• TalkBass has been independent since 1998. Add your voice.
    Create a free account to reply to discussions, view embedded media, and browse with fewer display ads.
    Join free Log in
    Want zero display ads or expanded classifieds tools? Compare plans.

Fodera Club Part XXVI

Status
Not open for further replies.
#301
As an eBay Associate, TalkBass may earn a commission from qualifying purchases.
#302
What is this thing? Looks like laser etched.

Not my thing put pretty damned cool IMO.

6c86a6760a87530de1d126d5e6b731aa_zps193ec2d8.jpg
 
#303
Hi All

Yesterday I was up at Bass Club Chicago looking at cabs when a young guy strolled in the shop with a newly acquired Monarch. I've seen a few Foderas but never played one. After checking out the gear I was looking at he plugged in and started play his new bass. This kid is really good, tapping, chording, slapping etc. Jodie from BCC was in the shop and he played some too, really good IMO. The other customer offered to let me play his Monarch (Flame top, mahogany body, rosewood board, EMGs). Wow!!!!! I was blown away how it played, even I sounded pretty ok (to myself anyway). When I left the shop it was all I could think about.

I've been gassin' lately and acquired a Baer ML115, MB Fusion 800, and TH500. I was up there to audition a few Berg Cabs and it was a nice day for a change. I've also been looking at P-basses. I like my NYC Sadowsky UVJ4 well enough but it felt kinda cumbersome (gasp) after playing the Monarch for less than 10 minutes.

So needless to say I emailed Fodera today and got a call from Jason. What a nice guy and so knowledgeable. I've been sitting here reading as much as I can about Foderas.

I really like the Standard MS4 and the YYB, and I'm going back to BBC to play them if in stock. I call Monday.

MS4:
Love the flame top and body style. Don't fancy gold hardware.
Not sure about the medium ash body wood though. I don't want too bright. (I'm 98% finger style). Jason said I could go with Alder or Mahogany to warm it up. Also not sure about the Dual Coils vs. EMG. Jason said they are both versatile but the EMGs are brighter.

YYB:
I think its a cool bass. Like the theme.
I'm pretty sure I won't like Ebony for a board though. Even brighter than maple I think. EMGs would be cool as I like the PJ setup.

Info I've gathered here and the brief talk with Jason, at this moment, I think a MS4 with black hardware would be the most economical and quickest to acquire, not that I'm in that big of a rush.

Also, I don't see myself really using 24 frets either, but that is standard. I'm used to 20, 21, or 22. Not that big of a deal.
Jason told me that they can pretty much craft anything custom and less frets are no problem .. except .. they actually make a custom body which is lengthen and does change the look of the bass. hmmmm. That doesn't sit well with me as I love the look of the Monarch body as is.

Thanks if you care to input to a brand spankin' new Fodera interest.

One other thing: how much difference is there in a bolt-on neck vs. dove tail ???
 
#304
Jason-

Been reading through a bunch of the Fodera threads and caught a bunch of the recent demo videos that have been put up. I wanted to say thank you for all the great insights you've shared. More than anything it's made me think back to a comment you'd made how these instruments are analogous to a fine wine - lots of elements and nuances that all combine together.

It's really great perspective about about designing towards a tone and the instrument design process, the balance of art and science. Really, really insightful stuff and I appreciate how it's made me think about all this in a new way.

Regards,

Lonnybass
 
#306
It was great chatting with you yesterday. Here are a couple of Monarchs with fewer than 24 to have a look at:

[Invalid or Expired Link Removed]

[Invalid or Expired Link Removed]

[Invalid or Expired Link Removed]

Cheers!

J


Big String said:
Hi All

Yesterday I was up at Bass Club Chicago looking at cabs when a young guy strolled in the shop with a newly acquired Monarch. I've seen a few Foderas but never played one. After checking out the gear I was looking at he plugged in and started play his new bass. This kid is really good, tapping, chording, slapping etc. Jodie from BCC was in the shop and he played some too, really good IMO. The other customer offered to let me play his Monarch (Flame top, mahogany body, rosewood board, EMGs). Wow!!!!! I was blown away how it played, even I sounded pretty ok (to myself anyway). When I left the shop it was all I could think about.

