Chris Benavente builds a much higher quality bass than any Fodera I've played but that's just my opinion and while not cheap, is definitely cheaper than what Fodera charges. Another fairly obscure builder is Daniel Fernandez from Argentina. Unreal basses. Stambaugh's look nice(haven't played one but I have one on order), and the Wood and Tronics stuff looks pretty amazing as well but I haven't played one. Another great builder is Pavel. His shop is a few minutes from my house and everything he builds is top notch.
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Fodera Quality that doesn't $$$ Fodera Price!
- Thread starter gai113
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Soolnzai get my LeCompte, I'll let you know. In the meantime, I can vouch for Mike Pedulla, Keith Roscoe and George Furlanetto. Jerzy Drozd and Joe Zon, too.
I've played a few... all top notch.
Why downplay... because any blowhard can say "call me my stuff rocks"... takes a real man to respect and build up the competition.
From the hints, it may be useful to consdier Tom building something... especially since you could visit and meet about what you're wanting crafted.
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I've played Fodoras and Clements... each are quality...
What exactly are you looking for... unless you can articulate it you're going down a long road of wasted cash.
+1 on this comment. I have a Benevente and think its about as good as it gets. I play it more than my Alembic's and that says a lot.
I think a lot of basses are overpriced, Fodera being just one of them.
az
People that build basses at the same quality level that fodera does include:
Lefay
Marleaux
seibass
Dingwall
Magnusguitars
Elrick
fbass
ken lawrence
and many,many more
Don't forget though that it is not only about the hight built quality when talking about fodera.
If you want a fodera , only a fodera will do.
If it is an instrument built as well as a fodera , many will.
I would seek out Chris Benavente.
If you want a Fodera order one. =) Now is a great time to do so.
If you want a Fodera order one. =) Now is a great time to do so.
For quality of build, John K here at TB does work as fine as I have ever seen. He tends to build classics rather than modern boutique styles if that's an issue for you, but as far as the workmanship goes it's just amazing.
Look around and get a good used Fodera if you want a Fodera and can afford used. You can pay around 2/3 the price if lucky. The thing is, people who own Fodera's are usually very good musicians (I am an exception. I play mediocre but love to play and buy and sell a good bit).
Since most Fodera owners are great to at least really good musicians they usually take great care of their girlfriends.... er basses! Lol, you get my point....
I cant say enough good things about the Fodera sound. Not sure how long I will keep my YYS but I am sure that if I sell it, I will get another, probably another Monarch. But seriously, if you can afford them at all used, you will probably get a great instrument. Plus these are some great people making them and running the office etc. When you own one you feel like you are part of a family or group of friends. And we can never have too many good friends!
Best of luck to you in whatever direction your search takes you!
Since most Fodera owners are great to at least really good musicians they usually take great care of their girlfriends.... er basses! Lol, you get my point....
I cant say enough good things about the Fodera sound. Not sure how long I will keep my YYS but I am sure that if I sell it, I will get another, probably another Monarch. But seriously, if you can afford them at all used, you will probably get a great instrument. Plus these are some great people making them and running the office etc. When you own one you feel like you are part of a family or group of friends. And we can never have too many good friends!
Best of luck to you in whatever direction your search takes you!
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Just Thumpin'
Commercial User
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I would offer one caveat to this and that is, make sure you either play it first or are buying it from someone that will stand behind it. Most of our instruments have some degree of personalization / custom specs to them. A few examples of basses that we have built recently...
-Someone that wanted an INCREDIBLY thick neck -- think baseball bat.
-Someone that wanted their bass to weigh a MINIMUM of 12 pounds.
If you buy someone else's custom suit...you'd want to try it on first, right? I know that if I bought the bass that we are just finishing with the very thick neck I would not like it, but it's owner spec'd it that way and presumably will love it. Beauty IS in the eye of the beholder...
-Someone that wanted an INCREDIBLY thick neck -- think baseball bat.
-Someone that wanted their bass to weigh a MINIMUM of 12 pounds.
If you buy someone else's custom suit...you'd want to try it on first, right? I know that if I bought the bass that we are just finishing with the very thick neck I would not like it, but it's owner spec'd it that way and presumably will love it. Beauty IS in the eye of the beholder...
I've met pretty much all of the boutique builders out there, and not a single one struck me as a blowhard. The one who is a blowhard I haven't met.
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there are plenty of people out there who can build you a quality instrument... but from my research i'm not sure there is anyone out there who can give you more options than Chris Stambaugh, and his prices are some of the lowest i've found.
Chris Larkin. I almost didn't post this because I have one in the for sale section. I don't want people to think I am shilling my own ad. Seriously though, if the rest of his work is comparable to my instrument, I'd be hard pressed to say that anything out there is better.
Tone, playability, customization and great looks. Martin is quite the friendly guy to work with as well!!
Cheers!!!
I agree absolutely. You won't find a better combination of affordability, workmanship and flexibility.
That said, until the OP gives a better sense of exactly what he wants (price range, tone, features) beyond "Fodera-like quality" all he's going to get is a list of everyone's favorite luthier. Because again, Foderas are awesome instruments that deserve their reputation, but there are MANY, MANY fantastic boutique builders that craft high quality instruments.
