• TalkBass has been independent since 1998. Add your voice.
    Create a free account to reply to discussions, view embedded media, and browse with fewer display ads.
    Join free Log in
    Want zero display ads or expanded classifieds tools? Compare plans.

Warwick vs. Fodera

T

Thomas Kievit

Guest
May 19, 2012
3,614
1,906
35
#1
Now this may seem like a stupid comparison, but if you would look at these two brands / builders, which one does really jump out?

Today I had a small conversation with a guy who I know for a few years now and around the time I met him, he owned both a Warwick (Streamer Stage 1, 5 string) and a Fodera (Monarch 4 string). Unfortunatly, he had to sell both basses due to money issues..

Anyway, as far as I know, there is nothing beyond Fodera and bass players call it the ''Stradivarius'' under the basses.. He on the otherhand, would prefer Warwick above Fodera.. Dunno why exacly, but he mentioned something about the air-drying process that Warwick does, letting the wood dry for 3 - 5 years (or longer :p) and giving the bass a clear tone (or like Warwick says : The tone of the wood). For his idea, this was thé way that Warwick should be the ''Stradivarius'' under the basses and wondering what made Fodera so special.. No idea why he didn't check for more info about Fodera, he just liked the sound..

Anybody an idea how the process is going at Fodera and which of these 2 builders should be the number one?
 
#2
Fodera has wood in the shop that has been around for a lot longer than 3-5 years.

Fodera isn't the "ultimate" bass for everyone. Plenty of guys try them and don't dig them. And plenty of other guys haven't tried them but will sound off on how they are "over-priced." About once a week yet another thread along those lines pops up here.

There is no universal "number one." Value is totally in the eyes of the individual - no one else. My Foderas are special to me, as is my Rob Allen. My bandmates like the sound. I love the playability. Beyond that, it doesn't matter what anyone else thinks. If you want to know what makes them special, play one. It may or may not be special for you.
 
#3
nostatic said:
Fodera has wood in the shop that has been around for a lot longer than 3-5 years.

Fodera isn't the "ultimate" bass for everyone. Plenty of guys try them and don't dig them. And plenty of other guys haven't tried them but will sound off on how they are "over-priced." About once a week yet another thread along those lines pops up here.

There is no universal "number one." Value is totally in the eyes of the individual - no one else. My Foderas are special to me, as is my Rob Allen. My bandmates like the sound. I love the playability. Beyond that, it doesn't matter what anyone else thinks. If you want to know what makes them special, play one. It may or may not be special for you.
Click to expand...

Well I think a better answer isn't possible :p:hyper:
 
#10
The first bass I really drooled over as a kid was a Thumb, so I've got a Thumb and couldn't be happier with it.

I would imagine though from their prices that Fodera put a lot more time into building each bass and use the best wood available. For me they're too expensive, but as I understand it Warwicks are very expensive in the USA too. It's not cheap to buy from Europe for you guys.

I would be content to concede that Fodera make better basses if I came across a Fodera owner who wanted to argue about it, but that's mostly because I have no patience for arguing about pointless stuff.
 
#11
Mr_Music90 said:
Now this may seem like a stupid comparison, but if you would look at these two brands / builders, which one does really jump out?

Today I had a small conversation with a guy who I know for a few years now and around the time I met him, he owned both a Warwick (Streamer Stage 1, 5 string) and a Fodera (Monarch 4 string). Unfortunatly, he had to sell both basses due to money issues..

Anyway, as far as I know, there is nothing beyond Fodera and bass players call it the ''Stradivarius'' under the basses.. He on the otherhand, would prefer Warwick above Fodera.. Dunno why exacly, but he mentioned something about the air-drying process that Warwick does, letting the wood dry for 3 - 5 years (or longer :p) and giving the bass a clear tone (or like Warwick says : The tone of the wood). For his idea, this was thé way that Warwick should be the ''Stradivarius'' under the basses and wondering what made Fodera so special.. No idea why he didn't check for more info about Fodera, he just liked the sound..

Anybody an idea how the process is going at Fodera and which of these 2 builders should be the number one?
Click to expand...

There is no number one as the element of taste is a very important one in this context,and many many many builders make good instruments.
But...
You are comparing a relatively small shop (fodera) with one of the largest mass producers around (warwick).
My guess is that the smaller shop will have the edge.

Warwick the Stradivarius of basses??
Invalid Link Removed
I'm not sure about that.
 
#12
It's just a question of sound.
I own two Streamer St. I and they give you a totally different tone compared to a Fodera.
There is no question though that a high-end Warwick Bass is cafted as good as a Fodera. Foderas are handmade, Warwick Basses come out of a CNC mill. But in the end you can't tell the difference.

So yes ... it's Apples and Oranges all over again.
 
#17
i've played alot of warwicks and alot of foderas and I can say that there is no comparison other than the fact they are both basses. Warwick has a way different tone and feel than a Fodera. It all comes down to what you feel more comfortable with.
 
#18
I've owned several Warwicks and I can't get enough of them. For me, they are my default bass. HOWEVER, I personally have never played a Fodera and I am 100% certain that their quality and playability is something to behold.

That being said, for ME, what finalizes the sale is the value. Can I get just as good playability and value from a used mint-condition Warwick that will cost a tenth of the price of most USED Foderas? Absolutely. But for some people, money isn't an issue and it will boil down to name brand recognition/loyalty or some other feature.

I suggest you play them both and determine which feature/value is the most dispositive, meaning which aspect will make or break your decision.

Good luck!
 
#19
I prefer Warwick over pretty much any other company, especially Fodera. I don dig Fodera's aesthetics or sound. I also don't dig the price as they are at a rice that even if I liked them, I could not justify the money for one. With have been very lucky with getting used and new Warwicks for very good prices. It is all personal taste really but I also think it is hard to compare the two.
 

Latest posts

Top Bottom
Back