💥Ryan Martinie Leaves Warwick For Fodera?! His New Signature Model First Look

it's official! Ryan Martinie has left his longtime endorsement with Warwick basses for Fodera. He hasn't just moved to Fodera, but has a new signature model that will be released commercially soon. Let's check out the early information on Ryan's new signature model Fodera , and talk about why it's not only a strange move after him being closely associated with Warwick Basses for so long, but how his new signature model Fodera is a radical change in style, aesthetic, and tone.
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[@nephilymbass1]

Got to open for his band soften the glare. I had my Warwick thumb nt6 and he played his fretted and fretless nt 5ers. Ryan’s a super nice guy and a believe Fodera approached him. But from what I’ve read over the years he’s always had some nice basses from other bands including Pedulla also. He was probably the most loyal warwick artist. And that’s probably why so many people are shocked. But everyone who’s played a thumb, even those of us who love them know there’s some ergonomic challenges to them. Ryan has joked in the past that it was a “1st world problem” but I honestly wonder if it was starting to become an issue. I mean it’s one thing to play shirtless with Mudvayne (which Imo helps keep a thumb bass in a good playing position) . but soften the glare covers a huge range of styles and is very challenging music. Maybe he finally got tired of fighting the thumb basses. Or maybe Fodera just made him some truly amazing basses that he liked. I mean he was super loyal to Warwick for like 2 decades and never got a signature bass even though Warwick sold signature basses for players like Leland Sklar and Adam Clayton who weren’t as loyal as they simultaneously had signature basses with Dingwall and fender.

[@RodneyMcG]

All great and true points.

[@ObsidianLife]

Just curious on your opinion; what do you find ergonomically difficult? I've had a Thumb and a Dolphin and they were my favorite basses, ergonomically. I'm not a big guy, but the Thumb and especially the dolphin were super comfortable for me...but I also find P Bass annoying and obtuse so I'm not necessarily the best judge, LOL!

[@TheDynamiteRO]

@@ObsidianLife I had a thumb, it was my dream bass for half a decade, and I got one, a Special Edition 2010 Nirvana black german made one. It was an amazing bass, with a spectacular tone and incredibly fast neck BUT and ergonomical nightmare. Let's say the weight it's indeed a first world problem, let's say the neck dive(which most thumbs have) is a first world problem. BUUUUUT, the neck stretch(due to the horn being short, while standing the entire body position of the bass moves to the left, towards the neck side, and therefore for me it felt like a 37 inch scale or even more, my hand was almost straight while playing in the first positions), the neck stretch literally fucked my hands, like carpal tunnel diagnostic. When I received the diagnostic, after one week I sold the thumb. I am 5'7 and 200 pounds, small hands and short reach so for me the thumb is a huge NONO.

[@Schtorm_BLITZ_UNION]

@@ObsidianLife My 2011 Thumb NT5 has Neck-Dive issues. I fixed it with altering the strap... but I'm sure that won't work for everybody. My Custom 7 String fretless is much much more heavier than Thumb, so I wouldn't be concerned about weight that much. With great tone comes great weight haha.

[@Schtorm_BLITZ_UNION]

@@TheDynamiteRO Wow, my 7 string fretless bass is 37". I'm sure you'd run miles away from it if you saw it :D

[@t.j.meechan682]

And I thought the Warwick Thumb was an expensive bass. Ryan is an amazing bassist, and deserves a signature model. I just need a winning lottery ticket to buy one. Great video Rodney. I hadn't heard about this.

[@RodneyMcG]

Yeah, like I said, very strange move. I'm interested to see how it affects his performance and tone. He's definitely priced his signature model out of the market for most, but maybe that just isn't his thing. I can respect not going for a big money grab. I find it very interesting after all this time that Warwick didn't offer him the signature to keep him with them.

[@Jihadbearzwithgunz]

2k-3k isn't expensive tbh have a few basses in that price range anything 5k-10k that's a bit rich for my blood aka his fodera and many others can reach upwords of 10-15k.

[@user-ix6qr5if5y]

@@RodneyMcG While Warwick basses are insanely nice and brilliant instruments, the company itself does not have the best reputation and there have been tons of scandals surrounding them and their scummy practises, from under-paying and borderline exploitation of workers to stealing ideas etc. they have tried to put themselves in a better light in the last years but their leadership and especially the guy on top still really seem kinda dubious. I wouldn't be surprised if they had some shady reasons for never providing Ryan with a signature model.

[@t.j.meechan682]

@The Muckler you think his signature Fodera is going to be 3 or 4 grand? You're funny.

[@susanndiaye2180]

I'm not a bass player even I play a little, but I think I read somewhere or even seen an interview with RM where he said he didn't WANT a signature bass from Warwick, because he thought the Thumb he plays are perfect and he didn't want to fix something that wasn't broken 😁 He is so nice. Very likeable 🤗 and absolutely amazing amazing and he gives his Warwick an unbelievable sound ❤ I think the same someone mentioned. He had a good offer 😁

[@aCeruleanStateMusic]

Ryan was the person who made me first buy a bass, and the reason I later got a warwick, not a thumb but a corvette due to budget. Warwick definitely have my favorite tones (at least thumbs/corvettes) so this will be interesting.

[@BathrobeBassist]

I honestly think the guy just wanted to try something new, and that’s it. 22 years with the same bass, he probably thought “if mudvayne is coming back then I should come back bold”. I have a feeling he will still play with Warwick and this will probably motivate them to give him a signature bass, but he is just trying something different and a guy or gal can’t blame him for it.

[@RodneyMcG]

I would doubt he would go back to Warwick. Fodera isn't going to give him a signature and promote it without some kind of contract.

