Fodera Club Part IX

[ian_s]

If you can make that choice, you can't go wrong.

 

[nostatic]

I have played many gigs that lasted several hours, all standing. I am 6'1" as well, about 200, but I'm fairly athletic. I know not everyone is the same of course, but speaking on average MOST people are overweight. It's just a general point, obviously it doesn't go for everyone.

True enough - just hits a bit close to home as I see a fair amount of "go to the gym" comments in the TB weight threads and as someone who played competitive sports much of my life (hence the injuries) and crashed a motorcycle or three, the gym can't turn back the clock on my now 50 year old body. In fact I've had my back go out while doing Tai Chi (which is my regular exercise these days) - if that ain't sad/funny I don't know what it

 

[Tom7]

@ Tom7 - You wrote, above: "If I were to get another Yin Yang, it would probably be a Standard, but if it were to be a Deluxe, I'd probably ask for a white or cream cover on the jazz pickup at the bridge." I wrote to Fodera to ask them that very question, if they would replace the bridge pickup cover with a cream or white cover. Jason wrote that they would be happy to do it, but that they'd tried it before, and it looked awful, which is why they don't offer that as a standard option.

Thanks. I'd have to order both and try it myself I think.

 

[emjazz]

I don't complain about weight and I gig frequently. And I've known builders who saw the same corelations that Jason mentioned re weight.

If I could find a lighter weight bass that sounded somewhere in the vicinity of my Contrabass or any of my main gigging basses I'd likely own it. I've looked at damn near everything available over the last 30 years and so far it just hasn't happened. I'll be the first to admit it should I ever come across it.


I'd guess the main thing that's missing IME is getting an instrument that's capable of extremely hard-hitting attack that's articulate but maintains well above average depth. When you hear it against most (actually just about "all" with a couple of unicorn type exceptions) lighter basses they pale in comparison. All IME, which is by most standards pretty extensive.

I understand physical conditions that drive people to need to deal with lighter instruments, I'm fortunate that it's not an issue for me after all these years.

I agree with all of this. I can't really understand the weight issue when someone can simply sit down and play if the bass sounds and plays that great. Unless someone is in an image based rock band than sitting is always an option.

 

[Robin Ruscio]

I agree with all of this. I can't really understand the weight issue when someone can simply sit down and play if the bass sounds and plays that great. Unless someone is in an image based rock band than sitting is always an option.

I'm pretty much at the point where I don't stand when I play, so that's why I'm ok with this new 10lb + Fodera.

I've had a very painful shoulder problem that began at the end of music school and got worse in my 20's, robbing much of the pleasure of playing. In addition to electric bass, playing extensively in thumb position on URB weakened some other muscles in my trap area. I tried stretching, yoga, weights, acupuncture, alexander technique, chiro, massage, feldenkrais, comfy straps, blah, blah, most of it somewhat helpful, but things have really gotten better since I saw a sports medicine guy who gave me some specific stretches and weight exercises to counteract what happens when I play.

I simply got rid of heavier basses and generally found I was still getting a good tone, though it had it's compromise. It's still twingy but strapping a heavier electric is more tolerable than it's been in awhile, so I think I will be ok if I have to play my new Fodera standing now and then.

I've just gotten used to hauling a stool, and for most of my gigs, it's been OK, but there are some acts where sitting would be a little weird. Like my fake country band. (Don't ask. ) I think I will keep my 8.25 lb Sadowsky for that in addition to being able to keep flats or half rounds on it. But who knows, this Fodera sounds really damn good and I suspect does the jazz bass tone better than a jazz bass. I've yet to play a gig on it.

Anyways, point being, pain from playing is very real and can be a huge hinder to being creative and paying the bills, and yes, I want to stand once in awhile because it's easier than brining and stool and it looks cool. And I will always ask how much a bass weighs before I buy so I can factor in the sitting/standing piece so I can know where I can use it and where I can't. Like that weird smooth jazz gig I just did where the trumpet player kept walking around like he was a chick singer or something.

 

[emjazz]

I'm pretty much at the point where I don't stand when I play, so that's why I'm ok with this new 10lb + Fodera.

