Fodera Club Part XXVII

[WorktheWood]

Looking at the new price list, the increase is significant. While the dual coils are now standard and are no longer an upcharge, the new prices for base model customs are right at where they were if you had to pay the upcharge for dual coils. So that's a wash as it seems most order and choose dual coils. Where the increase is significant is found in some of the other options. A macassar ebony fingerboard went from a $150 upcharge option to $1750. That is insane. $1750 for a very thin piece of wood. I had decided my buying new Fodera days are over prior to the increase, but this seals it.

 

[Robert Cecchini]

Hey in case you missed it inflation ended at 5.9% on Oct 01 2021 for US Government cost keeping data (they run their budget year Oct to Oct). The US military should have gotten at least a 5.9% raise to stay even with inflation for 2021; on 1 Jan 2022 they got a 2.7% raise which means they lost 3.2% in spending power on their salary. Would you risk you life every day like they do for a decrease in pay of 3.2%? Well our US service Men and women do every day in every way and don't have a choice until their contract (ETS) happens; no recourse or way out. Have you thanked a service-member for your Freedom today? I do every chance I get to (food, pay for a coffee or USO) even a simple "Thanks for your service"!

 

[otto B]

Yes, a very clear notice in an email broadcast of December 16, 2021:

​

• Pricing: With supply chain issues and increasing prices, we are unfortunately faced with keeping up with the times. Effective January 1st 2022, Fodera will move forward with a nominal price increase on all new orders (proprietary Fodera/Duncan dual coil pickups will then be included in base custom instrument pricing! *Savings up to ~$700) You can find our updated pricing [Invalid or Expired Link Removed]

Place your orders now to lock in current pricing! ​

Thanks, I am on the mailing list and somehow I didn't receive it.

 

[otto B]

Hey in case you missed it inflation ended at 5.9% on Oct 01 2021 for US Government cost keeping data (they run their budget year Oct to Oct). The US military should have gotten at least a 5.9% raise to stay even with inflation for 2021; on 1 Jan 2022 they got a 2.7% raise which means they lost 3.2% in spending power on their salary. Would you risk you life every day like they do for a decrease in pay of 3.2%? Well our US service Men and women do every day in every way and don't have a choice until their contract (ETS) happens; no recourse or way out. Have you thanked a service-member for your Freedom today? I do every chance I get to (food, pay for a coffee or USO) even a simple "Thanks for your service"!

As to the military we have to wait until the end of the month to see if in fact was that increase. I retired in June 2020 after serving 30 years in the U.S. Army, we still get the increase if it does happens, however its not much.

 

[nostatic]

Ok. some new clips from 2022?

This should be up on all the streaming services next week. Recorded last two weeks of 2021 but release in 2022 so maybe that counts

like dissolves like rc1

Pretty much all YYD including things that sound like guitars (other than some acoustic guitar samples and electric guitar sample on Harris Grade). Goodnight is all unadulterated YYD. Other stuff that sounds like grinding guitars is either the YYD or Monarch 6 with a Pitchfork and dirt.

 

[Robert Cecchini]

As to the military we have to wait until the end of the month to see if in fact was that increase. I retired in June 2020 after serving 30 years in the U.S. Army, we still get the increase if it does happens, however its not much.

Brother, I retired back in 2001 after 26.5 year in US Army; DFAS The calculator above (and related tables below) reflect 2022 monthly pay based on the 2.7% pay raise, which is effective as of Jan. 1, 2022. This pay increase will be reflected in your mid-month paycheck. Based on the increase in the Consumer Price Index, there will be a 5.9 percent Cost of Living Adjustment (COLA) for most retired pay and Survivor Benefit Plan annuities, and the Special Survivor Indemnity Allowance (SSIA), effective Dec. 1, 2021.
You can also use Military.com for 2022 pay charts: 2022 Military Pay Charts

 

[WorktheWood]

Might be an unpopular view for some, but don't forget to also thank police officers who are woefully underpaid and under appreciated. Many will not get any raises this year, and did not get any last year.

Hey in case you missed it inflation ended at 5.9% on Oct 01 2021 for US Government cost keeping data (they run their budget year Oct to Oct). The US military should have gotten at least a 5.9% raise to stay even with inflation for 2021; on 1 Jan 2022 they got a 2.7% raise which means they lost 3.2% in spending power on their salary. Would you risk you life every day like they do for a decrease in pay of 3.2%? Well our US service Men and women do every day in every way and don't have a choice until their contract (ETS) happens; no recourse or way out. Have you thanked a service-member for your Freedom today? I do every chance I get to (food, pay for a coffee or USO) even a simple "Thanks for your service"!