[@robdubent]

@@RodneyMcG though he should…. Fodera is overpriced and not any better

[@RodneyMcG]

@@robdubent Matter of opinion at the end of the day.

[@MrZombs123]

@@RodneyMcG While I agree its an opinion on what is actually better... The price they ask for their instruments, is factually a high premium over other basses that can be just as subjectively just as good (and still US made)... For example, I play two Ernie Ball MusicMan Stingray basses and they are both superb... Still though, I'm definitely not knocking Fodera quality... My SweetWater credit is whispering in my ear.. "48 months no intereesssssttttt...." xD

[@gqfiend]

I was kind of thinking this. He might want to bring back the feeling of holding a bass…rather than having that extension of his body (that removable appendage).

[@CheapMessiah]

I'm late AF to this video, but being a warwick thumb bass player myself I can tell you why the change makes sense, the one big disadvantage thumb basses have is the upper strap button position relative to the fingerboard, it aligns with the 16th fret, most basses have it on 12 fret, that pushes the first fret position further away from your fretting hand shoulder, that forces the player to stretch the shoulder joint, increasing leverage, thus increasing the load on the shoulder, and the rotation of the wrist also increases, as we age, joint fatigue happens faster during a gig, and injuries are more common. Im assuming of course, but this might be the main reason to go through with the design change in the body of the instrument he plays.

[@RodneyMcG]

Great input

[@Cgh33]

Im glad I wasn't the only one wondering about this. Ryan martinie is the reason I got into music. When I first heard ld50 I asked myself why is there a piano in heavy metal? It turns out it was Ryan plucking the bass strings. I knew from there bass could be an awesome instrument but in metal it seemed like most players just stuck with the root notes. Its really sad to me he changed from Warwick. Ive been biased towards the tone of Warwick for years. I was even sad when Paul gray switched to Ibanez instead of Warwick because his bass wasn't as clear in the mix anymore

[@MaJuice209]

I would be surprised if the string spacing and neck profile aren't somewhat the same or at least modified to his liking. plus it looks like he's keeping things like the brass nut and the Wenge neck which are essential to the Warwick sound. There is a lot more going on than just the pickup position.

[@eerol123]

Interesting. I think a big part of the tone Ryan wants and also is famous for actually is the pickup placement. I recently switched from MEC to EMG on my Warwick Thumb, and while it did bring more clarity and definition to my ears with the EMG's, it still sounded very much like a warwick thumb. Of course there are a lot more to it than just the placement of the pickups on a bass, but I think we will recognize it's Ryan playing when we hopefully hear something recorded with this beauty of a bass!

[@RodneyMcG]

Agreed. I'm psyched to hear how it translates to his performance. Whenever i pick up another bass, i play a little differently. I'm sure he would experience the same.

[@bassimprovjams3772]

Dude very cool you are talking about this!!! This is huge for Ryan fans!!! I’ve been posting all about this the past few days!! 🙏🙏 would love to see you get him on here!! again thank you for this!! He changed my life when I was a teen and yes I also bought a Warwick NT 5 thumb also! Ryan is going to make vennie a lot of money!! I’m definitely getting one!!!

[@RodneyMcG]

It would be great to have him on the channel, and it sounds like you'll owe us all a demo!

[@francescobollani8125]

Ryan owned a Warwick Thumb 5 ( before 1998) with Emg pickups, and I'm pretty sure he used it for the recording of L.D. 50 and during the tours, so I think it's a return to a kind of sound he knows very well. The pickup position on his Fodera Signature reminds me the 90's thumb basses, if you looks close to the Thumb neckthrough models after 2000 the pickup are a little bit more slanted. The string spacing at bridge are for both Fodera and Warwick 16.5mm. IMO Warwick sold really a ton of basses because of Ryan and his playing, it's such a shame they didn't make a Signature model.

[@RodneyMcG]

Good info, thanks!

[@B-rad37]

I saw a video were he said he went to guitar center and bought the Warwick he recorded ld 50 with money given to him by the label. It was an off the shelf thumb nothing more.

[@Twalker06]

The design on the body has echoes of the the Ying Yang Victor Wooten Fodera sig. Looks great. A surprise move indeed!

[@TonyPuleo1]

Sometimes you just need something new, it’s not always that simple but at times it is...

[@RodneyMcG]

I know you had something to do with this Tony - I'M WATCHING YOU!!

[@raichoo]

My theory is that Fodera tries to expand into a different market. They've been known for being this kind of jazz virtuoso company for ages now. Ryan on the other hand might feel stuck with his old sound and wants to mix up things a little. From what I've heard, Fodera is a company that is really focused on details and deliver exactly what you want in your custom. Costs an arm and a leg for a reason to get one 😅 He also switched to full wound strings instead of tapered which is also kind of interesting to note. Overall I think they might be a great match.

[@ickywyrmwood1993]

And this kind of content is what most people want to see. Your knowledge shows through on this short video format well. Info is short and to the meat of the matter.

[@RodneyMcG]

Easy there. Short meat is my ex-girlfriends nickname for me. Still haven't gotten over it.

[@monjoody]

This move feels like RM was slighted by Warwick. You can easily argue that RM has more pull/exposure to the masses of bass players than many of the Warwick artists that have signature models, but he never got a signature Thumb? For him to go as far as keep the pickup spacing, it feels like a dig at Warwick. Almost as if he's saying "The only thing I liked was the pickup placement."

[@RodneyMcG]

Could be. I don't need to tell you about all the drama and politics that go on behind the scenes. Maybe he had a really tight contract and wanted to leave sooner than this but couldn't. Who knows, it'll be interesting to see if it changes things about as tone or style.

