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Fodera Club Part VI
- Thread starter Bryan R. Tyler
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Just Thumpin'
Commercial User
- Mar 7, 2008
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- Manager and Partner, Fodera Guitars (10/14/09 - 12/16/19)
So the launch went very well yesterday. Lot's of folks took video and hopefully some of that will surface soon on Youtube. The links posted thus far on TB have NOT been of the Yin Yang Standard. Vic is planning on using the new bass throughout the rest of the show, so I am sure there will be many opportunities for people to see and hear it.
In terms of those of you that were disappointed with the announcement and/or feel that the bass is too pricey for what it is...not every instrument is right for every person. The Yin Yang Standard is intended for a group of players that want our tone and playability AND love the look of the Yin Yang bass that Vinny and Joey designed back in 1995. It has been our most requested model, but unfortunately we only make six per year and because of how hard they are to build, they have been very expensive.
I guess the good news is that the pricing and specs seem to be resonating with at least some people because the first 30 sold out in under 4 hours (3 hours and 57 minutes to be exact).
Having spent a lot of time playing them, these are really, really wonderful basses. I own multiple other Monarchs personally, and one of these will very happily exist alongside the others.
In terms of how and where they will be made...everything except the initial work on the neck (rough shaping and initial fretwork) will be done in the Brooklyn shop. Vinny, Joey, me and the rest of the team will be very much involved with EVERY one. These are not an outsourced, factory made instrument -- they are Foderas in every sense except that they may not be customized in any way.
The initial work on each neck will be handcrafted in Japan using our wood by the same artisans with whom we have worked for over 15 years (on the NYC's)...and, to provide some comfort in this regard, if and when the Youtube video does surface, you will hear Victor say something like, "this might be the best playing neck of any of my Foderas." I am paraphrasing because the launch was completely unrehearsed and yesterday at 5:00 pm was the first time Victor actually played the finished instrument, so everyone there was getting his unvarnished opinion...
Regards,
J
In terms of those of you that were disappointed with the announcement and/or feel that the bass is too pricey for what it is...not every instrument is right for every person. The Yin Yang Standard is intended for a group of players that want our tone and playability AND love the look of the Yin Yang bass that Vinny and Joey designed back in 1995. It has been our most requested model, but unfortunately we only make six per year and because of how hard they are to build, they have been very expensive.
I guess the good news is that the pricing and specs seem to be resonating with at least some people because the first 30 sold out in under 4 hours (3 hours and 57 minutes to be exact).
Having spent a lot of time playing them, these are really, really wonderful basses. I own multiple other Monarchs personally, and one of these will very happily exist alongside the others.
In terms of how and where they will be made...everything except the initial work on the neck (rough shaping and initial fretwork) will be done in the Brooklyn shop. Vinny, Joey, me and the rest of the team will be very much involved with EVERY one. These are not an outsourced, factory made instrument -- they are Foderas in every sense except that they may not be customized in any way.
The initial work on each neck will be handcrafted in Japan using our wood by the same artisans with whom we have worked for over 15 years (on the NYC's)...and, to provide some comfort in this regard, if and when the Youtube video does surface, you will hear Victor say something like, "this might be the best playing neck of any of my Foderas." I am paraphrasing because the launch was completely unrehearsed and yesterday at 5:00 pm was the first time Victor actually played the finished instrument, so everyone there was getting his unvarnished opinion...
Regards,
J
Just Thumpin'
Commercial User
- Mar 7, 2008
- 4,534
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- Disclosures
- Manager and Partner, Fodera Guitars (10/14/09 - 12/16/19)
Simply because they are the very first 10 of a new model and presumably that has some value on an emotional / sentimental / collectible level. Customers were given the option of choosing one of the first 10 or #'s 11-20. The first 10 with the price premium sold out in 5 minutes...
Just Thumpin'
Commercial User
- Mar 7, 2008
- 4,534
- 1,664
- Disclosures
- Manager and Partner, Fodera Guitars (10/14/09 - 12/16/19)
I know that someone is going to ask, "Why is the Yin Yang Standard Neck being made in Japan," so I figure I will answer the question proactively.