I've been gassin' lately and acquired a Baer ML115, MB Fusion 800, and TH500. I was up there to audition a few Berg Cabs and it was a nice day for a change. I've also been looking at P-basses. I like my NYC Sadowsky UVJ4 well enough but it felt kinda cumbersome (gasp) after playing the Monarch for less than 10 minutes.

So needless to say I emailed Fodera today and got a call from Jason. What a nice guy and so knowledgeable. I've been sitting here reading as much as I can about Foderas.

I really like the Standard MS4 and the YYB, and I'm going back to BBC to play them if in stock. I call Monday.

MS4:
Love the flame top and body style. Don't fancy gold hardware.
Not sure about the medium ash body wood though. I don't want too bright. (I'm 98% finger style). Jason said I could go with Alder or Mahogany to warm it up. Also not sure about the Dual Coils vs. EMG. Jason said they are both versatile but the EMGs are brighter.

YYB:
I think its a cool bass. Like the theme.
I'm pretty sure I won't like Ebony for a board though. Even brighter than maple I think. EMGs would be cool as I like the PJ setup.

Info I've gathered here and the brief talk with Jason, at this moment, I think a MS4 with black hardware would be the most economical and quickest to acquire, not that I'm in that big of a rush.

Also, I don't see myself really using 24 frets either, but that is standard. I'm used to 20, 21, or 22. Not that big of a deal.
Jason told me that they can pretty much craft anything custom and less frets are no problem .. except .. they actually make a custom body which is lengthen and does change the look of the bass. hmmmm. That doesn't sit well with me as I love the look of the Monarch body as is.

Thanks if you care to input to a brand spankin' new Fodera interest.

One other thing: how much difference is there in a bolt-on neck vs. dove tail ???
Click to expand...
 
#308
So I took the Monarch out on Friday to a small pub gig. I'd only been planning to use it on a couple of songs to see how it sounded live but I enjoyed it so much I ended up playing it all evening :)

Sounded fabulous. Clear, articulate, great bottom end and a lovely growl on rockier songs. I even slapped on a couple of songs and it sounded fantastic (and I'm really not a slapper at all!). So easy to tweak the tone for subtle song to song changes and the treble roll off did a lot more than just cut high end, seemed to 'organically' alter the core sound and worked great for some of the older rock numbers.

Combined with the new Demeter head I was testing I found I had so much control over the tone and volume simply from my fingers. I've never heard such clearly defined nuances in my playing before - might need to brush up on my technique a bit :lol:

We had a pro photographer at the gig so hopefully I'll get some decent pictures but here's a little snap I took as we were setting up:

13032721213_91c1b3f02b_c.jpg


There were a couple of design guys there from my guitarist's print and design business and they asked in the interval if they could just hold it for a while!

They both proclaimed it was the most beautiful piece of work and design in wood they'd ever seen :)
 
#310
Molan your bass is spectacular!!! I have most of the specs on my future Fodera on paper, but the spec I am having the most trouble making up my mind on is block inlays or Tulips. When I look at your bass its Tulips again!!!
 
#314
Big String said:
I've also been looking at P-basses. I like my NYC Sadowsky UVJ4 well enough but it felt kinda cumbersome (gasp) after playing the Monarch for less than 10 minutes.

So needless to say I emailed Fodera today and got a call from Jason. What a nice guy and so knowledgeable. I've been sitting here reading as much as I can about Foderas.

I really like the Standard MS4 and the YYB, and I'm going back to BBC to play them if in stock. I call Monday.

MS4:
Love the flame top and body style. Don't fancy gold hardware.
Not sure about the medium ash body wood though. I don't want too bright. (I'm 98% finger style). Jason said I could go with Alder or Mahogany to warm it up. Also not sure about the Dual Coils vs. EMG. Jason said they are both versatile but the EMGs are brighter.

YYB:
I think its a cool bass. Like the theme.
I'm pretty sure I won't like Ebony for a board though. Even brighter than maple I think. EMGs would be cool as I like the PJ setup.

Info I've gathered here and the brief talk with Jason, at this moment, I think a MS4 with black hardware would be the most economical and quickest to acquire, not that I'm in that big of a rush.

Thanks if you care to input to a brand spankin' new Fodera interest.