[@Joe-zk2sw]

It’s true! I own FIVE Warwick Thumbs because of that son of a bitch…. And now I am going to have to look into organ donation to buy this signature Fodera. Thanks Ryan 😩

[@RodneyMcG]

Pfft, multiple kidneys are over rated.

[@Joe-zk2sw]

@@RodneyMcG 😂 Maaaaan who needs 2? 😤

[@sethnicholls7861]

Totally agree and enjoyed your comment on this topic, much more so than any other's here. Yet, does anyone know that Ryan actually wanted a signature edition Thumb, or approached Warwick about this and or it resulting in his departure??!?

[@bassimprovjams3772]

There is a full set of the show on KZbin I watched it today and it cuts through soo much better than the thumb!! I noticed he was playing a different bass about a week ago on a teaser video on IG but they weren’t showing much so it took me a few days to figure out what it was

[@Schtorm_BLITZ_UNION]

Strongly disagree.

[@pyrotech601]

I've seen quite a few artist so far leave Warwick recently. Paolo Gregoletto, Amos Williams, Emma Anzai, and now Ryan? Sheesh

[@CS-Loc]

Let's just say the company isn't valuing "endorsees" like they used to.

[@jan-a26]

@@CS-Loc Amos' case is different. He said the woods Warwick uses are not ecologically viable. He would rather have a bass with less premium hardwoods.

[@christopherhaynie6628]

Also Sam from Limp Bizkit left Warwick and went to Fender. Paolo is with Kiesel and Emma is using mostly Ernie Ball Music Man now

[@robwalsh9843]

Reminds me of how Flea was *the* Ernie Ball Music Man Stingray guy, until he switched to Modulus and Fender. Maybe there was some drama with Warwick, or maybe Ryan just wanted to try something different. I like Warwicks, but I couldn't imagine playing them solely. I like a variety.

[@jackshittle]

That's what I was going to say. I started playing bass (or trying to) in 1990. I had already been amazed with Flea's playing & looked up to him. While on deployment to Puerto Rico, I mail ordered one of those VHS tapes from Sam Ash of (something titled like master sessions with flea hosted by River Phoenix). Popped that in the VCR & was blown away. Of course he's playing a Stingray the entire time and even talks about it at one point in the video. So six months later I get back to Maine & thought that I also need to have one of these Stingrays. So I went to the only dealer in Maine near me and bought the only one they had. Then it seemed like shortly after that I get my new issue of Bass Player in the mail and the inside front cover has this slick Modulus ad with Flea in it. I was pretty shocked & so young at the time was thinking stupid thoughts like "Wait....did he discover there is something junky about MM basses? Is that why he switched?" I want to say that this was around 1992-1993 or so.

[@charlesyarbrough3066]

Very cool!

[@seigas]

Love the studio vibe!

[@RodneyMcG]

Thanks!

[@Jihadbearzwithgunz]

The Warwick he used was the thumb 5 bass. It's not as carved as the streamer aka the ns2 clone. It is shocking seeing him going from Warwick to like you said a boutique company like Fodera but also to be honest he never truly had a signature model with Warwick maybe perhaps he enjoyed the thumb. Love to see a studio track of a older song with the fodera vs his Warwick thumb 5..

[@RodneyMcG]

That would be a great comparison

[@jtbass]

Yes, the mid 1980's Streamer was most certainly a Spector NS clone. But to dismiss it as such nowadays would be a mistake, as it evolved into a very unique instrument in its own right. Personally I'm a fan of both Spectors and Warwicks, so I'm not planting a flag in either camp, I just hate when people imply that all Streamers are Spector knock offs, because they are fabulous basses.

[@anthonypierolariega]

I think I'll just have to wait for a review of the new Fodera bass to compare them properly. Nice video tho.

[@johngilbert1634]

Similarly, Anthrax’s Frank Bello may be making a switch as well. He was recently seen playing a one-off Charvel with what appeared to be a production roasted maple neck and his signature EMGs. My guess is he may be Charvel/Jackson’s new top bass guy for the future.

[@RodneyMcG]

Interesting. Weird things afoot these days

[@codyhansonbass]

He definitely hinted at it being a signature model.

[@sethnicholls7861]

Well Fender does own Charvel folks, so that's not quite as big a stretch, or drastic change in comparison here IMHO.

[@johngilbert1634]

@@sethnicholls7861 He’s hasn’t played Fender in years. ESP.

[@poltergeist3194]

Great. Been saving my money for a Warwick Thumb 5 NT. Now I gotta sell a kidney to get a Fordera.

[@myfavoritesith]

Ryan is gonna Ryan. If he is ready for a change then by all means go with a different bass. The Fodera website has it listed for $11,700. It's Hand made in New York. Not surprised with the price.

[@frederickdoyon]

The black one look insane. And pretty sure the EMG's pickups and fodera's electronic gonna be a big step up in sound.

[@RodneyMcG]

I agree. I much prefer the EMG tone

[@frederickdoyon]

@@RodneyMcG I feel like it has been "trendy" to dislike EMG for a while but they are super quality pickups. I know they're not for everyone but they're the best at what they do. When I use to play live every other bassiste and sound guy were impressed by my old euro4 sounds. Anyway glad to see him with EMG.

[@RodneyMcG]

Yeah, people are tribal about gear. They hear with their eyes😉

[@frederickdoyon]

@@RodneyMcG yeah it's a shame. At least we got you who tell it how it is lol

[@crazeyjoe]

@@RodneyMcG Agreed! The majority of metal bassists, regardless of their weapon of choice use EMG pickups and for a good reason.

[@craiggoodreid7262]

Great video, having never played a Fodera I was wondering about the physical differences. So far the Mudvayne revival/reunion seems to have been focused on their back catalog and not new music so it was a surprise to hear this news. Does new bass = new material? Here's hoping.

