Fodera Club Part XXII

[Mitchthebassplayer]

My problem is that I don't have any crappy instruments left.... 2 Fender CS (one Master Built) and 2 Feodoras.... at least my basses don't look expensive

ha true....well I just always take my bass with me (hotel, green room, etc.) and I'm a pro at getting my bass on the plane at this point so luckily it's not too big of an issue for me.

Wanna buy some crappy basses? haha

 

[tommixx]

Most people don't know a Fodera from a Fedora, and situational awareness is key. Bad stuff can happen...but playing a cheap Ibanez on a gig pretty much guarantees bad stuff will happen

This...X 1000! My basses are made to play! I am doing about 230 Plus shows a year with the same band and am about to order Emperor Standard #86 from Bass Central most likely tomorrow for the gig. I keep an eye on my basses and take them home or into the hotel at night on weeks I am out of town. Sure things can and do happen, but life is too short to compromise on tone or playability and besides, Foderas just do it for me! Pics to come when she arrives in a few days...

Peace,

T

 

[Lugzy]

I hear ya!

I use mostly my Fodera when I play my own music or other bands where I play fusion, world, jazz, funk. For more pop/rock gigs which I do a lof as sideman I play a J or P style bass because it's suits the music best

 

[Lugzy]

The association that every electric bassist is a Fender bassist makes me want to scream!! I read a review of a Stanley Clarke gig in London about 4/5 years ago where the reviewer (who shall remain nameless) referred to Stanley as "Fender bassist." And this was by a so called authority on the jazz scene. The MD's at Alembic would probably spit blood if they read that.

I used my AJ6 a theater gig this summer, one of the cast members asked what type of fender bass I was playing..lol

 

[Robin Ruscio]

Any speculation on a six string standard coming out in the future? If they make an AJ6 standard I may have to get a second mortgage!!

I think Jason noted that less then 10% of their basses are 6s once on this thread, so it was unlikely. (Maybe it was even less then that.)

I am jonesing for a six again after watching a great AJ clip this afternoon. It gave me some inspired chordal improving time on my Imperial 5, and while I was feeling so much gratitude for that bass, I have really been obsessing about the build specs on a 6. I would really like to do something with a walnut body, tighter spacing and 33". Mini AJ6/MG blend, anyone?

I have to sell one of my double basses and my Emp 2 5 string first though. . . anyone looking?

 

[nostatic]

I think Jason noted that less then 10% of their basses are 6s once on this thread, so it was unlikely. (Maybe it was even less then that.)

I'm willing to bet that less than 10% of their basses are fretless, yet they sold out the first run of M4S fretli.

 

[Lugzy]

On a personal note, I took my Emperor5 (a very classy looking bass, once owned by J. Thumping) out on it's maiden voyage this weekend and I was so thrilled to be playing a quality instrument.

I was apprehensive about taking a bass that was in pristine condition, out of the confines of the home or a studio environment and half expected the PA systems (or the lack of) to be sub-standard and their engineers no better. It was fun hearing that bass. Sunday night was the last gig, we broke down the gear, had some drinks with the locals and loaded up the van. The drummer (front-man) and I brought out the first item, his stands case & got it into the van. He turns round puts a hand on my shoulder and say's "I didn't want to tell you as I knew you'd be upset but my dad died on Saturday morning." I felt myself well-up and lept out of that van, found an alley and had a good cry. He and I have been buddies since age 17, we're now 54 yrs old, so we go back a ways.

His father was a staunch supporter of his son's talent and would come to our gigs when possible. Thing is, when he was there we'd always deliver a blistering set, otherwise you'd face that piercing wit of his until you'd redeemed yourself. His son played on Saturday and Sunday with the same conviction as always and his demeanour was as usual, jovial & hearty, testament to the consummate professional he is.

In short, we don't know what life holds for us, so while you have it, enjoy it and as the guy's at Fodera will tell you "Those basses we're meant to be played, they're not museum pieces, so as beautiful as they are they should be heard. To those who own one or are about to "Play those Fodera's in good health..

Cheers..

 

[DELACIUS]

wow, Imagine selling you Fodera (or Foderas) and buying as much as you can cheap basses and bring them all on every gig.

btw Len, did you get married?

 

[Jared Lash]

The association that every electric bassist is a Fender bassist makes me want to scream!! I read a review of a Stanley Clarke gig in London about 4/5 years ago where the reviewer (who shall remain nameless) referred to Stanley as "Fender bassist." And this was by a so called authority on the jazz scene. The MD's at Alembic would probably spit blood if they read that.

That's a carry over from a long time ago. At one point the Musician's Unions (at least in NYC and LA) only had two listings for bassists - Upright Bassists and Fender Bassists. A testament to the ubiquity of Fenders at that point in time.

The only times I've ever heard "Fender Bassist" used to mean all electric players it's usually from guys who have been involved in the music scene for a looooong time.

 

[Damian Coccio]

So guys what do you do when you show up at an open jazz jam in a horrid neighbor hood with shady cats (and seriously talented cats btw) where equipment is provided only to have to play through a 12" $300 amp with a ripped cone? In the end its about how and what you play, your ideas. In my studio and on a nice gig, of course the fodera comes out - I'm not keeping museum pieces. Obviously next time ill avoid off topic stuff.

 

[Mitchthebassplayer]

I stopped going to those jams years ago....

 

[Lugzy]

Yeah...I think one I refer to was thawed out of his cryogenically preserved state so he could taunt us for a few more years...

