fodera vs F bass vs MTD vs Ken smith

Use the search feature please. Those three basses are heavily discussed here.

 

These are basses you can't even begin to talk about online. You have to get your hands on one. If you plan on spending more than $150 on a bass, you MUST try it first.

That being said, I got a chance to A-B-C a Zon 519, FBass BN5, and an Alembic Custom Essence Balance K Omega 5. Out of these three, I liked the FBass best, Zon second, and Alembic third. I've played Ken Smiths and I personally don't care for the look. They always look lopsided to me. The tone is pretty nice though, but I would take the FBass first, easily. The FBass has a great natural tone, but it's so flexible that that FBass tone can be bent to fit any style of music.

As for Fodera and MTD, I haven't had an opportunity to try them yet. Fodera seems to have a small but extremely loyal following. MTD seems to be the same way. These are bases you don't often see in the used market, so that should say something.

 

Except they have no Smiths at the moment.

yeah, with basses of this calibre you must play them. They are works of art and as we all know each work of art has specific nuances that must be experienced first hand in order to grasp their significance and magnitude.

 

Well, out of all three, for looks I love the Smiths, their tone is good but to me not very versatile. For tone and punch MTD, hands down. Fodera is the least liked out of the bunch, just not enough of either for the money you spend.

 

Do yourself a favor if you're looking for a 5. Try a Dingwall Prima, Prima Artist or custom Z series. Same price range as MTD, F, Etc. and they're extraordinary basses.

 

I've only played F-Bass and Zon out of your list, but I own two F-Basses. They're fantastic and just as versatile as Discgraham said.

 

On your list I've own a F Bass and a MTD, Foderas and Smiths, I've played and like tremendously, but its all about personal preference. They're all outstanding instruments, like everyone else says go out and try em and see what's for you.

 

i've played each one, and the answer is to get one of each.

 

Okay there Bill Gates.... hahaha

 

I've played them all a lot, but never owned any of them you mention. A lot means extensively in stores multiple times, so take what I say with as you wish.
My order of preference:
1. F Bass
2. MTD (close second)
3. Fodera (could be #1 but I'll explain)
4. Smith

OK: All the basses you mentioned are great basses. If money is no object in this discussion then here's what I have to say:

I love the F Basses. They are very versitile and I love the sounds and feel of those basses. They are consistantly superb.

I love the MTDs too. Before I got my favorite (Roscoe), I was going to get an MTD. The asymetrical neck is real comfortable and the clarity of those instruments are superb. They tend to be a bit bright sounding for me though. Mike Tobias would work with you on different wood combinations to achieve what you are after.

Fodera makes the best 4 string period. I love the sound of just about all their basses and the playability is wonderful. I have found on SOME of the Foderas that the B string can be somewhat loose. Not loose enough to call them floppy, but looser than I like. If I had my mind set on a Fodera 5 string, I would try it first. I wouldn't just order one. That's just me.

Smiths are great basses too. Just not my cup of tea. They have a great and tight B string. Especially for a 34" neck.

If you are on the East Coast I would recommend Bass Central. There is no substitute for putting the instruments in your hands and playing and listening. You can get a plane ticket for dirt cheap compared to the price of a $2,500- $6,000 bass. It would be a wise investment.

Whatever you decide to do, have fun with it. There is no reason to rush into buying an expensive instrument. Take your time, try them all (and others too) and get what you want, when you want it.