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fodera basses

#22
I've played a couple of VW classics, never tried a bolt-on. They're great basses. Every Fodera I've played has just felt very comfortable to me. Thus, I've gone and ordered one (Imperial 5). It is definitely expensive. It was worth every penny to me, though.

As for the VW models, if you have to have a VW model, the bolt-on would certainly cut some of the price out. If you just want that body style, just order a Monarch and save yourself some cash in the process.
 
#23
what I missed off my Matt garrison piece on the TB homepage is that Matt is doing a tour of Japan to promote Fodera basses with a Japanese dude who is basically the rep over in Japan and has this list of crazy rich clients who are prepared to pay - wait for it - well in excess of $12,000 for a Fodera. Matt knows this is nuts nut I have it on good authority from a Japanese guitarist friend of mine who says these business men types (the ones who also buy Van Gough paintings for $22 millioin+) literally hang the bass on the wall like a piece of art - just nuts man.

My thoughts are on all this, IMO, over-pricing is that the sort of tone that you get, say from a Wooten model Fodera, is achievable by other means, and certainly with a different bass. I can get a very Wooten-esque tone from my Warwick Thumb, so much so that a friend of mine said (when I played him some 'Stomping Grounds' - which has that bass intro) that he said <b>"Oh, does Wooten use a Warwick...?"</b> - because he'd heard me play it with a very similar sound on the Warwick - you don't need one of his basses, or an Anthony Jackson bass, or a Matt Garrison bass etc. to sound like them - which is kind of what you want to avoid in the long run anyway - because you want <b>YOUR OWN SOUND</b>....

This is an idea I recorded using my Warwick as a tenor bass - apologies for the sligthtly 'sketchy' bits - I have made this into a full song which is currently awaiting completion in Cubase - but it gives you a good idea of the tone:

<b><a href=http://www.munkio.com/music/Victor/Sketchin%20-%20(Tenor%20Bass).mp3>Sketchin'</a></b>
 
#24
urb_munki said:
what I missed off my Matt garrison piece on the TB homepage is that Matt is doing a tour of Japan to promote Fodera basses with a Japanese dude who is basically the rep over in Japan and has this list of crazy rich clients who are prepared to pay - wait for it - well in excess of $12,000 for a Fodera. Matt knows this is nuts nut I have it on good authority from a Japanese guitarist friend of mine who says these business men types (the ones who also buy Van Gough paintings for $22 millioin+) literally hang the bass on the wall like a piece of art - just nuts man.

My thoughts are on all this, IMO, over-pricing is that the sort of tone that you get, say from a Wooten model Fodera, is achievable by other means, and certainly with a different bass. I can get a very Wooten-esque tone from my Warwick Thumb, so much so that a friend of mine said (when I played him some 'Stomping Grounds' - which has that bass intro) that he said <b>"Oh, does Wooten use a Warwick...?"</b> - because he'd heard me play it with a very similar sound on the Warwick - you don't need one of his basses, or an Anthony Jackson bass, or a Matt Garrison bass etc. to sound like them - which is kind of what you want to avoid in the long run anyway - because you want <b>YOUR OWN SOUND</b>....

This is an idea I recorded using my Warwick as a tenor bass - apologies for the sligthtly 'sketchy' bits - I have made this into a full song which is currently awaiting completion in Cubase - but it gives you a good idea of the tone:

<b><a href=http://www.munkio.com/music/Victor/Sketchin%20-%20(Tenor%20Bass).mp3>Sketchin'</a></b>
Click to expand...

While the recording's cool it definately doesn't sound like a Fodera. Now, this is certainly not a bad thing but I guarentee that your Warwick doesn't play like a Fodera either. Playing a great Fodera (like anything else they're not all great) is like strapping on a bass, putting your hands in position and watching your hands play without you. The damn things play themselves! Warwick has never made a bass that I've played that even comes close. Most companys havn't.
 
#25
I hear that dude - I'm just saying that unless you really 'need' a bass of Fodera quality - it's soooo much cash to pay for one. But I would still love to own one - especially after hearing Tom Kennendy with Weckl - his tone was awesome! I have a very playable Warwick though - believe me - most aren't as nice as mine...I think Fodera still trade on their name though - which is bad for the broke brilliant players out there - but fair enough for the crap rich ones...IMO!
 
#26
urb_munki said:
I hear that dude - I'm just saying that unless you really 'need' a bass of Fodera quality - it's soooo much cash to pay for one. But I would still love to own one - especially after hearing Tom Kennendy with Weckl - his tone was awesome! I have a very playingable Warwick though - believe me - most aren't as nice as mine...I think they still trade on their name though - which is bad for the broke brilliant players out there - but fair enough for the crap rich ones...IMO!
Click to expand...

Agreed. The thing is that it's a double edged sword. It's the rich folks that both keep Fodera going but also drive the prices higher. As longs as people will pay the prices than why not sell them for that much? It keeps Joe Lauricella's Porsche running smoothly. :D
 
#28
emjazz said:
Agreed. The thing is that it's a double edged sword. It's the rich folks that both keep Fodera going but also drive the prices higher. As longs as people will pay the prices than why not sell them for that much? It keeps Joe Lauricella's Porsche running smoothly. :D
Click to expand...

I completely agree - it's just a shame that <b>we</b> end up in discussions like this instead of working on our playing!!! I can see that creating a 'myth' around a certain brand - while maintainig high standards and a great rep with top players is all good - but success sometimes has a negative side - I just wish the whole thing was less materialistic - we bass players should try to be less materialistic, it's bad for the soul. FACT!
 
#29
urb_munki said:
I completely agree - it's just a shame that <b>we</b> end up in discussions like this instead of working on our playing!!! I can see that creating a 'myth' around a certain brand - while maintainig high standards and a great rep with top players is all good - but success sometimes has a negative side - I just wish the whole thing was less materialistic - we bass players should try to be less materialistic, it's bad for the soul. FACT!
Click to expand...

Agreed. I'm just gonna keep workin hard untill Fodera cuts the price for me. ;)
 
#30
urb_munki said:
I hear that dude - I'm just saying that unless you really 'need' a bass of Fodera quality - it's soooo much cash to pay for one. But I would still love to own one - especially after hearing Tom Kennendy with Weckl - his tone was awesome! I have a very playingable Warwick though - believe me - most aren't as nice as mine...I think Fodera still trade on their name though - which is bad for the broke brilliant players out there - but fair enough for the crap rich ones...IMO!
Click to expand...

If you "want" one and can afford it, what's wrong with that ?

I just don't get the argument.
 
#31
Nick Bassman said:
If you "want" one and can afford it, what's wrong with that ?

I just don't get the argument.
Click to expand...

Nothing.

I have no argument, just no money...there's nothing wrong with buying what the hell you want, whenever you want.

I really have to do some work now - this is a great topic but I have to split - I could be here all day otherwise! If y'all can afford a Fodera go ahead and buy one - I would if I could but I can't...nuff said from me.

Please continue without me....
 

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