The only times I've ever heard "Fender Bassist" used to mean all electric players it's usually from guys who have been involved in the music scene for a looooong time.

 

[Lugzy]

Not at all, you hit a rich subject vein.. I think Nostatic summed it up perfectly when he said "situational awareness is key." i.e to be forewarned is to be forearmed, therefore, if you know the jam is in an unsafe environment "Don't whip out your Fodera, better still don't bring it at all, that's what the Ibanez is for...

So guys what do you do when you show up at an open jazz jam in a horrid neighbor hood with shady cats (and seriously talented cats btw) where equipment is provided only to have to play through a 12" $300 amp with a ripped cone? In the end its about how and what you play, your ideas. In my studio and on a nice gig, of course the fodera comes out - I'm not keeping museum pieces. Obviously next time ill avoid off topic stuff.

 

[Damian Coccio]

I stopped going to those jams years ago....

I hear ya brother, but for me not going is a luxury I can't afford. You are a pro touring musician, I'm not. I'm just a guy about to turn 40 that's got a fire going to get things done before my body gives out...lol. Expanding the circle around here seems to be about going to these events ( not all of them are shady but still borderline on the bring Fodera or bring junk ) especially if your not a music major. That's after several years of networking through other many other channels that simply didn't work, the caliber of musician just isn't happening through those channels.

 

[Mitchthebassplayer]

I hear ya brother, but for me not going is a luxury I can't afford. You are a pro touring musician, I'm not. I'm just a guy about to turn 40 that's got a fire going to get things done before my body gives out...lol. Expanding the circle around here seems to be about going to these events ( not all of them are shady but still borderline on the bring Fodera or bring junk ) especially if your not a music major. That's after several years of networking through other many other channels that simply didn't work, the caliber of musician just isn't happening through those channels.

yeah, I think it also depends on where you're located. Def going to be harder to find great musicians in rural communities vs cities. But nothing wrong with playing clubs and expanding your networking circle. I honestly don't even do too much touring anymore. I went from stadiums, to smaller venues with several bands, to pretty much just one band. I still have lots of friends on some major tours making $2500+ a week, but they do that for a couple months and then don't know where their next gig is coming from when they get back and they're poor for the next 8 months until they get another call. I've turned down several offers like those being too scared to lose my full time gigs and now my phone stopped ringing with those kind of calls. I play more weddings than anything to pay the bills now, but where I am, there are insanely talented musicians doing these weddings as well. It may not be the coolest gig, or get all the chicks, but at this point I just feel like my time is worth $100+ an hour instead of $22 in tips and 2 free beers for the night. But I'm sure doing this for another 10 years, I'll find myself combing the clubs again at 40 looking for something exciting! haha it's all perspective!

 

[Just Thumpin']

IMHO that's what insurance is for. Seriously, I take mine everywhere -- including some places that I worry about my car getting robbed while I am inside playing. If my bass gets stolen, it's insured...

J

Ok this is a bit off topic, but.... I'm playing in some seriously shady areas. I'm not keen on bringing out a Fodera, sorry. I'd like to get something that's reasonably playable and sounds half decent and costs less than $5-800. I posted it here, because if you own a Fodera you know what playable and sounds good actually means. Thanks in advance and just pm me if you have an idea and aren't comfortable posting it here. Thanks!

 

[Just Thumpin']

+100000000000000!!!

J

you just have to feel good about your own decisions whatever they may be. Cool.

 

[Just Thumpin']

I think it's a safe bet that there will never be an AJ6 Standard. That said, I would NOT bet against a 6-string Standard sometime in 2014...did I just say that?

J

Any speculation on a six string standard coming out in the future? If they make an AJ6 standard I may have to get a second mortgage!!

 

[Just Thumpin']

Right on both accounts...

J

I'm willing to bet that less than 10% of their basses are fretless, yet they sold out the first run of M4S fretli.

 

[Just Thumpin']

I am so thrilled by this news!!! Enjoy it!!!!

J

On a personal note, I took my Emperor5 (a very classy looking bass, once owned by J. Thumping) out on it's maiden voyage this weekend and I was so thrilled to be playing a quality instrument.

I was apprehensive about taking a bass that was in pristine condition, out of the confines of the home or a studio environment and half expected the PA systems (or the lack of) to be sub-standard and their engineers no better. It was fun hearing that bass. Sunday night was the last gig, we broke down the gear, had some drinks with the locals and loaded up the van. The drummer (front-man) and I brought out the first item, his stands case & got it into the van. He turns round puts a hand on my shoulder and say's "I didn't want to tell you as I knew you'd be upset but my dad died on Saturday morning." I felt myself well-up and lept out of that van, found an alley and had a good cry. He and I have been buddies since age 17, we're now 54 yrs old, so we go back a ways.

His father was a staunch supporter of his son's talent and would come to our gigs when possible. Thing is, when he was there we'd always deliver a blistering set, otherwise you'd face that piercing wit of his until you'd redeemed yourself. His son played on Saturday and Sunday with the same conviction as always and his demeanour was as usual, jovial & hearty, testament to the consummate professional he is.

In short, we don't know what life holds for us, so while you have it, enjoy it and as the guy's at Fodera will tell you "Those basses we're meant to be played, they're not museum pieces, so as beautiful as they are they should be heard. To those who own one or are about to "Play those Fodera's in good health..

Cheers..