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Alternatives to Fodera


JamesBass
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There is a Fender P bass 5 on Bass Direct. looks interesting altho I'd like a j pickup on the bridge as well.
http://www.bassdirect.co.uk/bass_guitar_specialists/Fender_USA_P_5_standard.html

As an alternative to Fodera..??? but you do use a P-bass a lot, you say..?

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If I wasn't already Fodera'd up, I think I'd be looking to try a Maruszczyk Sputnik, they look great!

[IMG]http://i59.tinypic.com/21bocuu.jpg[/IMG]

Often, woods are woods, some places will let them sit for longer, so will perhaps be more resonant etc, but only Foderas have their proprietary preamp, which is going to he a lot of the sound!
A Maru with an Aguilar pre would be great I think.

Si

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Had a lovely very high spec MG5 for a while - excellent build and timbers with a focused and tight, but rich core tone and good flexibility via the pre. I'm not sure there's a 'characteristic' Fodera sound (there are so many variables), however, I'd say that Overwater provide a good alternative and cover most of the bases (similar core tone and flexibility). I find Overwaters a little large and chunky, but no more than most Foderas (that's why I had the relatively petite MG). Good build and lots of options with Overwater too. Second hand prices with Overwater tend to be weak so easy to pick-up a good neck-through at reasonable cost. The more I think of it, aesthetic aside, Overwaters get pretty close to some core Fodera characteristics

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Having looked at a number of different luthiers and basses, I think I've narrowed it all down some more.

On the list to contact are; Marleaux, Maruszczyck, Overwater, and Fodera.

A single cut is definitely the style I'm after, or a Jazz shape, more like the Fodera Emperor.

Tone wise I want versatility, I'm doing a lot of different style gigs now where a P bass just isn't shining, I mean there's not too much wrong with the P, but I just don't feel it's the best choice for some of the gigs and stuff I do.

Cheers for the advice everyone!

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[quote name='Kiwi' timestamp='1442223625' post='2865204']
Noone's mentioned WoodnTronics yet.
[/quote]

Yup, very nice sounding basses, that have a Fodera vibe. Not quite keen on their single cut shapes though. Definitly worth a look though.

Si

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James, there is a Hungarian luthier MLP who makes excellent basses that are customizable to a large extent and I think you could get a lot of bass even within your budget.
While I think that Fodera is not only a body shape or some marketing hype or such MLP does a a good job that is based on Fodera amongst others but has its own take as well.
Fodera Artist Tamas Barabas helped a lot launching some of the models so there is an other Fodera inspiration/connection.

Check out their YT channel for sounds: https://www.youtube.com/user/MLPCustomBass/videos
http://mlpguitars.com/

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For that kind of budget you should get a beaut regardless..

I play a Fodera Imperial and I hands down hold it as the best bass I've played - thats probably an even mixture of my soul telling me it is and my wallet telling me it IT WANTS TO BE!..

Are Fodera the best? I don't really care about that..
Owning one hasn't stopped me gassing for a Pedulla fretless, a Mattisson or one of the new Ken Smith Singlecuts ..

I think your purchase whatever the case just needs to gel with how and what you play - the shape and the fancy bits aren't too important if its singing and you're digging playing it.. If it's an instrument to play over a lifetime then whats a daft £6000-£12,000 among friends :P

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Never tried a Fodera, but on the subject of Wood & Tronics, I know that Enrico spent a lot of time at the Fodera workshop, and used this experience as inspiration when he went back to Italy to make W&T instruments.
It is certainly evident in the exquisite laminated 's' shaped neck joints on the thru-necks.

Edited by Roland Rock
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