One other thing: how much difference is there in a bolt-on neck vs. dove tail ???
Click to expand...

Bolt-on vs. dovetail. I love the dovetail, mostly from an aesthetic point of view. Any Fodera will play well, and right now I have bolt-on, dovetail, and neck-through. Not that much difference in playability, slight difference in sound. Depending on the gig, not a deal-killer either way. If you are used to 21 fret neck, just get 24 fret in any construction. You don't have to use them, but they are nice to have.

I don't think ebony is "brighter" than maple - just a different type of snap/sizzle on the top end. It is my favorite fretboard wood but ymmv. I also tend to not like ash, but prefer walnut or alder. Chambered is actually my first choice.

I'm a PJ guy at heart, though I've warmed to the dual coils. You have a bit more tone options with the DCs. But if you like the EMG P sound and the J sound, then you're set. Best to play both through a rig close to yours and see what you think.

Sounds like you're thinking of possibly going custom, or picking up a standard in the meantime and then ordering one. If you get a standard, you'll likely end up with a custom. That's just the way it typically goes :D
 
#317
ImageUploadedByTalkBass1394397094.175472.jpg
A 3 year old bass that will last hundreds of years sitting on a one hundred year old chair...

Still loving my NYC Deluxe!
But I definitely have a section in my iPhone notes attributed to a custom Fodera build. By the time I'm ready to order I'll be pretty sure as to what I want, until I order it and then begin a new note for the next custom.
I'm very glad fodera co. exists. Seriously respectable work. They are beginning the same craftsmanship that's used for classical instruments to the electric bass world and helping the instrument and it's players grow.
Ok, back to playing
 
#318
Folks, I've got a thought. This Fodera club on TB just seems to be growing closer and closer. People are here for each other offering advice, opinions, caution, to celebrate the initial deposit or even the completion of a new build.

Let's plan a get together. I know, realistically, it could probably only be a regional thing but, I say, let's do it. I live in southern New Jersey but I'd be thrilled to travel a couple of hours to attend something like this! I figure a gathering where we all bring our beloved Foderas could be a blast. We set up a bunch of rigs around a large room and just make it a party. I would be more than happy to handle the arranging from my end. In fact, if you're interested, let me know. Once we figure out everyone's approximate location, we can best determine where to do this. What say you, Fodera owners and friends, do we make this happen?!?! Interested?
 
#319
Docbass1218 said:
Folks, I've got a thought. This Fodera club on TB just seems to be growing closer and closer. People are here for each other offering advice, opinions, caution, to celebrate the initial deposit or even the completion of a new build.

Let's plan a get together. I know, realistically, it could probably only be a regional thing but, I say, let's do it. I live in southern New Jersey but I'd be thrilled to travel a couple of hours to attend something like this! I figure a gathering where we all bring our beloved Foderas could be a blast. We set up a bunch of rigs around a large room and just make it a party. I would be more than happy to handle the arranging from my end. In fact, if you're interested, let me know. Once we figure out everyone's approximate location, we can best determine where to do this. What say you, Fodera owners and friends, do we make this happen?!?! Interested?
Click to expand...


I'm in eastern PA...Always a pleasure to meet new folks. If it was within a couple hours I'd be game.
 
#320
Docbass1218 said:
Folks, I've got a thought. This Fodera club on TB just seems to be growing closer and closer. People are here for each other offering advice, opinions, caution, to celebrate the initial deposit or even the completion of a new build.

Let's plan a get together. I know, realistically, it could probably only be a regional thing but, I say, let's do it. I live in southern New Jersey but I'd be thrilled to travel a couple of hours to attend something like this! I figure a gathering where we all bring our beloved Foderas could be a blast. We set up a bunch of rigs around a large room and just make it a party. I would be more than happy to handle the arranging from my end. In fact, if you're interested, let me know. Once we figure out everyone's approximate location, we can best determine where to do this. What say you, Fodera owners and friends, do we make this happen?!?! Interested?
Click to expand...

Steubig and I do this fairly often. Luckily enough between the two of us we have a bunch of Foderas and rigs to choose from. :eek:

We're in LA though... long road trip to the wrong coast :D
 
Status
Not open for further replies.

Latest posts

Top Bottom
Back