[@RodneyMcG]

It would be cool to hear new Mudvayne, for sure. Some soften the glare may be on the horizon too, so I'm sure we'll hear something from one camp or the other.

[@crazeyjoe]

Ryan is a fantasic bassist and made a wise choice by moving on to the Fodera Yin Yang model, imo!

[@erockalypse75]

Great video. I'd wager that him keeping the positioning/spacing of the Thumb-style double J pups is also related to for comfort and accessibility for slap and (especially) pop techniques. I've had two Thumbs in the past - a 6 string with the older style soapbar pups and a newer 5 string with the more common slanted doubles Js - and currently have a '98 Corvette 6-string with the same style soapbar Basslines pups (my first Warwick), and an Infinity with it's J and double J humbucker setup; in addition to Mayones, Fender and Squire P & Js. When not playing Fender for punk or hardcore, I've always preferred the soapbar humbuckers for my finger picking, BUT when I get slappy, many of these style pups get in the way. The Thumb and Infinity were much easier to slap/pop on (sold the Thumb 5 because I preferred the Infinity and didn't need both). Having all that space between the necks and pups is much easier to get wild with because the extra space for the popping fingers.

[@naruto199797]

About the signature thing i think he just liked how the thumbs came stock and never saw any point in getting a sig because the thumbs were already being sold partly because of him and just releasing one for the sake of it didnt appeal to him

[@johnfollis2357]

Maybe you can talk about how Ryan does is octave chords and what not. His style of striking notes is how it tends to show up in the mix. He is one of the two reasons why I even though about learning how to play bass. This isn't metal, but Janek Gwizdala play Fedora. He has a 5-string tenner Fedora basically strung from E to C. And he plays lots of jazz chords and plays lots of jazz solos on it and it sounds amazing. So Ryan Martini playing a Fedora with his style should be interesting. I over here just have a$150 4-string Silvertone P Bass, a Sterling Music Man Stingray 5-string bass with duo Humbuckers that costs $400, and a 6-string Ibanez Bass that is just killer. That one cost $450. And as a side note, I have a cheep $80 Best choice Products Acoustic Bass Guitar. So I am good on basses. And they all serve there own purposes. But I tend to believe that if you build up your technique well, it may sound different tonal wise on different basses, but it will still be you and your style. That is just my thought.

[@RodneyMcG]

I did show a bit of a style like Ryan's on one of the recent shred shed pieces. And Janek is a beast!

[@johnfollis2357]

I'll have to go back and check that out. And Absolutely on Janek. It would be so amazing in a technical death metal setting of some sort, some of Janek's Chordal voicings could be implemented. Because he comes up with these sick chord voicings and progressions that are just out of this world. Seriously if the Metal world and the techno Electronic Dance world implemented his chords into there music, the world of music would be such a better place.

[@RisvoldTheGreat]

Ibanez is a poor mans guitar

[@RodneyMcG]

Trolling is a poor man's occupation

[@deangomes6280]

Yeah it makes you wonder if Warwick didn’t offer him a signature and that’s the reason for the jump or if his endorsement contract was up. Maybe fodera knew that and jumped at the chance to work with him given his popularity and the reunion with mudvayne. Time will tell when he gets a chance to share his side of what happened, but maybe he never will.

[@RodneyMcG]

Definitely a strange situation. There's so much drama and politics that go on behind the scenes with artist deals you never know what the real story may be.

[@deangomes6280]

@@RodneyMcG I’m guessing it’s the latter. I’m sure the pandemic hit fodera as they’re a small company making 10k basses. Sales had to have gone done. It’s a smart move to work with him. On top of him being a great player, he seems like a really cool humble guy. I can only imagine what it’s like behind the scenes like you said. Thanks for the video and discussion.

[@michaelespinosa1284]

He also kept the wood of the neck.

[@zeusbigalow8488]

Just in time for Mudvayne's reunion

[@RodneyMcG]

Exactly

[@chikaBurton]

I think he's about to cover Victor Wooten's Lesson on fretless Fodera...

[@sethnicholls7861]

His string spacing looks the same btw, but yeah most the differences I see at 1st here could very well be to counter the shortcomings of the Thumb bass's design for SO long. I love that he kept the pickup positioning on his new Fodera 5's. No neck dive, light weight, and fast. (Unless the backside wood choice is solid Wenge, his new bass has to be at least a couple pounds lighter..) Can't say I blame him after 20+ years w a company that went thru so much awkward growth, signed anyone willing to take a promo pic w their instruments, I'm actually glad to see him step outta that "click" finally and go w a smaller, hands on master bass brand more kin to his talent level & diversity.

[@J.M.81]

As for the Neck - don't forget that they can shape your neck to your preferences (also the String Spacing) - so maybe he got a pretty similar shaped neck (who knows yet) - also they do String Spacing from 20mm-16.5mm ... so he was able to choose some what he likes :) - usually Fodera does 19/20mm as a Standart on their Customs (which you might pick up on a NAMM Show or a Shop due their main influence always has been the Fender :)) which might give the impression Fodera's are big (which they are but when you look at the MG Model or even their new Headless or Mini MG Model, they also have smaller / compact Versions)

[@RodneyMcG]

Great input

[@lowend8989]

One more factor that not many talk about regarding the Thumb-those are incredibly neck-heavy instruments, especially the neck thru versions(which at present cost somewhere around $5300 plus). Playing those things standing up for hours can take its toll over the years. Although Ryan mentioned it being not an issue for him, I can see someone having enough of it over time.

[@RodneyMcG]

Excatly the reason i never owned one.

[@robwalsh9843]

My friend was once an avid Warwick player, but he sold his for that very reason. He described it as being similar to the "Les Paul shoulder" that some long time Les Paul players get.