I've had a very painful shoulder problem that began at the end of music school and got worse in my 20's, robbing much of the pleasure of playing. In addition to electric bass, playing extensively in thumb position on URB weakened some other muscles in my trap area. I tried stretching, yoga, weights, acupuncture, alexander technique, chiro, massage, feldenkrais, comfy straps, blah, blah, most of it somewhat helpful, but things have really gotten better since I saw a sports medicine guy who gave me some specific stretches and weight exercises to counteract what happens when I play.

I simply got rid of heavier basses and generally found I was still getting a good tone, though it had it's compromise. It's still twingy but strapping a heavier electric is more tolerable than it's been in awhile, so I think I will be ok if I have to play my new Fodera standing now and then.

I've just gotten used to hauling a stool, and for most of my gigs, it's been OK, but there are some acts where sitting would be a little weird. Like my fake country band. (Don't ask. ) I think I will keep my 8.25 lb Sadowsky for that in addition to being able to keep flats or half rounds on it. But who knows, this Fodera sounds really damn good and I suspect does the jazz bass tone better than a jazz bass. I've yet to play a gig on it.

Anyways, point being, pain from playing is very real and can be a huge hinder to being creative and paying the bills, and yes, I want to stand once in awhile because it's easier than brining and stool and it looks cool. And I will always ask how much a bass weighs before I buy so I can factor in the sitting/standing piece so I can know where I can use it and where I can't. Like that weird smooth jazz gig I just did where the trumpet player kept walking around like he was a chick singer or something.

I hear you Robin. I myself was in a car accident years ago. I had to stop playing upright and I couldn't stand with the electric or else I couldn't sleep for days. I got used to sitting and now I prefer it. I still stand once in a while (back has gotten much better over the years) but I still prefer to sit. I never considered a lighter instrument because I've never found one that I've liked the sound of.

 

[Angus]

I never stand and play, whether on a gig or in the studio. Sitting is generally always available, and there is no need to stand on most gigs.

The one exception is on rock gigs- of which I've played huuuuundreds but don't really anymore unless I'm subbing- but those are basically non-existent these days.

So having switching between 8, 10.5 and 13-lb basses has never made a difference to me.

 

[Just Thumpin']

There are very few decisions that we get to make in life that are truly win:win. Both will play and sound amazingly. The Deluxe adds a bit of scarcity (limited to 6 per year), of the highest level of woodworking we do here at Fodera and a better feeling sculpted heelblock. Of course it comes at a cost, but really (and I speak from owning and regularly playing both), you will love either one...

Unless you are routinely soling in the upper register (north of the 17th fret) you will not feel a difference between the two...

Cheers,

J

I have been thinking and pondering and agonizing, and thinking some more... Normally, I don't have issues with my financial situation, but sometimes it would be nice to be able to make decisions like this without a thought about the cost. That said, the cost of going Fodera won't change a thing in my life (like not being able to make a house payment, or sending my kid to school (tuition costs), or....)

There is a Yin Yang Deluxe available that should be ready in 3-4 weeks. From what EVERYONE has said in every thread that the YY Standards are discussed, there are no downsides, and even a few upsides, compared to the YY Deluxe. Except...for the even more amazing elegance and beauty of the woodwork on the Deluxe, the top, the neck, the headstock... One of the reasons I want a Fodera is the craftsmanship. While clearly present in the Standard, there is a different type in the Deluxe. Would I be happy with a Standard? No doubt! Would I appreciate the beauty of the Deluxe, at almost 2.5x the price? I would. So...I'll make my choice in a day or so...

 

[Lennard III.]

Do you guys know the COMFORT STRAPP ?????

I use this strapps since 10 years and I even hardly feel my 10+lbs Walnut Foderas .... with a normal strapp I would suffer but with the Comfort Strapp it just feels great.

 

[TimothyGroovy]

Paul Turner on Fodera NYC!
Paul Turner jammin' with the MyBeat metronome by KnowledgeRocks - YouTube

 

[cnltb]

He's been seen with Ps MMs, F bass, Jazzes, Sei,Alleva Coppolo,etc, so I'm not surprised he'd try an fodera NYC as well.

 

[DELACIUS]

Do you guys know the COMFORT STRAPP ?????

I use this strapps since 10 years and I even hardly feel my 10+lbs Walnut Foderas .... with a normal strapp I would suffer but with the Comfort Strapp it just feels great.