Firstly, it was NOT to save money. The saving money part was in the decision to build a one-piece, flat headstock neck rather than our usual 3-piece, angled headstock neck. We could easily build the entire Yin Yang neck in the Brooklyn shop less expensively than we could by working with the shop in Japan. However, they frankly have far more experience with this neck build than we do and they are incredible, old-school artisans just like Joey and Vinny. So, given the decision between spending less to build the neck here or a bit more to build it in Japan and gain the experience of people who have hand carved literally thousands of bolt-on, one-piece, flat headstock necks over the years (while we here at Fodera may have done less than 100), we opted for the latter.
So, our Japanese team will do all of the initial carving and fretting and we will do the finishing and final fretwork in the Brooklyn shop. Over time (and based on Joey and my next trip to Japan), we may actually do the finish work in Japan as well...but we would first need to work with our team there on spraying the Yin Yang design and see how that goes...
Firstly, it was NOT to save money. The saving money part was in the decision to build a one-piece, flat headstock neck rather than our usual 3-piece, angled headstock neck. We could easily build the entire Yin Yang neck in the Brooklyn shop less expensively than we could by working with the shop in Japan. However, they frankly have far more experience with this neck build than we do and they are incredible, old-school artisans just like Joey and Vinny. So, given the decision between spending less to build the neck here or a bit more to build it in Japan and gain the experience of people who have hand carved literally thousands of bolt-on, one-piece, flat headstock necks over the years (while we here at Fodera may have done less than 100), we opted for the latter.
So, our Japanese team will do all of the initial carving and fretting and we will do the finishing and final fretwork in the Brooklyn shop. Over time (and based on Joey and my next trip to Japan), we may actually do the finish work in Japan as well...but we would first need to work with our team there on spraying the Yin Yang design and see how that goes...
- Apr 23, 2003
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- Artist Relations/Product Specialist: Mesa Boogie
No doubt....that is a serious, serious machine. Kudos to Mike and the Fodera crew.
1) of course it isn't. Goes without saying.
2)The cynic would say.." well, you're a business person out to sell something..."
3)
Off course he would say that...it's got his name on it and I it only makes sense for him to say something like this.
I don't mean to sound negative and wish fodera luck with this model.
Just reflecting mere first
impressions I got from the post I quoted in sections.One hears this business talk/or what tends to come across as "businessperson hyping a product talk" so often however on occasions like this, that it gets real old real quick IMHO.
The viceroy...nice bass it seems!
Looking forward to hearing sound clips7and seeing video at some stage?
I find this approach real shocking, to be honest.
But if people bought into this...more power to them and those for whom it works
You think, on the re sale market anyone is going to be interested in one of the first ten,ever sold "poor man's V.W signature bass"?
However good it may be and I got the feeling it may just be a very nice playing and sounding instrument, but to capitalize on an assumption such as this...cynical at best.
Again... I don't mean to offend anyone but find this attitude almost offensive and quite "cold".
Unless, of course I am missing something.
and..what difference does it make anyways.
Actually, I completely agree, cnltb. Pricing the first 10 higher with the assumption that they may(probably won't) be worth more some day is just gouging the first 10 people foolish enough to bite. So you're saying number 10 is worth more than 11? Very bad idea when the manufacture decides what's going to be collectable in the future.
I gotta say I think you guys are being pretty harsh and negative, whether you mean to or not. It wasn't the first 10 buyers getting gouched with a higher price--it was the buyers that chose to pay for a bass in that serial range. Buyers were given the option of getting a later serial number if they wanted to. Given how much importance are placed on serial #s in general for instruments (and let's be frank about it--it isn't always about playability; and of course nobody is saying the first ten instruments are better instruments than 11-30), I don't see why this is surprising or a big deal. Nobody's being forced to buy anything here. We buy (and play) these instruments because we want them. I'd personally give Jason, Vinny and Joey the benefit of the doubt that they've probably considered this decision in all of its facets far more thoroughly than any of us reading this thread, and that their priorities here are not to make a quick buck (have you visited the shop?) but to make a great instrument at a more comfortable price point for some. With all the commentary hurled at Fodera for their prices, I would think that this opportunity would be welcomed rather than viewed so suspiciously.