[@lowend8989]

@@robwalsh9843 I recently bought a 6 string neck thru Thumb(used) some days ago. Was about to sell it further the very next day because of the neck dive but decided against it to give it some more time and see if I can get comfortable with it.

[@TheYellingIdiot]

The Fodera is $11,700. I thought the Warwick was too expensive but the Fodera costs 2-3 times more.

[@ObsidianLife]

Carbon AR One of the things that makes this all look a little weird is that Warwick/Framus Was helping promote the Mudvayne reunion when it was first announced… Pretty sure Greg (Mudvayne guitarist) isn’t playing Framus right now

[@Schtorm_BLITZ_UNION]

Greg never played Framus in the first place? Correct me if I'm wrong. I remember him using Washburn.

[@ObsidianLife]

@@Schtorm_BLITZ_UNION Yeah, totally true, my point was that no one else in the band was supported by Warwick so its weird that the one guy who was jumped brands!

[@Schtorm_BLITZ_UNION]

@@ObsidianLife I only hope Ryan would make some explanation. Thumb doesn’t have that much low-end (still very good), perhaps he wanted to alter the sound too. The live sound felt bit darker, but strong in low-end. But that’s just speculatio… on never knows unless there’s direct comparison.

[@ObsidianLife]

@@Schtorm_BLITZ_UNION Yeah...on Talk Bass someone who claimed to be "in the know" said it was a bit personal. Ryan seems to be pretty professional about this stuff. I've only ever seen him once admit that there was some beef with the Mudvayne break up... I have SERIOUS doubts that Fodera is paying him, being that its a small shop, so I just wonder if Warwick was or if they thought he was "bought and payed for"...

[@Schtorm_BLITZ_UNION]

@@ObsidianLife Didn't believe it earlier, but now I believe he does not get paid upfront by Fodera. Probably very friendly partnership and he'll get share from his custom model sales. And ye - Warwick might not be what they used to many years back and... they didn't treat him well? Who knows.

[@iutchube]

Interesting move. Hard to figure out why he made it. Maybe he'll give us a clue in the future.

[@ianstrickland5280]

this of course was big deal for me, i met ryan in 2019 at a STG show, got to play both his custom 2016 fretless NT 5 and his original 98' NT 5 that recorded LD 50. even bought a thumb because of him, brought it with me and he played it and signed it and had a chat with ryan for a good hour, such a humble dude. then i saw mudvaynes first reunion show in ohio, VIP pass and all, im a huge gear head and love warwicks, only basses i own other than one modulus. anyways, seeing him walk out with that fodera was really bumming, his sound just wasnt there, it sounded very dull compard to his thumbs.

[@TheGarageRecordingSC]

Certainly an interesting move on his part. I wonder if this has as much to do with Fodera wanting to step up their game and may be approach a broader audience, as it does with Ryan moving away from Warwick. Maybe Fodera made him an offer he couldn’t resist.🤷🏻

[@RodneyMcG]

Quite possible

[@alevandet5377]

Pretty shocking, but not surprising. Warwick basses are amazing, one of a kind, and I feel that Ryan is mostly responsible for having their name out there. However, Fodera is in a league of its own. I'd say it is the Rolls Royce of bass guitars. But it is so catered towards other styles of playing. I've seen the video of Ryan visiting the Fodera store and while his skills are as flawless as ever, the bass doesn't sound THAT good. I'm not saying Fodera's basses aren't good, but I am so used to hearing Ryan play the thumb that I can't associate it with any other bass, and it sounds almost off when hearing him do his strike playing on something that isn't so mid and trebly. But if that is what Ryan desires, then I am happy he is finally able to change and move on to greater things. (:

[@pizanleo]

Its all about evaluation.

[@jonsidell3338]

When I got my Thumb 5 it was instant Ryknow tone. Did not make me play like him at all but the sound lives in that bass. It was very uncomfortable to play, but god what a tone. EMG was the OEM pickup of choice when the Thumb was unveiled. I did the swap in aforementioned Thumb 5. The MEC pickups were essentially developed to be an in house version of EMG. The only difference to my ear is the EMGs had more clarity. The MEC preamp was the main weakness of the Thumb, sounds way better bypassed. Another similarity seems to be a Wenge neck, which is a departure from most Foderas. I like the black one!

[@RodneyMcG]

Great details, thanks. I dig the black too!

[@brendanerskine4158]

I would say compared to his warwick/s he's kept the wenge neck, 26 fret ebony board and brass nut. Korina body would be way lighter than the bubinga NT but body is bigger so i'd guess it would equal out. No specs online for weight.

[@RodneyMcG]

Good observations

[@Bigscott4130]

I'm getting some Victor Wooten vibes off this one for sure and I cant be the only one.

[@RodneyMcG]

He does have that Yin/Yang in the same shape, so for sure

[@garrydhintz8017]

This new Fodera bass looks cool but this whole thing is interesting. I still think it's crazy to see him playing something so different.

[@RodneyMcG]

Yeah, it's odd

[@KeithJones-iu7mf]

As an owner and fan of Warwick. Im taken back by this. Obviously preference for him is everything. But I worry about sound output now in relation to his style 🤔

[@MrZombs123]

I wouldn't... few reasons.. 1. It's custom to his spec, so I'm sure he worked closely with them to get the sound he wants. 2. It's a Fodera... Their quality is extremely good. 3. Im pretty sure Ryan can take any bass off the shelf and still sound like himself. He's definitely got a unique style.

[@ryanvance5554]

And for around 12,000 dollars you can own his new bass 😳

[@davidblack8174]

Ryan can do what makes him happy. It’s my understanding that he owned a Fodera before all this. It’s also my understanding that he was approached by Fodera, and not the other way around. I think it’s great, personally. That an artist should be chained to a certain instrument based on fans’ expectations seems a little silly to me.

