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'Fodera Bass Strings'
- Thread starter mustBmtd
- Start date
I've used their steel strings a few times and really like them. The Foderas are a bit darker than most steels but have a fat, full tone with a big bottom end, and last a VERY long time. Their B strings are excellent and sound consistent with the rest of the set, which is big plus. They are round core like DR, but don't feel as flexible to me, which can be a good or bad thing depending on what your preferences are. They are also nice and smooth to the touch, similar to DR strings. Price is a little higher than some other strings out there, but their overall quality and how long they last more than justify it in my opinion.
Bassstringsonline has some standard long-scale 5-string Fodera steels on sale right now, so good time to try them out if that's the set you would need.
Their nickels are also very well regarded and I would imagine that they are just as high quality, but I don't have personal experience with them.
Bassstringsonline has some standard long-scale 5-string Fodera steels on sale right now, so good time to try them out if that's the set you would need.
Their nickels are also very well regarded and I would imagine that they are just as high quality, but I don't have personal experience with them.
I've used the nickel wound for a very long time and have the exact same observations as renobassman. Great strings.
Funny! I'm TRYING to like this set of ELIXIRS I just put on my Fretless and thought to myself, why did I ever stop using Fodera Nickels? They were awesome! Wonder what the peeps at Talkbass are digging?
+1 on everything mentioned above and I'm ordering a set of Nickels for the Fretless ASAP!
They are great strings!
I just prefer higher tension hex cores as I play really hard, but these have slightly more tension than DR round cores!
And if you are looking for a set to try out I have a brand new nickel 5 string set in the classifieds now (used for only 5 minutes).
I just prefer higher tension hex cores as I play really hard, but these have slightly more tension than DR round cores!
And if you are looking for a set to try out I have a brand new nickel 5 string set in the classifieds now (used for only 5 minutes).
Fodera string user here too! Over the decades I've spent playing bass, I've spent more money than I dare even think about on strings. You name it, I've tried it. Everything from the big name companies (e.g. D'Addario, GHS, Dean Markley) to smaller boutique brands (e.g. Ritter Swordsteels) and even some cheap no-name brands. High end, low end, steel, nickel, round core, hex core, roundwound, half-rounds, flatwound, taper-wound, and everything in between.
I thought I was a DR Hi-Beams guy for a long time... until I tried Fodera stainless steel strings in their Light-Medium gauge: 028 .044 .062 .085 .106 .125. Something about the tension between strings and whatnot just felt so even. Tone's fantastic too and I could go a year or more without changing strings. Excellent Low B.
Yep, Fodera Light-Medium stainless steel strings are the only ones I'll use these days. They're not a cheap date, but they are worth it. I only change my strings once a year (when I do my annual setups) so why not get the best ones?
I thought I was a DR Hi-Beams guy for a long time... until I tried Fodera stainless steel strings in their Light-Medium gauge: 028 .044 .062 .085 .106 .125. Something about the tension between strings and whatnot just felt so even. Tone's fantastic too and I could go a year or more without changing strings. Excellent Low B.
Yep, Fodera Light-Medium stainless steel strings are the only ones I'll use these days. They're not a cheap date, but they are worth it. I only change my strings once a year (when I do my annual setups) so why not get the best ones?
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Last week, I decided to try Fodera strings on my P5 for the first time and I thought I would share my impressions.
While I can't be certain about lower or higher tension, what I can say is that compared to other strings at an equivalent gauge, the Foderas seem to be slightly more taut under the fingers. What I noticed right away is that when I put more into the right hand attack, the string responds with more force on the attack than say, a DR Sunbeam or Dunlop SB. A little more energy required, but they give it back to you!
Disclaimer: I don't slap much...at all... but these strings produce a great slapped sound with plenty of depth, and the amount of resistance is perfect for that technique. Fun to play this way!
The outer wraps are average smoothness for a round nickel string.
The B string (particularly the tapered) is a beast. The clarity is outstanding and it feels like it belongs with the rest of the set in terms of feel, output balance and tone quality.
The tone has a treble presence that isn't peaky/clanky and can be attenuated to taste when the strings are new. My preference is for strings that have been played in for a couple of weeks, so I will be rolling back the treble for now. Beyond that, the balance of the lows and mids works right away for me with little to adjust. In short, if you are looking for a string set that can cover a lot of ground (musically speaking), I highly recommend them- if the feel is what you are after.