Yep I got one... and that is true, strap is (for me) very important, it makes my playing easier... if you know what I mean

Goran... I think your English is pretty darn good..

Unfortunately, for me, weight is a an issue because of neck/back problems. The fellas chambered my MG which helped considerably. Although it is not as light as my '83 monarch, which is a svelte 8.2 lbs, with the great balance, ergonomics and 33" scale I've been able to play 3 hour gigs with no real problem.

Thanks a lot, well hope I won't have those problems, I just love when bass is little heavier (judging by others), for me it's not... for now

 

[Robin Ruscio]

Just put some sample clips as well as a few comments about my new Fodera Emperor II on my blog. (I can't figure out how to directly link the audio here, but it's a click away.)

I think these capture the bass very well. Sound quality is degraded a bit by the player but you'll still get a sense of the quality of this bass. I was floored by how well it records and how many sounds I can get out of it!

Recorded on garage band through an Aguilar Tone Hammer. (I use it on everything- part of my "sound".)

The New Fodera Emperor II Elite | Robin Ruscio

 

[Wilson_D]

Wow, after following this thread for a while and seeing all the magnificent basses all you guys have, I am left feeling somehow inadequate with my NYC Fodera. Guess I'm gonna have to start saving my pennies and jump up to a higher level bass-wise. LOL! I got the NYC back when I was still working a day gig full time, probably should have upped the ante then for a Monarch 5 or Imperial 5. All kidding aside, I am always amazed every time I play my NYC. I own a 59 Fender P and a 64 Jazz and I never play them anymore since I got the NYC. I can only imagine the bliss of a higher end Fodera. Well, keep posting the pics and sound links, I truly enjoy sharing in all your bliss!

 

[nostatic]

Unless you are routinely soling in the upper register (north of the 17th fret) you will not feel a difference between the two...

You mean I'm allowed to play up there?!?

Clearly the only sane solution is two have one or more of each. Jason is ahead of the pack on that one

 

[DELACIUS]

Just put some sample clips as well as a few comments about my new Fodera Emperor II on my blog. (I can't figure out how to directly link the audio here, but it's a click away.)

I think these capture the bass very well. Sound quality is degraded a bit by the player but you'll still get a sense of the quality of this bass. I was floored by how well it records and how many sounds I can get out of it!

Recorded on garage band through an Aguilar Tone Hammer. (I use it on everything- part of my "sound".)

The New Fodera Emperor II Elite | Robin Ruscio

Nice stuff on you blog under media/audio , nice playing....
But for me I can't play the Fodera clips.... no idea why... check it out... thanks

 

[chris.gotfunk]

Just put some sample clips as well as a few comments about my new Fodera Emperor II on my blog. (I can't figure out how to directly link the audio here, but it's a click away.)

I think these capture the bass very well. Sound quality is degraded a bit by the player but you'll still get a sense of the quality of this bass. I was floored by how well it records and how many sounds I can get out of it!

Recorded on garage band through an Aguilar Tone Hammer. (I use it on everything- part of my "sound".)

The New Fodera Emperor II Elite | Robin Ruscio

Congrats!!! Good Lord does that bass sound incredible!!!! THAT is the perfect tone to my ears! Excellent playing as well.

 

[theNoseBleedKid]

Just put some sample clips as well as a few comments about my new Fodera Emperor II on my blog. (I can't figure out how to directly link the audio here, but it's a click away.)

I think these capture the bass very well. Sound quality is degraded a bit by the player but you'll still get a sense of the quality of this bass. I was floored by how well it records and how many sounds I can get out of it!

Recorded on garage band through an Aguilar Tone Hammer. (I use it on everything- part of my "sound".)

The New Fodera Emperor II Elite | Robin Ruscio

I could only get one clip to play (well, what happened is each one played the same 3.58 track!).

The bass did sound great, though!

 

[Robin Ruscio]

Nice stuff on you blog under media/audio , nice playing....
But for me I can't play the Fodera clips.... no idea why... check it out... thanks

Sometimes the player gets funky, try again later. I was just chatting with my web guy about alternatives but there's nothing that's jumping out at us.

 

[nostatic]

I was able to play The Chicken, but then clicking on another one just left that loaded. I closed the player, clicked another one and it timed out buffering (was trying to load some metrics from yahoo.com?). Sounded cool though...