Pricing and availability

We compare 600+ stores and found this item at 2 stores. Prices updated .

Average Price: $7,897

High-end/Boutique

$400

$1001+

Price Tier

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

What type of wood is used in the construction of the Fodera Emperor 5 Standard Special Bass Guitar?

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.

What kind of pickups does the Fodera Emperor 5 Standard Special feature?

This bass guitar features Fodera/Seymour Duncan Dual-coil 70s Spacing Humbuckers, providing a versatile range of tones suitable for various music styles.

Is the Fodera Emperor 5 Standard Special suitable for advanced players?

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.

What is the string spacing on the Fodera Emperor 5 Standard Special?

The string spacing on the Fodera Emperor 5 Standard Special is 19mm, which is ideal for players who prefer wider spacing for fingerstyle playing.

Does the Fodera Emperor 5 Standard Special come with a case?

Yes, the Fodera Emperor 5 Standard Special comes with a hardshell case to protect the instrument during transport and storage.

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Fodera Emperor Standard Special Bass Review

Video thumbnail for Fodera Emperor Standard Special Bass Review by Sweetwater

Fodera Emperor Standard Special Bass Review

Sweetwater

Sweetwater

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

  • Fodera basses are praised for their smooth playability and luxurious feel, making them a standout choice for some players despite their price.

    Source
  • One owner mentions the Emperor II's majestic sound, featuring crisp highs and thunderous lows, making it exceptionally easy to play.

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Use cases and applications

  • Owners find Fodera basses exceptionally easy to record due to their even tonal response across the neck, reducing the need for compression.

    Source

Comparisons

  • 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.

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Build quality

  • High-end finishes and meticulous attention to detail in construction are highlighted as key differentiators for Fodera basses.

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  • The Emperor 5 Standard Special is noted for its small and lightweight design, enhancing playability without compromising sound richness and resonance.

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Features and functionality

  • Victor Wooten’s Fodera basses reportedly use light gauge strings (40-95) with a unique nickel wrap, offering increased flexibility for easier bending.

    Source

Mods and upgrades

  • It's common for players to adjust strings, such as using a .145 custom gauge for added tension to improve B string performance.

    Source

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