[@RodneyMcG]

He is absolutely entitled to do what he wants. At no point have I said that he can't or shouldn't.

[@davidblack8174]

@@RodneyMcG no worries, I wasn’t implying that you were

[@RodneyMcG]

I didn't take it that way, just clarifying. The wonders of internet conversation - you're never completely sure how some things are meant 😂

[@davidblack8174]

@@RodneyMcG I know, right? Ryan truly had any option imaginable, and he’s an awesome player and just as great a human being. Really cool opportunity that Fodera approached him with an invite to the family! I’ve always thought Fodera basses were cool, and I’ve been playing Thumb basses on and off since I got my first one in 1998. He kept a few other nods from the Warwick, including the same knob configuration and the 26 frets. Not sure about neck profile, though, but it seems like Ryan had his necks profiled to the slim version that Warwick used in the late 80’s and early 90’s or something like that. I’ve seen a few interviews where he alludes to that. Warwick also used EMG and Bartolini pickups in their early days. Fodera will also build anything, and going off what looks like a Hipshot bridge, chances are that he kept the narrow 16.5mm spacing he’s used to. The Fodera proprietary bridge has wider spacing. That’s just me eyeballing, but I think it’s a really cool switch. I can’t imagine there being any bad blood between Ryan and anyone else, and I’m sure the switch was more than likely amiable.

[@RodneyMcG]

Yeah, if the artist is happy, that's all that matters. You never know how splits happen. I know a lof of the behind the scenes drama on things like that, and some of it is just nuts. More politics and drama then the Kardashians! Sometimes it is just a time for a move and everybody is good with it. I'm just really curious to see if it brings something new out in his style and tone.

[@independentjames1]

And he stole the Thumb Bass pickup configuration for the new bass.😝🤪

[@jackshittle]

I wonder if it could be similar (as already stated) to the Musicman / Modulus thing that Flea did (28 yrs or so ago)? The other possible (but maybe not that likely) thing is maybe he was disgruntled? Maybe someone new started (or old) working at Warwick that didn't see eye to eye with Ryan (or vice versa)? Maybe he liked the idea of Fodera's HQ's being in NY vs over in Germany? I also remember when I thought I was witnessing another jumping of the ship when I saw the piece in Bass Player showing Justin Chancellor's new Warwick. I was thinking "Wow, all those years playing a Wal & now Warwick had recruited Justin." Only to find out that that's not what happened. Either way I'm probably wrong but those a few things that popped into my head.

[@RodneyMcG]

Anything is possible. You never know what dynamics go on behind the scenes.

[@chrapladm]

I cant find another bass that has the same tome as the Warwick. I have looked for many years and love the tone of the low end of the Warwick. Sounds like more fundamental note coming through. IDK. But Fodera has never had that sound. BUT I will wait to hear Ryan on one and see what it sounds like.

[@RodneyMcG]

You may just want to hunt down a set of MEC pickups then. There's nothing super special that Warwick is doing that other companies aren't.

[@warwicker22]

I had always wanted an Adam Jones Les Paul, but when they were annoyed I thought it was too much for me to consider (especially since I’m a PRS guy). I’m a devout Warwick fanboy, so for me this is also just too much to be on my radar. Yes, I’d LOVE a Fodera and I’m sure it’s amazing! But for that price, I’ll take 2 custom shop Warwicks.

[@sethnicholls7861]

Pretty sure 2 Warwick custom shop bass's would be a bit of the same round about price or higher bud.

[@warwicker22]

@@sethnicholls7861 Yes, but you’d have TWO basses then! Lol!!!

[@michaela.friestbigmikesbas2508]

I think in the Simpson's Mr Plow episode the question is answered. They drove a truckload of money up to my house.

[@GreatHouseAtreides]

Maybe the weight of the Warwick gave him shoulder problems haha it is a crazy move. I love Ryan’s playing, bass looks cool, but I gotta hear it. Granted I imagine I’ll never play one.

[@MrZombs123]

Have you seen that dude... He's jacked.. I bet the Warwick bass was actually complaining to Ryan!! xD

[@scottpolston6137]

There’s allot more similarities than pickup spacing man quite a few like location of the eq knobs wood choice for the neck and the way the fret board runs into the body I wouldn’t be surprised if the fret board has the same radius also it’s monarch based but quite a bit smaller than your run of the mill monarch if you can call any fodera run of the mill you forget these basses are all very custom unless you get a pre made standard model his is most certainly custom there’s allot more thumb bass in his fodera than your pointing out man way more and most likely even more than we can see but I bet you could feel the similarities if you picked it up and played it or broke out a micrometer and started taking measurements of things and start cross referencing a thumb and standard monarch

[@Soulfide]

Fodera makes beautiful basses no harm in him trying something different. Those bases are super expensive 😫 hahah

[@jdcsteelers498]

Fodera makes some very nice stuff though. They ought to be though because all their stuff is crazy expensive

[@sethnicholls7861]

Two more ideas I'm sure have been covered down below but Ryan doesn't have anything to prove, he's made his dues, and I'm sure once a fresh approach after how long with Warwick? I think he made a cool choice, and the other thought here guys is that this instrument bound to change even more than I'm sure it already has. I'm sure I'm switching companies is going to ruffle a lot of feathers, but it's STILL Ryan Martini, his and that's really all that matters!

[@mutantbaby1672]

Lol because Warwick Masterbuilt is not boutique enough. Of course pickups are EMG. There is no way Fodera gonna put MECs on it. I like the big Warwick tree trunk neck, but the horn on the Thumb only extend to ~ 15th fret. This Fodera upper horn goes to the usual 12th fret. I expect this to be a much more balanced bass as oppose to the Thumb where everybody complains about neck dive.

