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Fodera Essence.

#162
SuperDuck said:
If you're not sure it's true, then why are you stating it as fact? :eyebrow:
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I think his point was when any company comes out with an 'artist model', that artist is in some ways compensated for it. Whether that's a small amount of each bass's selling price, a fixed, lump sum payment, or 'free instruments', some compensation is always given.

So, in one way or another, the use of Tommy Kennedy's name, Victor's name, etc., is both a marketing benefit, but also a cost (and most likely a trivial cost given the price of these instruments, per the discussion above).
 
#164
SuperDuck said:
If you're not sure it's true, then why are you stating it as fact? :eyebrow:
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Because when I got my first Fodera I wanted a bass just like Victors. And I could save 5-600 dollars if got a bass like his just without the arrows in the fingerboard (Same wood, pickups etc.). And I heard the those artist gets some kind of royalty when Fodera sells their signature models. But you are right! I shouldn't say it, if it's true! This is what i have heard and maybe someone can comfirm if it true or false...
 
#165
Fodera doesn't pay their endorsers. It's extremely rare that any artist even gets a free bass. Fodera helped Victor get his start by giving him "number 1" many years ago (in fact I think he paid at least something for it eventually...but they didn't get paid until he was comfortably able) and he's happy to return the favor. Do Anthony and Matt and Lincoln and me and the whole crew get "perks"...sure. But it's very unofficial and informal. I personally have had my signature model in the works now for years, but I hesitate to go and make them work on it when there are so many people waiting for so long. It's really more like a "family" situation. We try to all help each other out how we can. In some cases there's compensation, and in some cases it's just a handshake. Free basses are not a normal part of Fodera's operation, though.
 
#166
+1 Mike. Thank you for giving some validity to my statements I made earlier. I hope all is going well with you.
On another note, did you manage to get that butter off your elbow? Hehehehe. By the way, everytime I call the shop and Martha answers I cannot help but laugh at your impression.
Take care!!!
Peace,
Chris

thepontif said:
Fodera doesn't pay their endorsers. It's extremely rare that any artist even gets a free bass. Fodera helped Victor get his start by giving him "number 1" many years ago (in fact I think he paid at least something for it eventually...but they didn't get paid until he was comfortably able) and he's happy to return the favor. Do Anthony and Matt and Lincoln and me and the whole crew get "perks"...sure. But it's very unofficial and informal. I personally have had my signature model in the works now for years, but I hesitate to go and make them work on it when there are so many people waiting for so long. It's really more like a "family" situation. We try to all help each other out how we can. In some cases there's compensation, and in some cases it's just a handshake. Free basses are not a normal part of Fodera's operation, though.
Click to expand...
 
#167
thepontif said:
Fodera doesn't pay their endorsers. It's extremely rare that any artist even gets a free bass. Fodera helped Victor get his start by giving him "number 1" many years ago (in fact I think he paid at least something for it eventually...but they didn't get paid until he was comfortably able) and he's happy to return the favor. Do Anthony and Matt and Lincoln and me and the whole crew get "perks"...sure. But it's very unofficial and informal. I personally have had my signature model in the works now for years, but I hesitate to go and make them work on it when there are so many people waiting for so long. It's really more like a "family" situation. We try to all help each other out how we can. In some cases there's compensation, and in some cases it's just a handshake. Free basses are not a normal part of Fodera's operation, though.
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It's good to help each other.. Every body have to make a living! Do you know then you signature model will be ready and will be the same spec as your Emperor 6?
 
#169
The most outwardly striking thing about the design is that it's a new body shape. Something completely new to Fodera. Vinny and I spent some time a couple years ago hashing out the details. We came up with a killer look. The body will Mahogany, the fingerboard ebony, top is pommely sepealy (a figured mahogany I can't spell, sorry), bolt-on, 34", a totally unique electronics setup with some Duncan's that are totally custom. Never been done for anyone else. Removable fingerboard end, headstock accessible mute switch (to kill noise when the fingerboard piece is pulled out) and a bunch of other cool stuff. In the end, all tweaks to what I have now. But the body shape is striking.
 
#170
thepontif said:
The most outwardly striking thing about the design is that it's a new body shape. Something completely new to Fodera. Vinny and I spent some time a couple years ago hashing out the details. We came up with a killer look. The body will Mahogany, the fingerboard ebony, top is pommely sepealy (a figured mahogany I can't spell, sorry), bolt-on, 34", a totally unique electronics setup with some Duncan's that are totally custom. Never been done for anyone else. Removable fingerboard end, headstock accessible mute switch (to kill noise when the fingerboard piece is pulled out) and a bunch of other cool stuff. In the end, all tweaks to what I have now. But the body shape is striking.
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I bet the price will be striking too!:D Hey Pontiff, I'm just having fun. I know you are a pro's pro (anybody that Victor Wooten said he would like to take lessons from must be a bad man:eek:) and great preamp guy to boot. You deserve a great bass.:D
 
#171
thepontif said:
The most outwardly striking thing about the design is that it's a new body shape. Something completely new to Fodera. Vinny and I spent some time a couple years ago hashing out the details. We came up with a killer look. The body will Mahogany, the fingerboard ebony, top is pommely sepealy (a figured mahogany I can't spell, sorry), bolt-on, 34", a totally unique electronics setup with some Duncan's that are totally custom. Never been done for anyone else. Removable fingerboard end, headstock accessible mute switch (to kill noise when the fingerboard piece is pulled out) and a bunch of other cool stuff. In the end, all tweaks to what I have now. But the body shape is striking.
Click to expand...

Sounds great! But seems very different from the bass you have now! Also the 34 scale! Love to see it done :)
 
#173
Coelho said:
The thing that is awesome with the Fodera basses (IME and IMO) is that they always cut through fantastically, independent of model, wood, pickup, etc.
Vic's bass cut throgh
Bona's idem
Tom's idem
Matt's idem
etc. etc...
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The other thing that is awesome about them is that they just play like NOTHING else. I was away in France for two weeks and brought my very respectable Victor Bailey Jazz Bass (don't want to subject a Fodera to Continental Airlines). After playing it for two weeks straight and coming home to my Yin Yang, good God are Vinny and Joey geniuses, or what? I swear I can play any lick faster and cleaner on my Foderas than any other bass I have picked up....
 
#177
Hey Chicago_Mike... at least the "Pope" made the pre-amp :-) Sorry, I had to put that in.
My main bass is an old 4 string Monarch which I bought in 1983. I've gotta say, it is the best bass I've ever played. And I've played a lot of them through the years. I am on it every day. The fellas are working on a new 5 string Monarch for me and I am dying to get it. WOW... I believe their basses are worth every penny. But that certainly doesn't mean they are for everyone. There are plenty of great players using every thing from fender to Zons. It's all good.
Peace
Guy
 
#178
you said it all Coelho. I go thru the same problem with the airlines though. In fact, I drove from Albuquerque to Bass at the Beach so I wouldn't have to check the bass. A little drastic I know, but I could never replace it.
peace
Guy
 

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