+1, they dont deserve to be treated like they took advantage of the buyers. Jason & crew work hard building all day and still make time to keep the bass community informed via this forum and answer individual emails about build spec.
+1
Also, the pricing policy is very clear and nobody was forced to pay $1,000 more for their order unless they wanted #1-10.
I agree with climb's comments, I don't think they are taking advantage of buyers with the 1-10 serial number up-charge for the new yin yang standard, they were purchased by people who cared about the serial number of their bass, which leads me to think they are being purchased for collection rather than use but that's another thing. However I don't think it's a very classy move in that it blatantly shows the business side of things I suppose. I don't mean to jump in and push any negativity in this thread, I enjoy reading it quite a bit.
I agree with the statements above. I have to admit that I personally was disappointed with the Yin Yang standard (mostly because I have always wanted one and the price is still out of reach for me) but some hopeless stupid part of me was actually hoping Fodera was going to introduce a "mass produced" Emperor 5 or something of like for about $2k. Of course, we can all dream can't we?
I know the guys in NY can handle the criticism we are dishing out, but as Charles stated above, I am sure they took more than just 5 minutes to decide if this was a good idea for the company or not. So, kudos to you all (Vinny, Joey and Jason) for giving me a tinge of hope that I may be able to get back on the Fodera wagon in the future.
I know the guys in NY can handle the criticism we are dishing out, but as Charles stated above, I am sure they took more than just 5 minutes to decide if this was a good idea for the company or not. So, kudos to you all (Vinny, Joey and Jason) for giving me a tinge of hope that I may be able to get back on the Fodera wagon in the future.
I am not saying it is wrong per se. It's business and it worked.
Of course they are working very hard, of course all is clear in terms of pricing. It's a business.
And of course it is the buyers choice to buy or not to buy one of these basses.
I respect them and their work but I know many luthiers that work hard( in fact I do not really know any who don't ).
None of them are forcing anyone to buy anything either and all are transparent in terms of pricing and conditions and willing to answer questions.
All these things are normal I think an so they should be.
It is however the first time for me to see a luthier do that 1st ten thing.
That and nothing else is what doesn't "resonate" with me and leaves a funny taste on my tongue.
That's all I said.
Of course they are working very hard, of course all is clear in terms of pricing. It's a business.
And of course it is the buyers choice to buy or not to buy one of these basses.
I respect them and their work but I know many luthiers that work hard( in fact I do not really know any who don't ).
None of them are forcing anyone to buy anything either and all are transparent in terms of pricing and conditions and willing to answer questions.
All these things are normal I think an so they should be.
It is however the first time for me to see a luthier do that 1st ten thing.
That and nothing else is what doesn't "resonate" with me and leaves a funny taste on my tongue.
That's all I said.
I agree Rich. i know someone who bought one of the first 10. He did it because he wanted it, and had the money. And, he certainly didn't care about investment.
I just want to throw my 2 cents in. I've known Vinnie and Joey since they opened the shop back in '83. I've also known Jason for many years. These people don't have a 'rip off' bone in their bodies. They build basses because they love building basses and love the people they build them for. In my opinion this bass, as well as the NYC line, are an attempt to give more people a chance to play a Fodera who could only dream about it before. Plain and simple.
peace
Guy
I think in the history of the electric bass, there have been many incredible innovators as fasr as taking the design of the instrument goes. Jaco really brought the fretless electric bass into the limelight although I do think people used an electric fretless before him, Gary Willis pioneered the ramp and the light touch playing style, and Fodera I think pretty much popularised the extended B headstock. I think we can safely add Mike Pope's name to that list with the movable pickup assembly, not to mention the kickass preamps he builds !!
Bryan R. Tyler
TalkBass: Usurping My Practice Time Since 2002
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Just in that some folks are still confused about it giving a tighter B string- it won't (and can't). It may change the tone and feel of the string, but the tension will not change at all. There's been some research that says it may actually give the string a "looser" feel.
Both of my basses have an extended B headstock FWIW.
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