[@mutantbaby1672]

And at this price, no one is getting one to play other than Ryan himself. This is exclusively for collectors.

[@davidlovellbass4761]

New bass looks great, odd move to team up with a company which will further out price fans but maybe he was getting 0 from Warwick in that regard and wanted to capitalise on the reunion with something he wanted.

[@RodneyMcG]

Yeah, hard to tell what happened. It really becomes a cant win for the guy in a number of ways. If he goes with a higher price Boutique company that he knows very well he's not going to sell many of, the price will still get people accusing him of wanting too much. If he goes with a larger company that can sell overseas imports and swamp the market full of his model, they'll accuse him of going for a cash grab just for big sales. I kind of like that he went with something more obscure. In the end it doesn't really matter to me, I'm just interested to see if it affects his playing and sound.

[@bassimprovjams3772]

Also all them yrs he never got a signature model thumb

[@talesfromthetoiletseat8295]

I like it. Maybe he is just bored with the Thumb. I like them I lust for one but I don’t know if that is something I’d want to play with forever. A little variety goes a long way. I have a infatuation with the slanted J pickup configuration near the bridge. Looks cool. Similar thing: Didn’t Justin Chancellor go to Warwick after being a Wal guy for ever? It is a weird change. Even weirder was the last run Tool did all the pictures I saw from the show they did in my town he was rocking a Wal. Lol

[@RodneyMcG]

Yeah, things get real complicated with endorsements, etc.

[@runningbear8088]

When people talk about the top bass players in the world you never ever hear anybody mention Ryan's name! That is very sad because he is one of the world's most underrated bass players along with Steve Harris.

[@AugustThor438]

Also the Wenge neck

[@drkangel1134]

A- he’s not the only artist jumping ship with Warwick B- he’s used a fodera in mudvayne a 2nd album a couple of times C-it doesn’t matter what type of pick up it is as long as it’s in that configuration. D- who cares?! He’s still out playing

[@Schtorm_BLITZ_UNION]

B - wrong. It was Pedulla.

[@drkangel1134]

@@Schtorm_BLITZ_UNION that’s too but he has used a fodera

[@Schtorm_BLITZ_UNION]

@@drkangel1134 Okay correct me please - I’ve actually tried to find that out but… didn’t see anything.

[@666voyager666]

$11,700.....i know its boutique, but i'll choose a solid warwick thumb for a fraction of that price.

[@marco271185]

I dont like how the Fodera looks. Id like to hear how it sounds.

[@RisvoldTheGreat]

Foderas cost more then Warwick’s lol they’re extremely nice

[@tabonejohann]

To be honest I own a Warwick but if I buy another surely I don't go for Warwick .The only Warwick that feels good in my hand is the fortress and might be the streamer in which I did try a while ago .

[@belgianchocolateminime6389]

These basses will retail for $11,700 and Fodera is taking $2000 deposits on their website...

[@bw6138]

Ryan, play a 6 string bass for the new Mudvayne album. More chords and melody.

[@bw6138]

And harmony

[@bw6138]

Mudvayne and Jinjer are both a quartet. Same music structure. The bass fills in the space where the drums and guitars are for a more fuller sound.

[@bw6138]

A 6 string would take it to another level with Math Rock and Math Metal

[@bw6138]

Could you imagine what Tool would sound like if Justin played a 5 string or 6 string?

[@wtcornet]

Or are the EMG's voiced to Ryan's liking?

[@RodneyMcG]

Inside info says no - standard J

[@wtcornet]

@@RodneyMcG Interesting.

[@michaelferguson7771]

who the hell is that one guy that's downvoting all of your videos?! lol

[@RodneyMcG]

It's funny, I think I actually know😂 Some guy got butthurt over a video I did and I get the same amount of downvotes nearly every video since then!

[@dissolution]

It's a fugly body but dude is amazing.

[@RodneyMcG]

No denying that

[@ObsidianLife]

It isn't my fav, but Ryan likes them! Curious what his signature will look like...between the Warwick and the Pedulla, I wonder if he'll go with the smaller body style

[@JVMC_ZR1]

I think it would be insulting to Fodera if he were to put MEC pickups on it because it's a Warwick brand 😂.

[@MrHattrick63]

All I know is Fedora costs a whole lotta money =)

[@kimfaucher007]

Jeeezzzz… it’s 11 000$!!! 🤯 A Warwick « master built » is worth almost the very same price… at 9 000€! What would be your take on that? Let’s say that money would not be an issue and that you wouldn’t have to justify buying a bass instead of a newer car…

[@RodneyMcG]

I think way too many basses are overpriced. But then again I think a lot of things are overpriced. And a custom-built Warwick or a fodera is not a necessity. Doesn't bug me oh, really. No one's forcing me to buy it and it's not the only Bass available. It's never going to be a choice in between a car and a bass. It will just be a choice between a car and THAT bass😉

[@TheCpj1976]

Uh, US made Spector NS-2. No preamp touches the 9V Hazlab. And if you hate the classic EMGs, you can throw an X series in it or even one of the new Aguilar passives. I have 4 and 5 string NS-2s, the former with a PJ configuration and the latter with JJ. And a Euro 5 from around 2003 or so. People shit on the TonePump, but it’s damn close to the Haz and has this nice, gooey low mid presence. The EMG TWXs I put in it sound spectacular. I also have a NS-2 bolt on with an Aggie OBP-3 and EMG X’s. It’s got a modern jazz bass tone with a little more bite and snarls when you dig one. I’ve played Warwicks and they’re cool in their own way, but nothing beats a Spector for punching through a mix. Which is important when your guitar player has a huge mid range presence that’s like a black hole for sound. Or when the cymbals are really washy. Yes, most basses are overpriced. IMHO, Fender is the worst offender. G&L is orders of magnitude better than the trash coming out of Fender. Even their custom shop stuff has minor defects for which there is no excuse. My basses aren’t cheap, but if I calculate how much I’ve spent on a few, incredibly well built instruments that are versatile, I don’t need to buy a bunch of them. I play my stuff and if I don’t or won’t play it, it doesn’t end up in my collection. So lots of cheap basses = a few boutique monsters.

