass at our NAMM booth and gigging it during NAMM, so Joey and I will get to hear it in that context. After that, then we'll be in a position to know for sure!

Cheers,

J

I can't wait to hear how this beauty will sound in the hands of Michel Labaky AKA Labex!!!



Happy new year to all !

[iwearpumas]

I want that Walnut Burl Imperial Elite 5 in the newborn section.