Eventually a singlecut design was going to be available at this price point. My only issue with it is the poorly ripped off logo. Other than that it doesn't look like a Fodera. I can see someone completely unaware of Fodera taking a cursory glance at the two and thinking they might be similar. My guess is a person like that is way down the list of potential customers for Fodera.
As far as cheating the brand out of sales, I don't see that happening. There have been a lot of singlecuts built since Vinny pioneered the design, of varying quality and prices and I haven't noticed a hit on Fodera's pricing or the demand by actual potential buyers. I remember complaining about one high quality copy early on only because I thought it lacked originality. Now I own one and not because it looks like a Fodera. Around the same time, another new builder came up and there were cries about them building copies that I'd think most would now say would hardly be confused for a Fodera. The newness has worn off the fundamental design and as such the shock value for many has too.
So now that I've seen some pics of this bass, unless they really step up making it look like an actual Fodera, it doesn't appear to be a copy to me. That would be akin to Superman being upset at a kid with a blue t-shirt buying some red felt to make a big "S" for his chest.
Then again... I still have a problem with the companies that are clearly making blatant Higher quality copies, right down to the logos, with the intent of doing a serious knock-off to deceive buyers. And if this is a step towards this brand heading down that road...
seriously,...
