• 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 or Sadowsky

Sadowsky or fodera

  • Sadowsky

    Votes: 147 62.3%

  • Fodera

    Votes: 89 37.7%
  • Total voters
    236
#21
Answering this is tough; not only because we don't know what kind of music the OP plays, but also because of the range of sounds and styles in the Sadowsky line. With Fodera, based on my limited experience as a player and listener, you know you are going to get a focused, uniform and clean sound that is capable of a lot of expression that works well in the jazz world, but which may well get lost in the sauce in other contexts.

Sadowsky's 24-fret Modern, especially if with an ebony board, gets you in pretty much that same place, but then you also have all the Fender style (J, P, P/J) 20-22 fret models, with a range of rosewood or maple boards to boot, and things suddenly get much more diverse. In that world, I see no diss whatsoever in the notion of "Fender on steroids," 'cuz the Fender seat in a mix just plain rules. The Sadowsky pre-amp is arguably less flexible than the 3 and 4-band Pope/Fodera circuits, which have coil-switching to boot, but the Sadowsky pre is surprisingly effective if you know how to use it, and the vintage tone control is a champ - way better than the passive tone control on the Pope circuit, based on 3-weeks of exposure to a Fodera Monarch Standard.

So I didn't vote…and I totally see how a Fodera can be right for a given player…but ultimately, the question is too broad to accommodate clear answers…
 
#23
SteveBassJr said:
I won't compare myself to but I will say: Oteil Burbridge meets Phil Lesh in a alley with Dave LaRue lurking around the corner. I play every style except Metal these days.
Click to expand...

Based on that alone I'd say add a modulus Q5 or 6 to your list! Now you've got 3 different choices.

I like fodera basses for their purist type tone- very piano like accross the fretboard to me. They are gorgeous instruments built to the highest standards. The fodera has a very pure, organic sounding pre and great pickups which really contribute to the tone. The most polite (in a natural sounding way) of the three IMO. I associate fodera sound with Jazz/fusion music because of the many fodera bassists in those genres.

The modulus' similarity to the fodera comes through in the the graphite neck. Paired with a wood fretboard... They can be very accurate and have an organic clarity to them that other basses can't match. With a regular set of electronics (emg's or Bart's etc) these basses can also be had at half the price of a Fodera and are played and recorded by more bassists than you might think!

The Sadowsky is a solid Fender style bass that I would consider as a great versatile working bass. You pay a premium for top notch fit and finish so you can feel great on the gig/studio and sound great while doing it. I see the Sadowsky being more versatile than others and there's something about having a J or P (or PJ) that just feels 'right' in a lot of musical contexts. And if you are leaning towards getting a Sadowsky... I reckon you need to consider and try a Nordy as well.

All great choices! Good luck with finding the one that speaks to you and your playing style.
 
Last edited:
#25
I voted Sadowsky. Whilst I won't doubt the workmanship, quality and tone of a Fodera they just don't do anything for me. I don't feel they sound any better or worse than any other top brands and my opinion is they all look the same.

I always and still feel that once you get over a certain price range you are paying for a name, a niche concept/market or just street credit.

Certainly, for my style of music, a Sadowsky sounds, looks and from the ones I've played; feel better.

Then there's the point that you could buy 2-3 Sadowskys for 1 Fodera.

I also second the point, why those 2?

I just bought a Spector and I already prefer it to either option.
 
  • Like
Reactions: Obese Chess and tbz
#29
either, neither, or both! that's what i would do. ;) seriously, though!
imo, it really boils down to whether you are old or real old. if you're an old fart buy a Fodera. if you are under 45, buy a Sadowsky. if you still answer your gf's phone calls on the first ring "you are not ready",.. stick with a blue collar brand. if you still live in Mom's basement... buy HER a gift! :eyebrow:
 
  • Like
Reactions: Bass'd on a true story, kesslari, JonKim and 3 others
#31
pacojas said:
WHATTTT???
will someone please enlighten this person,.. i don't have enough "monthly data" left, lol
Click to expand...

I mean that expensive luxury tool won't make you pro.

Thousand of brilliant violinists use affordable violins and it does not make their play worse than than if they were played Stradivarius.

We live in a society of wild unconscious consumption.


That's all I wanted to say
 
  • Like
Reactions: Ace Of Bass
#33
Honestly, I can only answer what I would do for myself not, what you should do. I voted Fodera. Based on other's opinions it seems as if Mr. Sadowsky makes a really fine bass. But at the end of the day it will be Fender clone albeit the Cadillac, Mercedes and Lexus of Fender clones all rolled into one, that 99.995% of the public couldn't tell the difference except some of the more perceptive public would ask what's wrong with the headstock. No, if I was going to save up over the course of a couple of years to buy my dream bass it better have something more and to me that says Fodera. All of that being said, I will never own either. There are too many excellent similar options for both brands that will do everything just as well and are far more economical options.
 
  • Like
Reactions: Technicality
#34
Ewo said:
Which to choose? Two different flavors of excellent.

A buddy has a Fodera, so I got to play it for a bit. It didn't talk to me; I'm a Sadowsky guy. I prefer the sound and the feel. But obviously, other people prefer the Foderas.

OP, y'know what you might do, by way of scoping out the difference in the native voices of the two. (Won't give you a sense of how they feel, to play.) Pull up the Rock Candy Funk Party videos. On some tracks it's a Fodera, on others a Sadowsky. You can really hear the difference.
Click to expand...
The sound of Fodera us sounding Victor Wooten? Then I vote Sadowsky as for me Wooten sound is hollow....
 
#35
OP should just get what he want's. He deserves it. For all we know, he could already be taking lessons or he could be a full time musician making a living.

It's all good, as long as you're not spending your kids college money or robbing a bank to pay for your equipment. Buy the best that you can afford and have a good time playing.
 
#36
I would say it probably depends what kind of sound you want. If you like a basic Fender tone, but want it more refined and a better physical build, go with Sadowsky.
If you want something unique and "modern" that doesn't look or feel anything like a Fender, go with Fodera.
 

Latest posts

Top Bottom
Back