1966powers

What varies is the electronics of these early models. This one has the original Japanese electronics. Is it of worse quality? Hehe, I think the Japanese electronics are just as good as the others. Even much better.

I don't have a digital caliper to measure it with such exact precision. But I imagine those specifications can be found on the Fodera website.

Hi! The bridge has a system for customizing the distance between the strings. You can set them at 19 mm or closer together, at about 18 or 18.5 mm.

When people say it's a lower-value bass because it's made in Japan, I find it ridiculous. It's superior to some US-made models, and the quality of the woods is identical to the woods used in the basses in Ken's shop.

It's a great bass. What Ken Smith did 35 years ago strikes me as very interesting: sending the wood to Japan and overseeing the construction of this model. He did it with the same meticulousness as in his workshop. All by hand and by a single person he completely trusts.

pm sent

I don't have a recording with the bass, nor a sample of the sound. I'm really sorry. But I assure you that it has a very very defined sound and a lot of punch. Very comfortable. Weighs 9.2 lbs. (4.1kg)

I'm trading or selling this unique, custom-made 2003 Fodera Matt Garrison Signature Imperial. The bass is in perfect condition with only a few minor dings from use. A magnificent instrument that sounds as good as it looks! The bass is an absolute dream to play, incredibly responsive with a wide range of sounds. I'm including a custom ramp for it, although it's not currently installed. #MG52247N Flame redwood top Alder tone block Walnut body Ebony fingerboard 3-piece ash neck Abalone dot inlays Neck-through construction 33" scale 18.5mm/19.0mm spacing Fodera/Pope Custom 3-band EQ Fodera/Duncan Dual Coil pickups 4.6kg Original Fodera case. For trades, I value it at £ 7600 (€9000) For sale: £ 7300(€8500) The bass is in Valencia.

Ken Smith Burner, Artist model, manufactured between 89 and 93. Made 100% by hand in Japan. Wood from Ken Smith's workshop. 5 pieces on the neck (purple and maple) and 5 pieces on the body (walnut and maple). Original electronics. Scale 34". Separation between strings 17 mm. Ideal for playing chords. Tuning: BEADG/EADGC Allows for high-speed playing. 4000€. Ken Smith comments on this model in his forum: "The head maker could make Violins, Acoustic Guitars and even Banjos by hand. He was a real Luthier. He said in Japanese that HE must handmake the Artist Model himself and the other models Custom, Deluxe and Standard can be thru normal production. He was clear about that in not such a nice way BUT, he wanted the credit at home for being the Luthier he was. The bass that Hadrien Feraud plays is the Artist model Burner!" The email Ken Smith sent me about this bass when I sent him the pictures: "In the first few years, the Factory some some direct within Japan. We never saw these basses. About 300 were made and sole in Japan. This is one of them and the Artist model." " 89-93? Builders.. We supplied the body wood.. A great factory in Nagano, Morris Guitars. I knew the owner personally." Comes with a Smith soft case from the period. Shipping costs not included.

No. Your intervention is as valid and interesting as mine or anyone else's. And your bass denotes that it has been used and has come a long and interesting path.... if I could tell everything it has experienced with its owners it would be incredible.

It is totally correct.

I have seen a couple more from the same date.

BROO!!

Thanks Chewie! Yes...it's very very nice. It has a perfect aged finish. A soft touch but an incredible sound. The painting has been wonderfully preserved. Plus it's light...what more could you ask for? A good price, right? Well, it also has it compared to what they usually ask for these basses in this state.