Fodera Club Part XIX

[Vic]

And I must tell you, you should not be scared...you should be TERRIFIED! For the content of your wallet, that is...

No worries then... it's empty. I just checked. Just took delivery of a premium instrument already on-order and having made payments against my Fodera build, well, I have already sold off some of my collection, and am looking to sell at least one more piece, but then I'd like to be done for a while.

 

[tommixx]

That thought alone scares me enough... because I still like the idea of the added variety. We shall see. I know I'll love my new Monarch... the question is, will it be so much that I'll have to have another. I will say this... if I did get another, it'd probably be something with J pickups in it, but I have that sound very well represented already, so I should be good with just the one Fodera, representing something you can only get in a Fodera tone-wise.

LOL...That's what I thought to! I think you will find there is a clarity and definition in the Fodera that is addictive. My sound guy tells me all the time how much clearer my Fodera is and I can hear it onstage as well. I can get the character of a lot of my other basses from the Fodera but NONE of them have the clarity and definition that the Fodera does. The Fodera is without question the best recorded sound I have ever gotten in over 30 years of playing. Mine is only a YYS but it has quickly become my go to 4 string for virtually everything I do. I use a combination of the onboard pre and my processing to get a VERY wide variety of tones even though the YYS is a P/J setup. I was playing my Lakland yesterday and today and after about 30 minutes I realized that it just didn't have the clarity that I have gotten used to in the Fodera. Picked up the Fodera and there it was instantly. The freaky part is I have had the same Fodera strings on her for about 2 months and STILL get that result! When she has new strings on her it is absolutely no comparison to anything else I have compared her to including Spectors, Music Mans, Sadowskys, Laklands, and a few others. The older strings help to make it closer but it still really is evident when you play them side by side. I am interested in a custom Fodera not because of ANYTHING lacking in my YYS at all, but because I really want a 5 and a custom 4 and I really think I could be done. Am thinking about a Yin Yang deluxe 4 with a Maple board and either P/Js or Dual Coils (leaning towards the Dual Coils) and a Monarch Deluxe 5 with an Ebony board and Dual Coils. I can tell you that I was a bit hesitant and skeptical about the YYS but I am definitely hooked now and one Fodera is definitely NOT enough!! Hang on it is going to be a interesting ride for you I am sure...

Peace,

T

 

[curt basner]

...The a** of the Emperor is like on a JB ... on the Viceroy it's just perfect - just between JB & P

A very interesting comment! I asked the Fodera folks to give me a length measurement of a 5 string Emperor (I or II, this measurement is the same). I realize, with that number, and looking at the size of the rest of the bass using that first measurement as a basis, that the EII is almost exactly the same size, dimensionally, as a Fender Jazz, which I also have/play. Given that, my concern about the EII being too large has pretty much been put to rest.

So now, what about that third Fodera...?

 

[Vic]

...Mine is only a YYS

I don't think you are allowed to use the word "only" in this context.

Hang on it is going to be a interesting ride for you I am sure...

 

[tommixx]

I don't think you are allowed to use the word "only" in this context.

LOL! Agreed but you certainly got my point...

There is definitely nothing at all lacking in the YYS!! I have had quite a few people play mine at this point and they ALL immediately say "I HAVE to get me a Fodera" or something to that effect. Even some guys who are die hard skeptics have been won over to the dark side after just a few minutes playing mine!

FWIW - I am considering getting an ES5 but I KNOW that I will still want a more custom version in a 5 string and have resisted pulling the trigger primarily because I would prefer an Ebony board and the Monarch body shape with the Custom Preamp but I must admit it is getting harder to do so...

Peace,

T

 

[nostatic]

I'm of two minds on that. On the one hand, if you're not necessarily set on the ebony board and Monarch shape, then hard to beat the standard. Maybe you'll prefer the pau ferro. If however you know that you are definitely an ebony guy and you really want the Monarch body, then best to buy right, buy once.

Or get the standard to play while you're waiting for the custom to be built

 

[Lennard III.]

A very interesting comment! I asked the Fodera folks to give me a length measurement of a 5 string Emperor (I or II, this measurement is the same). I realize, with that number, and looking at the size of the rest of the bass using that first measurement as a basis, that the EII is almost exactly the same size, dimensionally, as a Fender Jazz, which I also have/play. Given that, my concern about the EII being too large has pretty much been put to rest.

