I bought a brand new Alembic anniversary model
for $2100. My first new car was less than 5 grand.
for $2100. My first new car was less than 5 grand.
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Fodera: Basses worth the money?
- Thread starter lumankicks
- Start date
My first "Real Bass" was a Rick 4001 that I still have, It cost me the princely sum of $450. I scrimped, saved, cut lawns, washed cars, delivered junk mail, you name it, to buy that
bass! To put things in today's perspective,
A top of the line Alembic or Fodera would be
3 months' worth of my mortgage payments!
bass! To put things in today's perspective,
A top of the line Alembic or Fodera would be
3 months' worth of my mortgage payments!
Yep, I know how that went! After busing tables for months in high school, I really wanted a Rick for my first "real" bass, but ran across a closeout deal on an aluminum-necked Kramer for $500 that I couldn't pass up. Shoulda gone with the Rick...
Anyway, did you buy the Alembic at the same time you bought the new car?
Mike
Anyway, did you buy the Alembic at the same time you bought the new car?
Mike
Perhaps not to you, but perhaps to others, it is worth it? It's all relative.
Aside from that, I heartily agree with Munji.
--jeff
Aside from that, I heartily agree with Munji.
--jeff
The Alembic came several years later, it was the
anniversary model, so It was like mid-late 80's.
The little Japanese truck was early 80's, I think
'82. These things are getting fuzzy, like my eyesight
Anyway, the moral to the story is,
If you gotta have a Fodera, or some other exotic
made bass and you have the dough, I guess go for it, but there are superb luthiers out there that
will build you a truly custom built instrument
of your dreams for a reasonable price; it just
won't have a butterfly on the headstock.
anniversary model, so It was like mid-late 80's.
The little Japanese truck was early 80's, I think
'82. These things are getting fuzzy, like my eyesight
Anyway, the moral to the story is,If you gotta have a Fodera, or some other exotic
made bass and you have the dough, I guess go for it, but there are superb luthiers out there that
will build you a truly custom built instrument
of your dreams for a reasonable price; it just
won't have a butterfly on the headstock.
I personally consider Fodera the best basses available nawodays,
but I have to make a couple of considerations:
1)
The best thing a Fodera bass,every fodera bass,can offer is its PLAYABILITY.This is the factor that makes Fodera basses something special among other hi-end basses.This is the real deal about every fodera bass.
2)
The tone:
I've played several Fodera,and I could never find one that had similar tones to another one;
since Fodera offer so many options,their work is very custom-based,so every bass is quite a unique pice.I think this is why many people have diferent opinions about Foderas.
If you want to order a Fodera you must know exactly what you want!Otherwise you risk to have a very good bass,but not just what really suits your needs and aspectatives.But,on the other hands it also meens that they can really give you the bass of your dreams(as I think they'll do with my next Imperial).
My 00.2
but I have to make a couple of considerations:
1)
The best thing a Fodera bass,every fodera bass,can offer is its PLAYABILITY.This is the factor that makes Fodera basses something special among other hi-end basses.This is the real deal about every fodera bass.
2)
The tone:
I've played several Fodera,and I could never find one that had similar tones to another one;
since Fodera offer so many options,their work is very custom-based,so every bass is quite a unique pice.I think this is why many people have diferent opinions about Foderas.
If you want to order a Fodera you must know exactly what you want!Otherwise you risk to have a very good bass,but not just what really suits your needs and aspectatives.But,on the other hands it also meens that they can really give you the bass of your dreams(as I think they'll do with my next Imperial).
My 00.2
Fodera worth the money...?
Retail, not worth the money imo.
Resale...?
I have a feeling their wave is cresting a bit.
Just the way I see it. For a while, they were the epitome of the boutique bass. They got into the "Empire" line, etc. to make having a Fodera more attainable. From what I understand, they used apprentices to construct these (basically Warmoth) basses.
I think you'll see the resale value of some of these drop over the next few years too. As up and coming luthiers hone their craft, you'll see more custom competition with quicker turn around. Guys like Nordstrand, Eshenbaugh, Artinger, Stambaugh, Benevente, etc. will be able to compete head to head with the Foderas, Smiths, Alembics, MTDs.
At the $3,000 level, I'd rather have a new bass made for ME with my direct involvement in wood selection, parts, construction, options...than a used Fodera Monarch 4 at the same price. In order to compete, the larger manufacturers will have to win on ecomomies of scale, which means more 2nd-tier brnading (Tokyo, Rebop, Rockbass, Empire, etc.)or co-branding (Cort Curbow, Cort Elrick) to win the <$2000 battle. However, in the long term, that diminishes the name brand value of the high end basses. As the resale value of a Fodera Emperor 6 drops to $1,500, nobody is going to buy a new one for $7,000.
My call, make quality basses with boutique appeal, keep demand up by limiting supply according to the curve. If you are going to suplement the income with a second-tier brand, don't directly associate it with your brand-name.
Basses have long shelf-lives, they don't expire after 5 years and need to be replaced. A manufacturer has to take into account resale basses as part of his supply.
