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Pricing and availability
We compare 600+ stores and found this item at 3 stores. Prices updated .
Store
Reviews
Price
Average Price: $6,902
High-end/Boutique
$400
$1001+
Price Tier
Budget
Standard
High-end
Price History
Based on price data from 3 merchants for "Fodera Monarch 4". Prices shown reflect NEW condition. Tracking began Apr 2, 2026.
* Product prices and availability are updated by Equipboard every 24hrs and are subject to change. Equipboard may receive compensation for purchases made at participating retailers linked on this site. This compensation does not affect what products or prices are displayed, or the order of prices listed. For more information, please refer to our affiliate disclosure.
Description
The Fodera Monarch 4 is an exclusive electric bass designed with performance in mind. This boutique-quality instrument showcases a lightweight chambered walnut body complemented by a visually striking flamed redwood top, giving it both a distinctive look and a unique sound profile. A quick-playing, quarter-sawn 3-piece hard-rock maple neck, adorned with a Plek-perfect compound-radius ebony fingerboard, provides musicians with unparalleled comfort and playability.
The Monarch 4 Standard Special comes equipped with two Fodera/Duncan dual-coil pickups and a Fodera 3-band preamp, offering a warm, punchy, and flexible tone. These top-shelf pickups integrate seamlessly with the natural qualities of the tonewoods to produce a sound that boasts a full low end, focused mids, and smooth highs. With this combination of features, musicians are given the tools to sculpt their perfect tone for any live set or studio session.
Key Features:
- Lightweight chambered walnut body with flamed redwood top
- Quarter-sawn 3-piece hard-rock maple neck with compound-radius ebony fingerboard
- Two Fodera/Duncan dual-coil pickups
- Fodera 3-band preamp for flexible tone shaping
- Active/Passive switch for versatile tonal options
- Brass nut and Gotoh tuners for stable tuning
- 34-inch scale length, 24 large frets
- Fodera Standard bridge, 19mm string spacing
- Dual-Action truss rod, neck heel access for easy adjustments
- Handcrafted for superior playability, sonics, and build quality.
Product specs
| Available since | February 2025 |
| Colour | Black |
| Soundboard | Alder |
| Neck | Maple |
| Fretboard | Rosewood |
| Frets | 24 |
| Scale | Long Scale |
| Pickups | P |
| Elektronic | Active |
| Incl. Case | Yes |
| Incl. Bag | No |
| Body | Alder |
| Number of strings | 4 |
| Pickup system | PP |
| Elektronics | Active |
| Case included | 1 |
FAQs
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What type of wood is used for the body of the Fodera Monarch 4?
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The Fodera Monarch 4 features an alder body, which is known for its balanced tone and excellent resonance, making it suitable for a variety of musical styles.
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How many frets does the Fodera Monarch 4 have?
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The Fodera Monarch 4 is equipped with 24 frets, providing a wide range for both traditional and modern bass playing techniques.
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What pickup configuration does the Fodera Monarch 4 use?
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The Fodera Monarch 4 utilizes a PP pickup system with active electronics, offering a versatile range of tones suitable for various music genres.
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Is the Fodera Monarch 4 suitable for professional use?
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Yes, the Fodera Monarch 4 is designed with high-quality materials and craftsmanship, making it an excellent choice for professional bassists seeking superior sound and playability.
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Does the Fodera Monarch 4 come with a case?
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Yes, the Fodera Monarch 4 includes a case, ensuring safe transportation and storage for your instrument.
Videos
Sweetwater
Fodera Monarch 4 Standard Classic Bass Demo
Fodera Monarch 4 Standard Classic Bass Demo
Sweetwater
Fodera Monarch 4 Standard 2021
Doctorbass Spain
Reviews
Owner Insights
We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about Fodera Monarch 4.
Comparisons
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Some players find the Fodera necks too chunky compared to other brands like Fbass, Elrick, and Alembic, which might suit different preferences.
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The Fodera Monarch Power P is noted for its unforgiving transparency, making every nuance and mistake audible, unlike the more forgiving F Bass Deluxe BN.
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User experience
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A buyer highlighted that after finding a perfect fit with a $1000 luthier-made bass, they lost interest in more expensive options, indicating personal fit can outweigh brand prestige.
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Owners describe the flame maple top as stunning, indicating a high visual appeal of the Monarch Standard series.
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Players find the fretboard feels like silk and the neck profile feels like home, even for those who typically prefer slim necks.
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Owners find the Fodera Monarch easy to play due to its sensitivity, requiring minimal pressure to fret notes, though it also amplifies any mistakes.
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Setup and maintenance
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It's emphasized that a professional setup with correct string gauge and action can drastically improve playability, even for high-end basses like Fodera.
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Value and pricing
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The ease of reselling a Fodera due to its renowned brand reputation can be an advantage if you ever decide to upgrade or change.
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Features and functionality
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The Monarch 4 has a coil tap switch allowing selection between single-coil and humbucking configurations, offering versatile tonal options.
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Includes a passive tone knob, master volume, pickup pan knob, bass, mid, and treble EQs, with a switch to toggle between passive and active modes.
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The Trickfish preamp in the Fodera delivers a transparent sound, highlighting both harmonics and minor playing errors with equal clarity.
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Mods and upgrades
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LK x Fodera straps, made from recycled leather, are praised for comfort and a well-worn feel, though they are hard to acquire due to limited stock.
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Based on 0 Reviews and 0 Ratings
Artist usage
Add artist
In this video from around 1989, Fodera Monarch 4 fretless can be exactly seen from 5:32. In addition, according to Fodera official website, "[...] Marcus Miller who bought a Monarch fretless bass in ’84 still uses it regularly." https://www.fodera.com/monarch-series/
In this image you can see Victor playing his Fedora Monarch. According to his official site Victor says this is "A Fodera Monarch with an ebony and yellow wood top. This bass sounds a bit jazzier than the other Yin Yang bass. It has a newer set of EMG pickups. I think they're called EMGx."
Often Mistaken for an higher end Soundgear. But when you watch closely in the video: Knobs are different and a Butterfly made from perloid in the headstock.
"I was blessed to have Fodera make me two of these handmade beauties. I have never had instruments that were totally hand made before. Sometimes I want to leave them at home under a glass case to make sure nothing bad happens to them. But it’s too hard to resist playing them. When I need to push past the boundaries of classic bass this is what I use.
These instruments have to be played to understand how amazing they are. The great Anthony Jackson was the first person I ever heard play a 6 string bass. He’s played on so many studio sessions I can almost guarantee you’ve heard him whether you realize it or not. Special thanks to Vinnie Fodera and Joey Lauricella for these beauties. My first Fodera is named “LaWanda” after LaWanda Page, an actress who played a famous black church lady named Aunt Esther on the 70’s TV show Sanford and Son."
Nate use the Fodera VW Classic Monarch 4 on his comparing video 73$ vs 16000$ bass
Mark Kelly trying out this bass at Fodera's Newborn Gallery
This picture shows Rubano with two Fodera basses, one of which is a Monarch.
Genre Usage
Based on how artists on Equipboard use this gear, it is most commonly found in the following genres.
Used With
Based on how musicians on Equipboard use Fodera Monarch 4, it is most commonly used with the following gear.
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