[@snrrlax]

The thumb is also a 35" scale on the 5 string but his signature is 34" scale which is odd given his tuning benefits from the 35" scale. It's also got a brass nut similar to his thumb.

[@radomirsanovski1059]

The Thumb BO is a 34" scale bass.

[@snrrlax]

@@radomirsanovski1059 Huh, That's odd. The 2 i've owned have been 35". I've also own a 4 string bo that was 35". Must depend on the year. All mine were from late 90's to early 00's.

[@MetalCobra102]

I get what you were saying but the thumb looks no where close to a spector.

[@ickywyrmwood1993]

And wow. Speculation abound. Maybe they wanted a metal sound and just paid more then Warwick. Maybe the weight is different and he is hurt some way and is shopping around to compensate. Maybe is sound has matured and stepped away from the mid pop of a Warwick. Don't Fodera's sing (like chords and such)? And maybe not as dark. The Warwicks I have heard seemed dark.

[@RodneyMcG]

Yeah, a completely different Beast. You never know what went on behind the scenes. He may have wanted to make the move along time ago but just had a really restrictive contract with Warwick

[@RodneyMcG]

He was an endorsed artist for a long time

[@willisingo]

My God Rodney that poor bass at a forty-five degree angle leaning on an amp at the head stock!!!! lol

[@RodneyMcG]

It's my OCD detector. Gotcha!

[@mr_pennason5329]

The middle W in Warwick is silent…

[@armandov2424]

He went for EMGs as the MEC pickups used on Warwicks are... well, basically made by Warwick. And they're not exactly great pickups, so it was a good move. I see the neck is Wengé (look at the neck pocket), definitely not standard for Fodera.

[@RodneyMcG]

Good observation

[@crazeyjoe]

I agree that MEC pickups are mediocre.

[@judecarter205]

And a Fodera is about 6 K more than his Warwick

[@geekguitars]

I'm happy for Ryan, to me, this is a step up for him. I respect Warwick, but, they've really fallen out of favor for me as I feel they've become very overpriced and their quality can be hit and miss. Every fodera I've had the privilege of fondling was flawless. I guess he needed a change, maybe he had a falling out with Warwick and / or maybe fodera made home a great offer (and what better time to mobilize, the eve of mudvayne's comeback!). I think the bass looks cool, albeit I almost mistook it for a Wooten yin yang at first. Unfortunately, now he's more unaffordable!! This isn't the first time I've seen an artist part with what may be the company that is as we know it, thier identity. Les Claypool doesn't do Carl Thompson and he's ok, shit Brian "Head" Welch switched to ESP!!. I wish Ryan the best, we all know he deserves it, the guy is a bass demigod!! Great vid as always!!

[@RodneyMcG]

I saw the similarity to the yin and the Yang bass as well!

[@demotics2005]

Could it be that he finds warwick sound more suitable for heavy metal and fodera sound more suitable for jazz?

[@RodneyMcG]

Possible. He seems to be using it for Mudvayne as well, though

[@demotics2005]

@@RodneyMcG oh I see.

[@greedygringoprospecting6941]

fodera is all custom made.

[@al76groovekeeper]

He should got a peavey...lol

[@RodneyMcG]

Yes!

[@boschman36]

$12000 for a bass with a bolt on neck? Nah man.

[@nick_be9159]

I was really blown away when I saw Ryan with the Fodera's. He is my nr1 bassplayer from day 1 and he is the reason I play a Customshop NT4 Thumb. Also the price of the fodera is so high that you don't gonna see much Fodera Ryan sigs I guess. The fans really hoped for a Ryan Thumb sig imo. As a hardcore Warwick fan I love the looks of the Fodera but It's still strange to see it on Ryan...

[@grooveholmes79]

weird....I can't imagine him playing anything but a Warwick. Like you said, such a signature feature of his sound. Fodera is so out of my reach, i dont even know what the sound is. Did you happen to see the Mudvayne show? Chad....yikes!!

[@RodneyMcG]

I didn't see the show. That bad?

[@grooveholmes79]

@@RodneyMcG i just saw some clips...the band sounded good...Chad....not so much.

[@grooveholmes79]

@@RodneyMcG then again, how good can you tell from cell phone video thats slapped on youtube

[@RodneyMcG]

Saw it. He's definitely struggling. Surely isn't helped by absolutely crap vocal engineering. God knows what his monitors must sound like.

[@kidbass]

Foderas are better fancier and victor Wooten plays a fodera...

[@karolzmaczynski9681]

Maybe Fodera wants endorser in metal community but why? 😀 I believe that probably 0,01% of metalheads can afford it

[@RodneyMcG]

Time to get that day job and make cash register go brr brr ching!

[@nephilymbass1]

You’d be surprised. I work in healthcare and know metalhead surgeons with 100k in music gear

[@robwalsh9843]

The only other metal bass player I've seen using a Fodera is.....*ugh*...Evan Seinfeld from Biohazard

[@cysecgnz]

Not a fan of his new bass.

[@allsic]

$12,000 no thanks...

[@gabrielsoares7785]

I dont like butterflies