Let the guitar players buy the axes that are stamped out and fall off the assembly line into massive corrugated bins.
Retail, not worth the money imo.
Resale...?
I have a feeling their wave is cresting a bit.
Just the way I see it. For a while, they were the epitome of the boutique bass. They got into the "Empire" line, etc. to make having a Fodera more attainable. From what I understand, they used apprentices to construct these (basically Warmoth) basses.
I think you'll see the resale value of some of these drop over the next few years too. As up and coming luthiers hone their craft, you'll see more custom competition with quicker turn around. Guys like Nordstrand, Eshenbaugh, Artinger, Stambaugh, Benevente, etc. will be able to compete head to head with the Foderas, Smiths, Alembics, MTDs.
At the $3,000 level, I'd rather have a new bass made for ME with my direct involvement in wood selection, parts, construction, options...than a used Fodera Monarch 4 at the same price. In order to compete, the larger manufacturers will have to win on ecomomies of scale, which means more 2nd-tier brnading (Tokyo, Rebop, Rockbass, Empire, etc.)or co-branding (Cort Curbow, Cort Elrick) to win the <$2000 battle. However, in the long term, that diminishes the name brand value of the high end basses. As the resale value of a Fodera Emperor 6 drops to $1,500, nobody is going to buy a new one for $7,000.
My call, make quality basses with boutique appeal, keep demand up by limiting supply according to the curve. If you are going to suplement the income with a second-tier brand, don't directly associate it with your brand-name.
Basses have long shelf-lives, they don't expire after 5 years and need to be replaced. A manufacturer has to take into account resale basses as part of his supply.
Let the guitar players buy the axes that are stamped out and fall off the assembly line into massive corrugated bins.
Originally posted by Peter Parker
If you'd asked me two days ago I would have said no. But after playing the walnut body/ebony top Emperor Deluxe at Bass Central I would have to say yes. When you find the right wood/pickup combination a Fodera is definitely worth it. I've oned other Fodera's that were not worth it to ME only because they didn't have the right woods for ME. I agree, play as many as you can first and when you find the right recipe, you'll do what you can to buy it. The one at Bass Central is on hold for me and should be in my home by the end of the month
OOOHHHH...you committed the cardinal sin: You didn't tell me you were a TBer!!!
That bass is NIIIIIICCCCEEE, isn't it?
Definitely one of my favorite Foderas, out of dozens that I've had the pleasure to see and play.As for the value of the instrument, I will say that Brendan and Munji have it right: The value of the instrument is a balance between the price the builder desires and the buyer will pay. Knowing what I do of how the Foderas are built and what they compare with, I feel strongly that they are worth what they are priced at.
Anytime you feel like griping about a $5000+ bass guitar, remember that a symphony bassist most likely has at least $25,000 invested in his instrument!
My Fender FMT cost 100 times what I paid for my first pair of Chuck Taylors.
If you live long enough the current price of things will most certainly outstrip the cost of something from way back when. Other than nostalgia the way back when thing has squat to do with what's happening now... but it sure is fun to reminisce
There are a few stellar builders out there who are building great product. Most people who know me know what I've gone with (did ya think I wouldn't mention Brubaker?
). The trick is to find the bass that really pushes your buttons. Buttons come in a few varieties, for some like me it's sound and playability, for others looks are most important. If your button is pushed by Fodera there's really only one way to truly satisfy that requirement. Get a Fodera... more specifically get the one that's pushing your button. The one I have is not the most striking Fodera I've seen but it's a player and that's why I still have it. I bought it used, relatively cheap... a bizarre deal facilitated by my favorite rodent. I can't say I foresee Fodera values dropping to $1500 anytime soon.
Would I buy it new for three times what it cost me? My first car (57 Nomad) cost me $75. Do the math.
If you live long enough the current price of things will most certainly outstrip the cost of something from way back when. Other than nostalgia the way back when thing has squat to do with what's happening now... but it sure is fun to reminisce
There are a few stellar builders out there who are building great product. Most people who know me know what I've gone with (did ya think I wouldn't mention Brubaker?
). The trick is to find the bass that really pushes your buttons. Buttons come in a few varieties, for some like me it's sound and playability, for others looks are most important. If your button is pushed by Fodera there's really only one way to truly satisfy that requirement. Get a Fodera... more specifically get the one that's pushing your button. The one I have is not the most striking Fodera I've seen but it's a player and that's why I still have it. I bought it used, relatively cheap... a bizarre deal facilitated by my favorite rodent. I can't say I foresee Fodera values dropping to $1500 anytime soon.Would I buy it new for three times what it cost me? My first car (57 Nomad) cost me $75. Do the math.
They are worth whatever folks are willing to pay.
Personally, I think the used prices are closer to what I think they are worth. The only way I would pay the retail price is if there was that "something" about that instrument that I had to have. Otherwise, of the many Foderas I have played over the 20 years I have been playing bass, I have found nothing about their playabiliy, tone, construction or workmanship that would demand any premium over other top and well established luthiers. In fact, I have been surprised at how inconsistent Fodera basses have been - and I'm talking about those that were built for retail, not for individual buyers.
