Pricing and availability

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

Average Price: $9,325

High-end/Boutique

$400

$1001+

Price Tier

Budget

Standard

High-end

Price History

Based on price data from 2 merchants for "Fodera Imperial 5 Select 5-string Bass Guitar". Prices shown reflect NEW condition. Tracking began Apr 2, 2026.

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Description

The Fodera Imperial 5 Select 5-string Bass Guitar is a masterpiece of craftsmanship and tonal excellence, designed to satisfy the discerning bassist. Handcrafted in Fodera’s Brooklyn workshop, this boutique-class instrument combines exquisite materials with state-of-the-art electronics to deliver a truly exceptional playing experience.

The neck-through design fuses a 4-piece hard rock maple neck with contoured alder body wings, providing a harmonious blend of resonance, sustain, and playability. The silky rosewood fingerboard, complete with Plek'd frets, offers a smooth surface for effortless transitions across the fretboard, allowing you to tackle everything from intricate solos to deep, foundational grooves with ease.

At the heart of the Imperial 5 Select are Fodera Dual Coil pickups, crafted in collaboration with Seymour Duncan. These pickups deliver a rich, punchy tone that spans warm lows, focused mids, and shimmering highs. Integrated with a Fodera x Trickfish preamp, this bass offers a customizable sonic palette, enabling you to tailor your sound with precision. The preamp's remarkable versatility includes Active and Passive modes, an active EQ with adjustable parameters, and a passive Tone knob, ensuring noise-free, high-quality performance.

For musicians seeking the pinnacle of bass craftsmanship and sonic flexibility, the Fodera Imperial 5 Select stands as a testament to boutique luthiery and cutting-edge technology.

Key Features:

  • Boutique-class, heirloom-grade electric bass guitar
  • 4-piece hard rock maple neck-through design
  • Contoured alder body wings for comfort
  • Rosewood fingerboard with Plek’d frets
  • Fodera Dual Coil pickups for dynamic tone
  • Fodera x Trickfish 3-band preamp with customizable EQ
  • High-mass bell-brass bridge for enhanced sustain
  • Handcrafted in Fodera’s Brooklyn, NY-based shop

Product specs

Number of Strings 5
Left-/Right-handed Right-handed
Body Shape Imperial 5
Body Material Alder with Ivory Wood top
Body Finish Satin
Neck Material 4-piece Maple
Neck Shape Standard Fodera Profile
Neck Joint Neck-through
Fingerboard Material Rosewood
Fingerboard Inlay Dots
Scale Length 34"
Tuners Gotoh
Neck Pickup Fodera Dual Coil
Bridge Pickup Fodera Dual Coil
Additional Features Standard Fodera x Trickfish Preamp
Strings Fodera Nickel Strings, .045-.125
Case/Gig Bag Hardshell Case

FAQs

What kind of tones can I expect from the Fodera Imperial 5 Select's pickups?

The Fodera Imperial 5 Select features dual-coil pickups designed by Fodera and Duncan, offering a versatile range of tones. These pickups provide a rich, clear sound suitable for various genres, from jazz to rock, with excellent low-end depth and articulate highs.

Is the Fodera Imperial 5 Select suitable for advanced players?

Yes, the Fodera Imperial 5 Select is designed with advanced players in mind, offering high-quality craftsmanship and a versatile tonal palette. Its neck-through construction and premium materials provide superior playability and sustain, making it ideal for professional use.

What is the neck profile like on the Fodera Imperial 5 Select?

The Fodera Imperial 5 Select features a standard Fodera neck profile, known for its comfortable and ergonomic design. This profile supports fast and smooth playing, making it suitable for complex bass lines and extended playing sessions.

How does the Fodera Imperial 5 Select handle low-end frequencies?

The Fodera Imperial 5 Select excels at delivering deep and powerful low-end frequencies, thanks to its extended range with a low B string and dual-coil pickups. This makes it particularly effective for genres requiring strong bass presence, such as funk and metal.

What are the standout features of the Fodera Imperial 5 Select's construction?

The Fodera Imperial 5 Select boasts a neck-through construction with a 4-piece maple neck and an alder body topped with Ivory Wood. This combination offers excellent sustain, stability, and a balanced tonal output, making it a premium choice for discerning bassists.

Reviews

Owner Insights

We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about Fodera Imperial 5 Select 5-string Bass Guitar.

Build quality

  • The Fodera's proprietary design includes pickups and electronics developed with Seymour Duncan and Mike Pope, ensuring high tonal flexibility and precision.

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  • Fodera basses are crafted by a dedicated team in Brooklyn, with each detail meticulously scrutinized to ensure precision and quality.

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Features and functionality

  • Fodera basses are known for ultra-low action with no buzzing, providing a smooth playing experience ideal for extended techniques.

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  • Fodera provides extensive customization options far beyond typical brands, allowing users to tailor nearly every aspect of their instrument.

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  • Fodera offers string spacing customization, appealing to players requiring specific setups like E-C tuning.

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Comparisons

  • A Fodera bass may not significantly outperform a Yamaha TRBX 605 tonewise, highlighting the law of diminishing returns in high-end instruments.

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  • Some users prefer Japanese Fender basses over Fodera when blind-tested, suggesting brand prestige heavily influences perceived value.

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  • Some owners find Fodera basses worth the extra cost over F-basses, despite both being high-quality instruments.

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Value and pricing

  • The cost of a Fodera is often justified by the labor-intensive production in Brooklyn, using rare woods and custom parts, rather than just sound quality.

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  • Despite high craftsmanship, many users feel the price premium reflects the brand name rather than superior playability or tone.

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  • The exclusivity and craftsmanship of Fodera basses contribute significantly to their high price, beyond just the materials used.

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User experience

  • Owners describe Fodera basses as feeling like a luxurious experience, akin to slipping into a perfectly tailored suit, due to their craftsmanship and attention to detail.

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  • Owners highlight the tight tolerances and perfectly straight lines, noting the immaculate fit and finish of Fodera basses.

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Setup and maintenance

  • Fodera's custom options allow for modification of neck dimensions and string spacing, such as 16.5 mm for Matt Garrison style specs.

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Use cases and applications

  • Fodera's versatility is praised, with users enjoying it across various music genres due to its customizable configurations.

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