Ken Smith vs. Fodera

[Pearldrummer1]

Two top of the line Basses comopanies who create top of the line basses, if you had the available cash, which bass would you choose, and why

[carlmack7183]

well Iguess Im first up to bat.  Im going Ken Smith b/c i've fortunately had the chance to play both and although the Fodera was beautiful, I wasn't overly impressed with the tone of that particular model. I haven't heard a Ken Smith that I didn't like. Im thinking of buying the new Ken Smith Jazz Bass that sells for like $800. I heard it's nie and the price isn't bad either for that quality of bass.

[rick1906]

I'm voting Ken Smith. I haven't heard a bad tone out of a Smith. I bought one in 2002 and just bought another this week. They are great instruments.

[ApostolicBassPlaya]

I've played both and would pick the Smith.  Love the sound and the feel.  Wasn't really impressed with the Fodera especially the cost.

[ddwilkins]

If I had the money, I would get both. Why not?

[malthumb]

If I were looking to spend Ken Smith / Fodera kind of money, I'd probably slip over to ApostolicBassPlaya's avatar and buy an MTD 535 and pocket the change 

But to answer the question that was asked, I'd probably go for a Smith.  I've played both and just prefer the Smiths that I have played to the handful of times I've played Fodera.  Fodera's are very nice, I just don't think I would pay the difference in price between the two to get the Fodera.  Would I be stating the obvious if I pointed out that the guy that runs Fodera used to work for Ken Smith?

Peace,

James

[Andrzej]

I would choose Ken Smith.  They are the 'Rolls Royce' of basses!  I have never played one that I didn't like!  For me they are a bass to admire and not own.  I am a little guy and they are too big for my frame...I look like an oompa loompa playing surf board!  I like Fodera's too, although I couldn't justify parting away with so much money for one.  I have played other custom made basses almost half the price of a Fodera which have just the same amount of quality and attention to detail and that's why I don't stay awake about them!  I'm blessed to be sponsored by Warwick and they have made me basses to my spec of just as good quality of a Ken Smith or Fodera bass for a much more pocket friendly price.  Because of that I tend not to consider paying more for other high end basses.

[sonofpaul]

did you know that vinnie fodera used to work for ken smith in the late 70's/early 80's then he started his own company..