On my 6 string, I like to go with Dunlop SB nickels or Sunbeams for a more compliant feel, but I'm considering experimenting with a light set of Foderas next time around...
While I can't be certain about lower or higher tension, what I can say is that compared to other strings at an equivalent gauge, the Foderas seem to be slightly more taut under the fingers. What I noticed right away is that when I put more into the right hand attack, the string responds with more force on the attack than say, a DR Sunbeam or Dunlop SB. A little more energy required, but they give it back to you!
Disclaimer: I don't slap much...at all... but these strings produce a great slapped sound with plenty of depth, and the amount of resistance is perfect for that technique. Fun to play this way!
The outer wraps are average smoothness for a round nickel string.
The B string (particularly the tapered) is a beast. The clarity is outstanding and it feels like it belongs with the rest of the set in terms of feel, output balance and tone quality.
The tone has a treble presence that isn't peaky/clanky and can be attenuated to taste when the strings are new. My preference is for strings that have been played in for a couple of weeks, so I will be rolling back the treble for now. Beyond that, the balance of the lows and mids works right away for me with little to adjust. In short, if you are looking for a string set that can cover a lot of ground (musically speaking), I highly recommend them- if the feel is what you are after.
On my 6 string, I like to go with Dunlop SB nickels or Sunbeams for a more compliant feel, but I'm considering experimenting with a light set of Foderas next time around...
I just ordered a set of the stainless 40-100's. Extra long scale for my Kiesel multiscale 4 string Vanquish. I've been a die hard Elixir user for quite a while since I'm cursed with string killing body chemistry. I'm looking forward to giving these a spin. It's been awhile since I've used some stainless steel strings.
Fodera Electric Bass Guitar Strings, Roundwound 5-String Nickel - 28106
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00O4GA66O/ref=ox_sc_saved_title_6?smid=A189L0X5SHHC37&psc=1
Just put these on my Peavey Grind 5. Beyond thrilled, which is really saying something for a set of $40 bass strings. I'm really into the equal tension thing right now and these feel great. Makes the Peavey (admittedly with the help of the SA Q-Strip) play and sound like a much more expensive bass. Yeah, man - that's what's going on that guitar for the foreseeable future.
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00O4GA66O/ref=ox_sc_saved_title_6?smid=A189L0X5SHHC37&psc=1
Just put these on my Peavey Grind 5. Beyond thrilled, which is really saying something for a set of $40 bass strings. I'm really into the equal tension thing right now and these feel great. Makes the Peavey (admittedly with the help of the SA Q-Strip) play and sound like a much more expensive bass. Yeah, man - that's what's going on that guitar for the foreseeable future.
As an Amazon Associate, TalkBass may receive commissions from qualifying purchases made via links on this site.
No string sets up better than Foderas. The string to string balance is impeccable and the way they feel is so positive. Its like they somehow vibrate in a more controlled and predictable fashion.
Good tone longevity.
The steels are strange in that they are very light in color, could pass as nickels. and they sound a lot like nickels. I have used a few sets and this has always been true. the first time, I even asked bassstringsonline to confirm that they had in fact, sent me steels.
Feel is ok for me. KInda grabby, for awhile. not painful, just slow for slides and changes.
Good tone longevity.
The steels are strange in that they are very light in color, could pass as nickels. and they sound a lot like nickels. I have used a few sets and this has always been true. the first time, I even asked bassstringsonline to confirm that they had in fact, sent me steels.
Feel is ok for me. KInda grabby, for awhile. not painful, just slow for slides and changes.
I'm still looking forward to trying them, and you have a have a history of providing accurate, detailed, and helpful information. Your mention of feeling grabby concerns me. One of my favorite traits of Elixirs are their lack of stickiness. Hopefully I adapt well to something not as slick.
I ordered a 40-100 Nickle Fodera string set. The sound is pretty good but they feel a lot rougher than the D'Addario nickles that I used to play. They feels as rough as stainless steels. So I am a bit disappointed in the Foderas.
Used the Fodera Nickels for a long time. Actually was looking through my old string sets tonight in hopes that I still had an old set laying around to try on my Moollon. Great tone and very balanced and definitely on the warmer side of things. One of the better strings I've used on a Jazz. Haven't got to try them on my P yet.
They do sound pretty good but don't you find them rough compared to other nickles like D'addario?
I tried a ss set and found them to be bright, but not as bright as the Dunlop supers. Had a little more low end and did not last as long. The tension felt nice between all the strings.