So now, what about that third Fodera...?

they are (or at least very identical) - I have both (the JB and the Emperor) hanging on my wall next to each other

As for your question - all my future Foderas would have Holly Tops - it can't get more timeless and it's so creamy white...

 

[tommixx]

I'm of two minds on that. On the one hand, if you're not necessarily set on the ebony board and Monarch shape, then hard to beat the standard. Maybe you'll prefer the pau ferro. If however you know that you are definitely an ebony guy and you really want the Monarch body, then best to buy right, buy once.

Or get the standard to play while you're waiting for the custom to be built

and THAT is EXACTLY where I am right now LOL! I know you know what I am going through at the moment...

Peace,

T

 

[Vic]

FWIW - I am considering getting an ES5 but I KNOW that I will still want a more custom version in a 5 string and have resisted pulling the trigger primarily because I would prefer an Ebony board and the Monarch body shape with the Custom Preamp but I must admit it is getting harder to do so...

Peace,

T

That is PRECISELY how I ended up where I am with a Custom Monarch instead of the (also amazing) ES5.

BAM!

Fired back atcha!!!

 

[Baird6869]

That is PRECISELY how I ended up where I am with a Custom Monarch instead of the (also amazing) ES5.

BAM!

Fired back atcha!!!

And I am even nuttier.... I bought my E5S first THEN ordered a Monarch with an ebony board.

I personally don't see the Custom pre as a huge upgrade over the standard though. The Standard pre is still killer.

I went with the Monarch as I love the shape but I think ebony, mahogany, walnut top, set neck and Duncan DCs will be a cool contrasting bass to the E5S.

 

[jumbodbassman]

I'm of two minds on that. On the one hand, if you're not necessarily set on the ebony board and Monarch shape, then hard to beat the standard. Maybe you'll prefer the pau ferro. If however you know that you are definitely an ebony guy and you really want the Monarch body, then best to buy right, buy once.

Or get the standard to play while you're waiting for the custom to be built

we know of a few of you that have done that don't we

 

[tommixx]

And I am even nuttier.... I bought my E5S first THEN ordered a Monarch with an ebony board.

I personally don't see the Custom pre as a huge upgrade over the standard though. The Standard pre is still killer.

I went with the Monarch as I love the shape but I think ebony, mahogany, walnut top, set neck and Duncan DCs will be a cool contrasting bass to the E5S.

I have come SO close to doing this! LOL! It's not so much the preamp differences as opposed to the PUP/Preamp combination of the Dual coils for me. I probably should have been a little more clear on that. I think the Dual Coils even with the Standard Pre would give me more than I could wish for. I would also be looking at different woods in addition to the fingerboard to give me exactly what I an looking for. On the Yin Yang Deluxe I would LOVE to wind up with THE ULTIMATE P bass and Stingray (but with even more balls and a bit more tonal control) in one 4 string that could do any gig I might run into. The 5 would be a bit more of my utility bass that could do a lot of things clearly and definitively and still be flexible enough to give me a good P bass type tone, Stingrayish cut, and Jazz bass flavor with a 5th string which I would play maybe 25% of the time. Then again the 5 could be so great that it inspired me to play it more...Either way, I think I would have 2 of the greatest instruments ever made...

Peace,

T

 

[bThumper38]

Hey guys long time listener, first time caller, So I've been chomping at the bit for this one, and the timing just worked out for me. She's in Fedex hands right now and due to arrive tomorrow. I don't know how you all can wait two years for a bass, I'm having a hell of a time waiting two days. Special thanks to JASON for taking the time to talk to me last month and decide which way I wanted to go whether it be special order or not. This one is spot on what I want from woods, body style etc........Can't wait to have her in my hands. Her name is Frida............ here's the newborn link.....................http://www.fodera.com/Main/NewBornDetails.aspx?FeaturedItemID=619

 

[steubig]

if her name is frida, where's the unabrow?

 

[bThumper38]

didn't you see the dark patch between the pickups=)

 

[steubig]

i did.

not convinced, however. ;-)

 

[bThumper38]

"i did.

not convinced, however. ;-)"


Be that as it may=) I like your collection, One will suffice for me.

 

[steubig]

famous last words . . .

(play fretless?)

 

[bThumper38]

I do indeed, but I just like a jazz style passive 4-banger for fretless, but yes I can't say what'll happen down the road, G.A.S. might rear it's ugly head.

 

[nostatic]

One will suffice for me.

quoted for a future extortion attempt