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 is a musical masterpiece designed for discerning bassists seeking the perfect blend of craftsmanship, tone, and playability. Crafted with meticulous attention by the same skilled luthiers behind the revered custom Fodera models, this bass delivers an exceptional playing experience without the long wait or hefty price tag of custom orders. The Fodera x Trickfish preamp is a standout feature, offering a low noise floor and extended battery life, allowing you to fine-tune your sound with ease whether you're in the studio or on stage.

This bass boasts a hand-selected alder body coupled with a stunning, highly figured madrone top, providing a harmonious balance of resonance and sustain. The sleek 3-piece hard rock maple bolt-on neck is adorned with a 24-fret rosewood fingerboard, ensuring smooth playability across all registers. At its core, the Fodera/Duncan Dual Coil pickups deliver a rich, punchy tone with a full spectrum of frequencies, enhanced further by the preamp's versatility.

Whether you're laying down the groove at a live gig or recording intricate riffs in the studio, the Emperor 5 Standard Special is engineered to meet your every need. With its premium components and boutique quality, this instrument stands as a testament to Fodera's legacy in creating world-class bass guitars.

Key Features:

  • Boutique-class, handcrafted electric bass guitar
  • Alder body with a highly figured madrone top
  • 3-piece hard rock maple neck with a 24-fret rosewood fingerboard
  • Fodera/Duncan Dual Coil pickups
  • Fodera x Trickfish preamp for comprehensive tonal control
  • Fully adjustable Fodera Standard bridge/tailpiece
  • 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

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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.

    Source

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.

    Source

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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