Pricing and availability

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Average Price: $13,490

High-end/Boutique

$400

$1001+

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Standard

High-end

Price History

Based on price data from 1 merchant for "Fodera Richard Bona Signature Imperial". Prices shown reflect NEW condition. Tracking began Apr 25, 2026.

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Description

Experience the exquisite craftsmanship and signature sound of the Fodera Richard Bona Signature Imperial. This 5-string electric bass is meticulously crafted for the discerning musician who demands exceptional quality and performance. With an ash body and an olive wood top, this bass offers a stunning visual appeal paired with resonant tonal qualities. The neck-thru-body design features a 3-strip maple neck, providing enhanced sustain and playability that every bassist will appreciate.

The birdseye maple fingerboard not only adds a touch of elegance but also complements the natural feel of the instrument. Equipped with two EMG 40 J pickups, the Richard Bona Signature Imperial delivers a versatile sound palette, from deep, rich lows to articulate highs. The Fodera/Pope Custom 3-band electronics offer precise control over your tone, allowing you to dial in your sound with ease.

Designed with the professional musician in mind, this bass includes Gotoh tuners and a Fodera Non-Locking bridge for reliable tuning stability. The gold-plated hardware adds a touch of luxury, while the 19 mm string spacing ensures comfortable playability across all five strings. Whether you're laying down a groove in the studio or performing on stage, this bass is your ticket to sonic excellence.

Key Features:

  • Ash body with olive wood top
  • Neck-thru-body 3-strip maple neck
  • Birdseye maple fingerboard with ebony dot inlays
  • 24 frets, long scale
  • EMG 40 J pickups
  • Fodera/Pope Custom 3-band electronics
  • Gotoh tuners and Fodera Non-Locking bridge
  • 19 mm string spacing
  • Gold-plated hardware
  • Includes Fodera case
  • Made in USA

Product specs

Available since September 2024
Colour Natural
Soundboard Ash
Neck Maple
Fretboard Birds Eye Maple
Frets 24
Scale Long Scale
Pickup System HH
Elektronic Active
Incl. Case Yes
Incl. Gigbag No
Signature Richard Bona
Limited Single piece
Body Ash
Number of strings 5
Pickups HH
Electronics Active
Elektronics Active
Case included 1

FAQs

What is the neck profile of the Fodera Richard Bona Signature Imperial bass?

The Fodera Richard Bona Signature Imperial features a maple neck with a smooth, comfortable profile designed for fast playability and ease of access across all 24 frets.

What type of tone can I expect from the Fodera Richard Bona Signature Imperial's pickups?

The bass is equipped with HH pickups and active electronics, providing a versatile range of tones from deep, punchy lows to clear, articulate highs, suitable for various music genres.

Is the Fodera Richard Bona Signature Imperial bass suitable for professional players?

Yes, this bass is designed with professional musicians in mind, offering high-quality materials and construction, including an ash body and birds eye maple fretboard, for superior playability and sound.

Does the Fodera Richard Bona Signature Imperial come with a case?

Yes, the Fodera Richard Bona Signature Imperial bass includes a case for secure storage and transport.

How does the Fodera Richard Bona Signature Imperial handle different playing styles?

With its active electronics and HH pickup configuration, this bass is ideal for a wide range of playing styles, from slap and pop to fingerstyle and pick playing, offering dynamic response and tonal flexibility.

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Artist usage

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See how Richard Bona uses Fodera Richard Bona Signature Imperial

Richard Bona

Bassist

Pat Metheny Group

...
Verified via Fodera

We have had the great pleasure of working with Richard Bona for over ten years. He is one of the most wonderfully musical people we know and is constantly writing, touring, singing, recording and performing -- whether on his own, as a much in demand sideman, or as a first call session player.

Interestingly, Richard's original Fodera was actually purchased used in 1998 at the Sam Ash on 48th Street in New York City. He was recording a session locally and wanted a five-string so that he would no longer need to de-tune his Jazz Bass. Asking for "the best 5-string bass that you have in the store," Richard was handed the instrument that has since become synonymous with his musical voice. Richard calls this Imperial "Bassey." In the late fall of 2010, we completed an exact replica of Bassey for Richard so that he could always keep one of his beloved Foderas in his studio and tour with the other.

The Richard Bona Imperial is constructed of an all Ash body (a mixture of Northern and Swamp Ash) with a non-solid Olive top, 3-piece Maple neck and Birdseye Maple fingerboard. Both Bassey and Richard's newest Imperial utilize EMG soapbar pickups, a Roland MIDI system and our onboard Fodera / Pope preamp (however, Richard does NOT use the tone controls, preferring to run the bass passively). The standard configuration available for sale also includes our own Fodera / Pope internal preamp (WITH tone controls), but leaves the MIDI system as an available option.

See how Matthew Garrison uses Fodera Richard Bona Signature Imperial

Matthew Garrison

Bassist

Future 2 Future

...
Verified via Photo

In the provided photo, Matthew Garrison is seen playing a Fodera Richard Bona Signature Imperial electric bass.

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