Founded in 1983 by luthier Vinny Fodera and bassist Joey Lauricella in Brooklyn, New York, Fodera is a boutique instrument manufacturer specializing in handcrafted electric bass guitars and, to a lesser extent, electric guitars. The two founders met while working at Ken Smith Basses before striking out on their own, combining Vinny's woodworking expertise with Joey's perspective as a professional player. Originally operating out of a small shop on Avenue O, the company relocated to Industry City in Brooklyn in 1990, where its team of luthiers builds every instrument by hand using traditional construction methods and premium tonewoods. A signature design element is the inlaid butterfly on the headstock found on most Fodera instruments.

Fodera's core bass body shapes include the Monarch, Emperor, and Imperial, each available across multiple tiers from the more accessible Standard Series to fully custom builds and the top-tier Brooklyn Masterbuilt line. The Yin Yang model, co-designed with Victor Wooten and named for its contrasting light and dark tonewoods, is among the brand's most iconic instruments. Fodera also produces proprietary bass strings in partnership with DR Strings and offers preamps and practice amplifiers through a collaboration with Trickfish.

Fodera basses are a staple among elite jazz, funk, and session bassists. Victor Wooten, Anthony Jackson, Marcus Miller, Richard Bona, James Genus, Lincoln Goines, Felix Pastorius, Oteil Burbridge, Christian McBride, and Anthony Wellington are among the hundreds of professional players on the Fodera artist roster. The Anthony Jackson Presentation Bass — a custom six-string contrabass guitar — helped define the extended-range bass category. The brand's reputation for meticulous craftsmanship and tonal versatility has made it one of the most sought-after names in high-end bass guitars.

Fodera has 54 products cataloged on Equipboard, including Electric Basses, Strings, and Fretless Basses. Their gear is featured by 26 artists, with the strongest followings in Rock, Jazz, and Funk / Soul. Notable users include Victor Wooten, Mark Kelley, and Ryan Martinie. Most Fodera products sit firmly in the high-end, boutique range.