Since I mentioned that I was getting one about a month ago, I have been asked repeatedly if it had arrived. Well, today is the day.
To give a little backstory, a few months ago, I posted in a thread about Chinese knock off instruments, especially knockoffs of Fodera and Elrick basses. Long story short, I ended up buying one to give it its day in court and to give it to the people at Fodera to inspect, document, and perhaps use as evidence in a lawsuit. It came today, so let's check it out.
WARNING: I WILL BE VERY CHARITABLE DURING THIS REVIEW. SOME OF YOU DON'T KNOW THE MEANING OF GRADING ON A CURVE. IF ME SAYING NICE THINGS ABOUT A KNOCKOFF BASS RUSTLES YOUR JIMMIES, YOU MAY WANT TO TUNE OUT NOW. IT IS A $350 BASS AND I WILL BE COMPARING IT TO OTHER BASSES IN ITS PRICE RANGE.
I'll start with the packaging. Considering it shipped from China in just the packaging (I didn't spring for the HSC), the packing job has to be perfect, and there I can say that they succeeded. It was shipped in a styrofoam shell that left no room for the bass to move in transit. My one complaint is that it was actually a bit difficult to unbox and doing so ended up getting styrofoam pellets all over my floor.
On to the bass. It is shockingly good. Especially considering what I paid for it. There is no plywood to be seen, just maple, ash, and spalted maple that may or may not be a veneer. At this price point, I don't really care. With all these woods, it is no lightweight, but it feels well balanced, and sits well on my lap. It is a full neck thru with a 3 piece maple neck. All three pieces are quartersawn which I was definitely not expecting at this price range.
The fretwork is good too. No sharp edges, and the fretwork seems to be pretty good. The inlays are probably painted on, but once again, for $400, who cares.
The machine heads seem to be your standard issue cheapo import tuners. They'll do the job, but if I were gigging this bass, I would probably change them out.
How does it play? Honestly, I am the worst person in the world to ask this question. Things that bother others (neck dents, high action, thick necks, mild neck bow) don't bother me. That said, I like how it plays. Plenty of access to the 24th fret and a solid B string.
More information as I gather it.
To give a little backstory, a few months ago, I posted in a thread about Chinese knock off instruments, especially knockoffs of Fodera and Elrick basses. Long story short, I ended up buying one to give it its day in court and to give it to the people at Fodera to inspect, document, and perhaps use as evidence in a lawsuit. It came today, so let's check it out.
WARNING: I WILL BE VERY CHARITABLE DURING THIS REVIEW. SOME OF YOU DON'T KNOW THE MEANING OF GRADING ON A CURVE. IF ME SAYING NICE THINGS ABOUT A KNOCKOFF BASS RUSTLES YOUR JIMMIES, YOU MAY WANT TO TUNE OUT NOW. IT IS A $350 BASS AND I WILL BE COMPARING IT TO OTHER BASSES IN ITS PRICE RANGE.
I'll start with the packaging. Considering it shipped from China in just the packaging (I didn't spring for the HSC), the packing job has to be perfect, and there I can say that they succeeded. It was shipped in a styrofoam shell that left no room for the bass to move in transit. My one complaint is that it was actually a bit difficult to unbox and doing so ended up getting styrofoam pellets all over my floor.
On to the bass. It is shockingly good. Especially considering what I paid for it. There is no plywood to be seen, just maple, ash, and spalted maple that may or may not be a veneer. At this price point, I don't really care. With all these woods, it is no lightweight, but it feels well balanced, and sits well on my lap. It is a full neck thru with a 3 piece maple neck. All three pieces are quartersawn which I was definitely not expecting at this price range.
The fretwork is good too. No sharp edges, and the fretwork seems to be pretty good. The inlays are probably painted on, but once again, for $400, who cares.
The machine heads seem to be your standard issue cheapo import tuners. They'll do the job, but if I were gigging this bass, I would probably change them out.
How does it play? Honestly, I am the worst person in the world to ask this question. Things that bother others (neck dents, high action, thick necks, mild neck bow) don't bother me. That said, I like how it plays. Plenty of access to the 24th fret and a solid B string.
More information as I gather it.