 

[Robert Cecchini]

Workthewood, Yes, I have Police and state trooper friends also, hard to believe that 11 years ago they were hero's (To me they still are) who were getting killed (shot at/ ambushed) in the line of duty until they invoked 2 Trooper backup rule.

 

[davidak]

NFD, this Deluxe is pure perfection. Thanks Chris!!

 

[HeavyJazz]

Glad I got my big buying and selling out of the way in 2020. I had a feeling...

 

[adamcz]

Fodera has established themselves as the premium bass maker, and despite the high amounts they charge, they have long wait times for new instruments. I do worry they've priced the customs outside what working musicians can afford so they're mostly purchased by hobbyists with good jobs. This leads to most of the truly stunning basses they make showing up once on the newborn page or Instagram and then never being seen or heard from again until they hit Reverb. Kind of sad, but it would be equally sad if the best bass shop in the world was not capable of getting rich off their elite skills.

Meanwhile, a custom bass with Duncan dual coils got slightly cheaper compared to last year.

 

[kinopah]

I mean I would 100% love to see the folks who lay it on the line to protect their country be able to afford whichever bass they want. But I also definitely appreciate how hard it is in this climate to get & maintain stock of quality materials, employ skilled craftsmen, produce a product recognized as the zenith of the medium, and do that while just keeping the lights on, let alone getting rich. It just sucks that there's a disparity between how much instruments are going up at every level and how much (or little) gigs are paying - musical or otherwise, which is of course tied to what everyday folks are bringing in.

But I def understand why the best boutique bass maker in the world would need to raise prices given that we're now seeing some MIM Fender models running 1300.

 

[landrybass]

When spec'ing a custom Fodera over 10K does the customer really care about a couple of price hikes for their custom dream bass? Some yes, but I'd imagine most are not bothered by it. At that point its not really about the price.

 

[otto B]

Brother, I retired back in 2001 after 26.5 year in US Army; DFAS The calculator above (and related tables below) reflect 2022 monthly pay based on the 2.7% pay raise, which is effective as of Jan. 1, 2022. This pay increase will be reflected in your mid-month paycheck. Based on the increase in the Consumer Price Index, there will be a 5.9 percent Cost of Living Adjustment (COLA) for most retired pay and Survivor Benefit Plan annuities, and the Special Survivor Indemnity Allowance (SSIA), effective Dec. 1, 2021.
You can also use Military.com for 2022 pay charts: 2022 Military Pay Charts

I wasn't tracking it, that is great. Thanks for the info.

 

[WorktheWood]

If your dream bass included a mac ebony board for which in 2021 you paid either nothing or up to $150 upcharge and now have to pay $1750, that might make one reconsider. Maybe you still have the bass built with a different fingerboard, maybe the no upcharge ebony, but then would it truly be your dream bass? I don't fault Fodera for raising their prices, they know what they have to do to remain in business and be profitable. I wasn't going to buy another new Fodera for reason other than pricing.

When spec'ing a custom Fodera over 10K does the customer really care about a couple of price hikes for their custom dream bass? Some yes, but I'd imagine most are not bothered by it. At that point its not really about the price.

 

[JuanB]

If your dream bass included a mac ebony board for which in 2021 you paid either nothing or up to $150 upcharge and now have to pay $1750, that might make one reconsider. Maybe you still have the bass built with a different fingerboard, maybe the no upcharge ebony, but then would it truly be your dream bass? I don't fault Fodera for raising their prices, they know what they have to do to remain in business and be profitable. I wasn't going to buy another new Fodera for reason other than pricing.

If I may ask, what is your reasoning for not buying a new Fodera?

 

[iwearpumas]

I can't afford one now. Good thing I bought 3 when I could.

 

[smperry]

Reopened.

It's completely fine to talk about the Fodera price increase, but political off-topic discussion is not allowed.

 

[JuanB]

Does anyone's Duncan dual coil equipped Fodera with standard preamp have a blend knob that behaves more like a switch than a gradual taper? That is how mine behaves. Beyond ~5° from the center detent in either direction, it sounds like a solo'd pickup.

 

[nostatic]

Does anyone's Duncan dual coil equipped Fodera with standard preamp have a blend knob that behaves more like a switch than a gradual taper? That is how mine behaves. Beyond ~5° from the center detent in either direction, it sounds like a solo'd pickup.

Yes. TBH I've found that most two pickup basses are that way, with probably my Smiths having the most usable throw in the blend knob. The Duncans seemed to be the most on/off, my EMG PJ has a bit more blend on tap.