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why are Foderas so expensive?

quadrogong

quadrogong

Jul 6, 2006
2,388
12
NYC
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#1
What is it that makes them soooo many thousands more?

there are Luthiers that use top knotch woods,
and have flawless reputations,
state of the art electronics
and world class construction that rivals the best of 'em..
but they manage to stay within the $2500-3000 range.

why is this particular brand selling for more than double that?:cool:
I can understand some companies use expensive materials.."rockwood" necks..or whatever, technology costs money..
but we're talkin' serious loot here..

not being cynical, I 'd just like to know.
 
#5
HI

I would say the same goes for Alembic and a couple other builders. Its a labor intensive bass. Hand carved, etc. Many hours are spent and the designs are beautiful. No cutting corners, etc. They are what they are. I've had 4, very nice. To each their own. I'd like to have another sometime soon. Prices are off the charts, though. Probably not anytime soon

Rob
 
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#6
okay,I kinda get it.. but to argue the "Ferrari" analogy..

a Ferrari has some serious muscle under the hood..
that car is somewhere between a regular car and a high performance race car,right?
They can drive faster than regular priced autos,and handle better,travel at super speeds..etc

It has obvious differences,

I don't doubt that they're great,or worth it..(Foderaz)
There's just such a huge price difference..It's not as if other basses aren't hand made,carved..
Tobias,Sadowsky,Pedulla,Lakland, guys like that are really respected, just wondering why they can't get the same for their basses..?
(oh godforbidgodforbid..)
Is it that they just have the balls to ask for it?
or is there real differences in the products'
quality?
 
#8
HI

Not sure. Probably a great argument for an economics professor. Supply and demand is thrown out there often in these discussions. Sometimes there isnt concrete reasons why something is worth X amount of money. Fodera asks big $ for their product and gets it, with a looonngg waiting list!! Top guys play them, many of us have owned them, many of us want to get one!! LOL


Its a labor of love, Id imagine. They are craftsmen and make a beautiful instrument. Why they cost more than other basses, thats just economics I guess

Rob
 
#13
Jeff Moote said:
Made in NYC
Crafted by some masters in the industry with a reputation - that costs money.
Access to a large stock of aged woods - better lumber than most luthers are using IMO.
Finally the obvious one: supply and demand - ECON 101.
Click to expand...

Another big +1. Unless you spend some time with a nice Fodera, you won't understand why they cost so much. Yes, they cost more than they could for all the reasons mentioned before, but at the core, they are truly a work of art (visually and sonically) that can only be made by using prime woods and skilled hands. I do believe that Vinnie Fodera's talent alone is worth several thousands per bass.

I don't have mine anymore, but if I had the money, I would gladly order a couple.
 
#14
Jeff Moote said:
Made in NYC


Crafted by some masters in the industry with a reputation - that costs money.


Access to a large stock of aged woods - better lumber than most luthers are using IMO.


Finally the obvious one: supply and demand - ECON 101.
Click to expand...

+1 I think the only thing you didn't mention is a very expensive R&D process.

Hopefully one day I will find a great Fodera used that I can afford.
 
#16
I am not going to say they are or are not worth it to each his own.

But they are a luxury and those types of high end pieces increase in price exponentially you see it with all types of musical instruments, violins, pianos etc. It's not just exotic cars, it's home audio equipment, watches etc.... Usually in a way that most people say I'd never spend that kind of money but spend sleepless night wishing they could have one..

For what it's worth, from what I've heard Vinny Fodera doesn't work 4 hour days and hang out in a Hampton's beach house, he's building basses in Brooklyn one by one.

I've played $30,000 double basses that are incrimentally better then say a $12,000 instrument, if you have the means and the abilities you may want the better instrument or rightfully so may justify the incrimental difference is not worth the extra dough.

I'm not sure there is a right answer to your question just allot of opinions, if I had the means I'd probably have one in the passenger seat of my Ferrari.......
 
#17
My question is, "Why are Fodera's so cheap?" They have probably the longest wait time going right now (almost 3 years I believe!), so according to the laws of supply and demand, they are grossly undercharging. They should double their prices, and then maybe the wait times would be more reasonable.
 

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