MTD vs Fodera Shootout

[Dr. Cheese]

Both very nice.

To folks that have played MTD, Smith, Spector....would you tend to categorize them similarly as punchy, articulate, and modern with ample mid range? If so, is it simply a byproduct of the dual HB's favored towards the bridge giving that tone?

Spector and Smith are more similar that MTD 535’s. MTD’s can sound quite Jazzlike, but with super definition and clarity.

 

[jim nolte]

I absolutely love MTD’s neck, and the B string is fire. That said, MTD B strings can actually sound too loud relative to the other strings. A B string like Fodera’s will just fine when you don’t want shock and awe.

Doc you’re the first person on TB that I’ve seen say this, sometimes a B string can be overwhelming the other strings, it’s too awesome, I can hear this in some of the Gospel music I listen to, the B string stands out too much instead of seamlessly blending in with the other strings, good call.

 

[Dr. Cheese]

Doc you’re the first person on TB that I’ve seen say this, sometimes a B string can be overwhelming the other strings, it’s too awesome, I can hear this in some of the Gospel music I listen to, the B string stands out too much instead of seamlessly blending in with the other strings, good call.

I absolutely love my Super 5, but there are times I tread lightly on that B string.

 

[cnltb]

MTD B strings can actually sound too loud relative to the other strings.(...)

I think that goes for that on any other bass too, if it is set up that way.

 

[SJan3]

You’re right, I didn’t mean anything against your opinion I just think that edgy sound, which I found a little unpleasant when soloed, might be very fine in the mix. Besides, there’s always an equalizer

Good points. We all have our personal preference and that's what makes the bass world go round 'n round. Both exceptional instruments for sure. No wrong choice here

 

[Bassinga]

I'm a vintage guy to my boots, but that's vintage with some reservations.

I like the definition and clarity we get with modern basses but I also like that tempered with a 60's fat mid and low end. I know there were no preamps involved in this shootout, which would have changed everything, but if I had the MTD I'd be emphasising the lower frequencies. The Fodera sounds great to me. I could easily own both.

I agree with you. Adding the preamps in the mix would change things drastically. That would allow the MTD to get a more vintage tone and the Fodera to get a more modern tone. Although, as per EMG's logic I think the MTD is a better starting point because you would need to EQ out the high/upper mids to achieve a more vintage tone. Whereas in the case of the Fodera you would have to add more high end through the preamp which would add some noise.

 

[ajwolfcale]

To me the fodera sopunds compressed.
Useful sound but not my cup of Tea.
In this videa I prefer the MTD but I tend to dislike the way they feel.

Yes! I’ve thought many Fodera sound overly compressed with a strange midrange. I honestly think it’s just the Duncan dual coils. I love the sound of the Foderas I hear with just straight single coils or even a PJ config.

 

[cnltb]

Yes! I’ve thought many Fodera sound overly compressed with a strange midrange. I honestly think it’s just the Duncan dual coils. I love the sound of the Foderas I hear with just straight single coils or even a PJ config.

Maybe it is, but I have felt this with PJs too. This had lead me to consider thia a Fodera thing rather than a Duncan thing etc...
Regardless...; Many like it and one player not buying one of their basses won't hurt them much I recon.

 

[dbamta]

You can tell the craftsmanship from both instruments. The difference between the two in my opinion is that MTD USA articulation. It will expose my flaws and is unforgiven but, will cut the mix like a samurai sword.The Fodera sound is more toward the vintage sound, where I would consider the MTD USA to be more of modern tone. The MTD tone can be in your face.

 

[GHOST AT]

I absolutely love my Super 5, but there are times I tread lightly on that B string.

The craziest B string I had experience with was my former Kenneth Lawrence it was a 33 scale the B strings sounded and felt as if it were a 35 scale.
Every time I used it everyone knew it! The B cut through two guitars and a keyboard effortlessly.
My other fives were 34 and 35 scale respectively they couldn’t hang with that little 33 monster.

 

[Jugghaid]

I can cop a great pbass tone out of my 535 as well. They are quite versatile.

Personally they are my favorite bass, but the Fodera is top notch as well.

 

[songwriter21]

Very interesting comparison here. MTD sounds crisper and more aticulate to my ears. The MTD's B-string is also noticeably clearer than the Fodera's.
Both amazing instruments!

MTD all the way. Mike and crew's basses are SICK, and his custom basses are rhe price of Fodera's "cheaper" line.

 

[songwriter21]

I absolutely love my Super 5, but there are times I tread lightly on that B string.

Never for me with sparingly. I have a $550 Schecter Stiletto Studio that has a kingly B, and I use it generously in my gigging country-rock band. It's a game-changer.

 

[Lajwah]

I actually have a 535 alder/rosewood, and a Fodera 70’s J style Ash/Maple, both bolt ons, both with their Standard Electronics (proprietary barts and Pope standard preamp)… Someone commented above that the MTD pics up all your playing nuances, but with my style, I found it’s actually the reverse. The Fodera is crazy responsive to EVERYTHING you do to it. It cuts through the mix easier as well. That said, the MTD is more versatile in tone, and easier to play. Most of the bands I play with like the MTD tone better (jazz & rock stuff), even though I personally like the Fodera tone better. Especially the high D and G strings, just sound more Natural on the Fodera. The MTD’s D and G sound pingy and compressed. The B is unbelievable on the MTD. I found the construction quality better on the Fodera, although they are both crazy good. I love both!!!