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So Many People Are Selling Their Foderas

#81
This answer was really good. Imagine that, a small business that does things correctly and takes care of its emps. Awesome. This is becoming such a rare thing in our economy since all anyone seems to care about is how cheap they can get something. Being a teacher and a musician, there is just no way I will ever be able to own a Fodera but I love that they are successful (along with other boutiques) at what they are doing--thanks

and I'd like to add - this is the creme da la creme kids

I know its hard for a working stiff to afford - almost 30 yrs of playing on $300 - 500 basses professionally

but try to get a 'decent' DB for $10k - you can find 'good' DBs at about $6 or 7k

I want to take up the cello - try finding even a MIA Fender level cello $5 - 10k
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#82
If Fodera moved to Kentucky or Wyoming, they could charge less. I'm sure a storefront in the heart of NYC isn't cheap.

OTOH, they'd be in Kentucky or Wyoming so I guess there's a tradeoff ;)
 
#84
LOL! You obviously haven't met Vinny Fodera. He ventures outside of Brooklyn 3-4 times per year!

Could you see this crew in Wyoming or Kentucky?

http://www.fodera.com/PublicPages/AboutUs.aspx

JK, of course (kind of)! In all seriousness we definitely have explored leaving the City as a cost saving measure...especially in light of the fact that we will probably be moving the shop in 2 years when the lease is up here. The reality is, however, that all of our employees and both of my partners live in either Brooklyn or Staten Island so we couldn't go very far...

Additionally, the extra cost of being in NYC adds less than 5% to the cost of an instrument...

Regards,

J

JimmyM said:
If Fodera moved to Kentucky or Wyoming, they could charge less. I'm sure a storefront in the heart of NYC isn't cheap.

OTOH, they'd be in Kentucky or Wyoming so I guess there's a tradeoff ;)
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#88
pablomigraine said:
....

I've played a couple.... they're top notch in terms of playability, workmanship etc and they're totally custom... but for me they don't offer anything that can't be gotten from several other builders for vastly less money. Same goes for Alembic. Aside from the specific bodystyle, there is simply nothing about the average $13,000 Alembic I cant get from a handful of other builders for around $5k. I would venture to guess a few of these sellers have found that out the hard way....:ninja:
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That might account for a minority of the sellers, but if Fodera is anything like Alembic, that is a small minority of a small group. I don't know a lot about Fodera, but I do know a lot about Alembic. Most of the buyers, particularly the ones who order new instruments, are VERY aware of the bass guitar market and what they can get for how much money. When you read through the detail on the custom builds at Alembic, the REALLY big buck instruments, one thing is evident.....for most of these guys it is NOT their first custom Alembic.

Me personally, I've owned 6 Alembics over the years, only one of which I ordered new. But that new one was proceeded by 4 used ones that I bought, played long enough to know what I really liked about the brand and then ordered one specced out EXACTLY to what I had learned from the used ones I had owned. Know what I did with the first 4 used ones? I SOLD them. In every case for AT LEAST what I paid for it. In essence, they were my training wheels, my rungs up the Alembic ladder until I got what I wanted. The two Alembics I have left have both been with me for 12 years and will more than likely pass on to my kids. Every now and then when Alembic raises prices, a new shock of used instruments hit the market because the higher prices and long wait times of the new instruments increases the value of the used ones. Some people see the used prices hit their "the least I would sell it for" mark. I've been tempted a couple times. I've seen instruments similar in content to my custom sell for $1,500 - 2,000 more than I paid for mine 12 years ago.

I would not be surprised if Fodera owners are in a similar boat. Some selling Fodera "A" to finance the purchase of Fodera "B". Some seeing the water level of used prices rise to the point where they are tempted to move a piece. No doubt there are a few that go "meh, not what I thought it would be". I would guess most of those bought used, tried it, and are moving on. The fact that wait times are 12-15 months indicates that there is not a waning of interest among the faithful. And I fully suspect that those buying new are NOT getting their first Fodera.
 
#89
Brad Johnson said:
.....

And I've spoken to a few people who've only put gear up under spousal duress, hoping it wouldn't sell. It happens.
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I bought a bass once from a guy who was selling under spousal duress....if you count having her suggest that he light himself on fire while playing it to increase the sale value duress. <fire sale?> :eek: :eek: :eek:

Here's the guy and the bass.....

1996.jpg


Here's me and the same bass....(fit's him MUCH better)

569.jpg


Ok....back to Foderas........
 
#90
I want to applaud Jason and the rest of the gang at Fodera. They're running a business in Brooklyn, NY, actually manufacturing. That's a feat that's becoming less common here in the US, especially in NYC. Fodera also provides health care and retirement benefits for its employees.

Most people are prudent with their money, and spend it where they see fit. Foderas hold their value, if not appreciate, and provide a lot of enjoyment to their owners.

Well done, Fodera.
 
#91
Brad Johnson said:
I semi-lucked into my Fodera relatively cheap. Pretty sure that should I choose to sell it, it won't be anywhere near that price.
:cool:
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I have a similar story with my own Fodera.

And I've spoken to a few people who've only put gear up under spousal duress, hoping it wouldn't sell. It happens.
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Ha ha, I've seen plenty of this.
 
#95
if i were to ever go back to wood (im strictly a modulus man) i would go fodera...they are basically a work of art that doubles is an amazing bass...played a friends and it was amazing plus just thumpin gives them a very good rep with his detailed responses and attitude...even though i dont use fodera i have nothing but top notch respect for them.
 
#97
The only places in NYC I have been are Kennedy and LaGuardia, this little theater in Staten Island and the Hebrew Home For The Aged in the Bronx (that was a good gig because Bloomberg came out to make a speech, he wanted up on stage immediately, and Bowzer made him wait till his comedy bit was over and pissed him off). What do I know? Sorry I don't have the four boroughs down cold. Brooklyn might as well be Manhattan to me.

I will say that the Fodera crew looks like they'd be absolutely lost in Wyoming, yes ;)
 
#98
Gotta say... when a 'custom' or 'boutique' bass comes into my mind, it's far more likely to be a Fodera (or Warrior, Marleaux, KenSmith etc) than some pricey copy of a FenderJazz.

Flatwound said:
Obviously, many people feel that a Fodera is worth it.

I might also point out that there are occasional "flurries" of brand-names that show up in the classifieds or on ebay. I bought my LEJ 7 during a period when there were several LEJ's for sale on the TB classifieds. There have recently been a couple of LEJ 5's for sale here. This is not an indication of poor quality or sound IMO, but just the nature of us bass players trying more and different stuff.
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#100
Thanks very much. We take what we do seriously and care about not only building instruments the right way, but also building our Company the right way...with the same care, diligence and lack of compromise.

J

CDweller said:
I want to applaud Jason and the rest of the gang at Fodera. They're running a business in Brooklyn, NY, actually manufacturing. That's a feat that's becoming less common here in the US, especially in NYC. Fodera also provides health care and retirement benefits for its employees.

Most people are prudent with their money, and spend it where they see fit. Foderas hold their value, if not appreciate, and provide a lot of enjoyment to their owners.

Well done, Fodera.
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