Pricing and availability
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Price
Average Price: $7,897
High-end/Boutique
$400
$1001+
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Budget
Standard
High-end
Price History
Based on price data from 2 merchants for "Fodera Emperor 5 Standard Special Bass Guitar". Prices shown reflect NEW condition. Tracking began Apr 2, 2026.
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Description
The Fodera Emperor 5 Standard Special Bass Guitar stands as a beacon of superior craftsmanship and sonic excellence in the realm of electric basses. This boutique-class masterpiece is crafted from hand-selected solid tonewoods, ensuring not only stunning aesthetics but also unparalleled tonal quality. The sleek alder body, paired with a highly figured madrone top, is a testament to Fodera's dedication to creating instruments that are as visually captivating as they are sonically impressive.
The Emperor 5's 3-piece hard rock maple neck and 24-fret rosewood fingerboard offer a comfortable and responsive playing experience, making even the most complex bass lines feel effortless. At the heart of its powerful sound are the Fodera/Duncan Dual Coil pickups, which deliver a robust, punchy tone with the clarity and warmth that both studio sessions and live performances demand. Integrated with the Fodera x Trickfish preamp, this bass provides a dynamic range of tonal possibilities, allowing players to shape their signature sound with precision.
Designed with the modern bassist in mind, the Emperor 5 also features a fully adjustable high-mass bell-brass bridge and Gotoh tuners, ensuring impeccable tuning stability and sustain. Each Emperor 5 is handcrafted in Fodera's Brooklyn workshop, embodying a legacy of quality that has made Fodera a name synonymous with the elite in the bass community.
Key Features:
- Boutique-class, handcrafted electric bass
- Hand-selected solid tonewoods with a comfort-contoured alder body and madrone top
- 3-piece hard rock maple neck, bolt-on style
- 24-fret rosewood fingerboard
- Dual Coil pickups by Fodera/Duncan
- Fodera x Trickfish preamp offering extensive tonal control
- High-mass bell-brass bridge
- Gotoh tuning machines
- Handcrafted in Brooklyn, NY
- Includes ATA molded hardshell case
Product specs
| Number of Strings | 5 |
| Left-/Right-handed | Right-handed |
| Body Shape | Emperor Standard |
| Body Material | Alder with Madrone top |
| Body Finish | Satin |
| Neck Material | 3-piece Hard Rock Maple |
| Neck Joint | Bolt-on |
| Fingerboard Material | Birdseye Maple |
| Fingerboard Inlay | Abalone Dots |
| Number of Frets | 24, Large, Nickel Silver |
| Scale Length | 34" |
| Nut Material | Brass |
| Bridge/Tailpiece | Fodera Standard, 19mm String Spacing |
| Tuners | Gotoh |
| Neck Pickup | Fodera/Seymour Duncan Dual-coil 70s Spacing Humbucker |
| Bridge Pickup | Fodera/Seymour Duncan Dual-coil 70s Spacing Humbucker |
| Controls | 1 x volume/tone (stacked), 1 x bass/treble (stacked), 1 x pan, 1 x midrange |
| Switching | 1 x active/passive switch, 1 x coil-tap switch |
| Additional Features | Fodera x Trickfish Preamp |
| Strings | Fodera, .045-.125 |
| Case/Gig Bag | Hardshell Case |
FAQs
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What type of wood is used in the construction of the Fodera Emperor 5 Standard Special Bass Guitar?
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The body of the Fodera Emperor 5 Standard Special is made from alder with a Madrone top, offering a balanced tone with a beautiful natural finish.
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What kind of pickups does the Fodera Emperor 5 Standard Special feature?
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This bass guitar features Fodera/Seymour Duncan Dual-coil 70s Spacing Humbuckers, providing a versatile range of tones suitable for various music styles.
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Is the Fodera Emperor 5 Standard Special suitable for advanced players?
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Yes, the Fodera Emperor 5 Standard Special is designed for advanced players, offering high-quality craftsmanship, a versatile tonal range, and a comfortable playing experience.
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What is the string spacing on the Fodera Emperor 5 Standard Special?
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The string spacing on the Fodera Emperor 5 Standard Special is 19mm, which is ideal for players who prefer wider spacing for fingerstyle playing.
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Does the Fodera Emperor 5 Standard Special come with a case?
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Yes, the Fodera Emperor 5 Standard Special comes with a hardshell case to protect the instrument during transport and storage.
Videos
Sweetwater
Fodera Emperor Standard Special Bass Review
Reviews
Owner Insights
We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about Fodera Emperor 5 Standard Special Bass Guitar.
User experience
Use cases and applications
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Owners find Fodera basses exceptionally easy to record due to their even tonal response across the neck, reducing the need for compression.
Source
Comparisons
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The tonal consistency of Fodera basses contrasts with vintage P basses, which often require more compression to manage hot and dead spots.
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Owners who have tried both Fodera and Modulus Q5 basses often prefer the latter for its lighter weight and unique tone, suggesting nuanced differences in overall feel and sound quality.
Source
Build quality
Features and functionality
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Victor Wooten’s Fodera basses reportedly use light gauge strings (40-95) with a unique nickel wrap, offering increased flexibility for easier bending.
Source
Based on 0 Reviews and 0 Ratings
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