Fodera in Gospel

[iwearpumas]

We can all agree that certain basses are better for certain styles of music. Does anybody think a Fodera is good for Gospel music?

[Munjibunga]

I think the right Fodera would be superb for gospel.

[iwearpumas]

What about an ES5, or would I need to go custom?

[Luke Warm Water]

I agree with Munjibunga. Gospel is a broad term, so I will address my experience.
I grew up playing in both white and black churches, everything from delicate ballads with acoustic guitars to finger-bleeding shout music with shrieking B3's and highly abused drum sets. What I have found is that the most forms of gospel seem to embrace a wide variety bass tones and styles. I played a couple of Foderas recently. They seem to have a modern and refined tone, with great action...a definite must if you get caught up in a praise break. To Munjibunga's point, some Foderas seem to have a little more edge to them than others. But overall, the that smooth modern tone with delicate highs would be great to use. From my experience, while having a bass 'with teeth' is important to compete with a B3, the greater battle for me had more to do with amplification and finding the tone that would fill the music just right. (I used an Eden with some 4x10,s...worked out pretty well.)

To be honest, the real reason I wouldn't bring a Fodera to most of the gospel gigs that I've done is because they haven't been in the best parts of town. Bringing a $10,000 bass to a gig in the back neighborhoods? I've seen and heard of TOO many axes stolen...literally from the church parking lots. One of them was a bass I just sold to a friend...unreal! But if you are responsible with it, yeah, it's great bass and I would imagine a lot of fun to use at a gospel gig.

[Munjibunga]

Originally Posted by iwearpumas

What about an ES5, or would I need to go custom?

I am of the opinion that an ES5 would be great for gospel. I'm in the process right now of mixing some scratch recordings of my trio, on which I played my Emperor. We do everything from Jack Johnson to Neil Young to the Eagles, requiring great tonal versatility. There's really not much difference between and Emperor custom and a Standard, and I think you could use an ES5 for just about anything, including gospel. Well, maybe not doom metal.

[iwearpumas]

Thanks.

[DiabolusInMusic]

I would just ask myself WWJD, and he certainly wouldn't spend $10,000 on a bass, so no, I wouldn't use a Fodera in gospel.

[Munjibunga]

Would J wear a $2,000 suit? Live in a $10M mansion? Oh, wait, I thought you meant Joel.

[hgiles]

I just bought an Ibanez from a guy who preferred playing his Fodera in church.

[gkbass13]

My 5 string bolt on Fodera Emperor is possibly the most versatile bass I have ever owned. I think the Emperor standard should be great for gospel, as well as numerous other genres and musical settings.

[iwearpumas]

Thanks, yall have really helped me make a decision. Reggie Young plays Fodera now, but I haven't had a chance to hear how it sounds. I think he is the only bass player in Gospel that plays Fodera. Needless to say, Foderas are expensive and many Gospel artists can't afford them.

[sobie18]

I've played my VW Monarch for Catholic Masses in the past...

[Dr. Cheese]

Originally Posted by iwearpumas

Thanks, yall have really helped me make a decision. Reggie Young plays Fodera now, but I haven't had a chance to hear how it sounds. I think he is the only bass player in Gospel that plays Fodera. Needless to say, Foderas are expensive and many Gospel artists can't afford them.

They don't exactly give away Warriors, MTDs, or Ken Smiths either. I think the main factor about Foderas are that many tend to really favor the upper mids. They would certainly cut through.

[joebar]

Originally Posted by Munjibunga

Would J wear a $2,000 suit? Live in a $10M mansion? Oh, wait, I thought you meant Joel.

is it too early for popcorn? this could get interesting

i would have trouble bringing a 2000 dollar bass to a gig never mind a 10000 dollar one...

[grisezd]

Here's a thought, play a squier and give $9700 to the poor?

[Dr. Cheese]

Originally Posted by grisezd

Here's a thought, play a squier and give $9700 to the poor?

If it bothers you that much, sell the Squier, sing and clap your hands, and give it all to the poor.

[Munjibunga]

Originally Posted by joebar

is it too early for popcorn? this could get interesting

i would have trouble bringing a 2000 dollar bass to a gig never mind a 10000 dollar one...

That does it. Next time I sub in the church gig, I'm bringing the Fodera. I can promise you that god will be the only one who even knows what it is.

[Dr. Cheese]

Originally Posted by Munjibunga

That does it. Next time I sub in the church gig, I'm bringing the Fodera. I can promise you that god will be the only one who even knows what it is.

That is so true! I have played everything in church from a Ken Smith to $90 used Peavey, and no one who was not a bassist knew what I had or had a clue what it costs.

[Munjibunga]

Originally Posted by Dr. Cheese

That is so true! I have played everything in church from a Ken Smith to $90 used Peavey, and no one who was not a bassist knew what I had or had a clue what it costs.

I took my LeCompte VB5 last time. Comment: "I didn't know they make basses with five strings."

[bassistjoe93]

Originally Posted by Munjibunga

Would J wear a $2,000 suit? Live in a $10M mansion? Oh, wait, I thought you meant Joel.

Hahahaha! As a Christian who disliked and disagrees with Joel immensely, this made my day right there!