That said, I love the one I own for what it is.
Jeff
Personally, I think the used prices are closer to what I think they are worth. The only way I would pay the retail price is if there was that "something" about that instrument that I had to have. Otherwise, of the many Foderas I have played over the 20 years I have been playing bass, I have found nothing about their playabiliy, tone, construction or workmanship that would demand any premium over other top and well established luthiers. In fact, I have been surprised at how inconsistent Fodera basses have been - and I'm talking about those that were built for retail, not for individual buyers.
That said, I love the one I own for what it is.
Jeff
One more thing:
if you consider that it needs more than 3000 euros to get an ordinary warwick thumb NT in Italy,I have to say that 4800 dollars is definately a right price for my next imperial
if you consider that it needs more than 3000 euros to get an ordinary warwick thumb NT in Italy,I have to say that 4800 dollars is definately a right price for my next imperial
Thanks guys! I don't know anyone who owns a Fodera, most of the bassists around here play Ibanez. I'll have to try it out first I suppose, I'll keep you guys informed of my decision.
LU-MAN!
LU-MAN!
Planet Boulder
Hey, this is a private residence...man
- Nov 10, 2001
- 4,014
- 65
- Disclosures
- I once had impure thoughts. Oh, and I pluck my ear hair.
To me? Absolutely not. To you? Yes or no, it's whatever suits you best.
So, I guess I'm another who agrees with Brendan. The inherent "value" can only be measured on an individual basis.
Personally, I would rather have 2 mint condition vintage Fender Jazzes or a Sadowsky Jazz. But that's because of what I value.
So, I guess I'm another who agrees with Brendan. The inherent "value" can only be measured on an individual basis.
Personally, I would rather have 2 mint condition vintage Fender Jazzes or a Sadowsky Jazz. But that's because of what I value.
adrian garcia
In Memoriam
- Apr 9, 2001
- 5,110
- 17
- Disclosures
- Endorsing Artist: Nordy Basses, Schroeder Cabs, Gallien Krueger Amps
again, it depends on whether YOU think it's worth it or not-
Also, it depends on the particular bass- i had this one ( remember this one, Gard?) on a trade for the equivalent of $2300 - yep, it was a steal and the bass is awesome, but i was made an offer i couldn't refuse- then i owned another one- an Emperor, it went back 3 days later- it didn't have IT - i know another cat here in Vegas that leaves his in a case at home and brings his F bass to the gig - my kinda guy... you see, it's th F bass that pushes MY buttons- and i got to save a trillion
Link Removed
Also, it depends on the particular bass- i had this one ( remember this one, Gard?) on a trade for the equivalent of $2300 - yep, it was a steal and the bass is awesome, but i was made an offer i couldn't refuse- then i owned another one- an Emperor, it went back 3 days later- it didn't have IT - i know another cat here in Vegas that leaves his in a case at home and brings his F bass to the gig - my kinda guy... you see, it's th F bass that pushes MY buttons- and i got to save a trillion
Link Removed
ZULUFUNK wrote:
"At the $3,000 level, I'd rather have a new bass made for ME with my direct involvement in wood selection, parts, construction, options...than a used Fodera Monarch 4 at the same price."
My thoughts precisely, Zulu!
"At the $3,000 level, I'd rather have a new bass made for ME with my direct involvement in wood selection, parts, construction, options...than a used Fodera Monarch 4 at the same price."
My thoughts precisely, Zulu!
Well, that depends very much on whether or not you think you'll end up selling the bass in the future or not. Some of us have a bad habit of not hanging on to instruments 
, so a $3k used Fodera that could probably be resold for pretty close to the same money makes more sense than a $3k new custom that could get resold for half that if you're lucky.
But that very much goes back to the individual person and what suits them best, which is pretty much what folks have been saying all along.
Mike
, so a $3k used Fodera that could probably be resold for pretty close to the same money makes more sense than a $3k new custom that could get resold for half that if you're lucky.But that very much goes back to the individual person and what suits them best, which is pretty much what folks have been saying all along.
Mike
For me, Foderas aren't worth all that that extra money - I figure that the two to three grand price difference of a Fodera over some other nice upscale bass won't give me a bass that's two to three grand better. Id rather take that money and use it on bass lessons or an amp rig. Foderas are great for what they are, and no other builder can really copy them, but I think that there are many other makers out there can give you just as great a bass or close to it for less money.
That said, if the Fodera is your holy grail, by all means save up for one and get it.
That said, if the Fodera is your holy grail, by all means save up for one and get it.
I've played about 10 different Fodera's, from the bottom of the line (and I use that phrase litely) New standerd series, to an emperor, Imperial, Beez Elite and a couple of monarchs. Right now at my current age and playing ability, I couldn't justify one. If and when I can earn serious bucks gigging or working, and know exactly what tone woods, construction method pickups and workmanship I want, I would not hesitate to go to Fodera. They do what they do, and they do it very well from the basses I played. (And Dave Beasley is a great guy, even better player. Gave me a nice tour of the shop... including seeing their wood selection, drool)
