SOLD Fodera Custom Emperor Bolt-on 5

- 34" scale
- Alder body
- Birdseye maple board
- Flame maple top
- Gaboon Ebony headstock cap
- Bartolini pickups
- Aguilar OBP-3
- Bridge spacing is adjustable 18-19mm (maybe a bit more on either side of that)
- Nut width is 4 cm from center of B to center of G
- Comes with non-original hard case

This is a honey of a bass. Incredibly lively and resonant. Set up for a very light touch. Huge thump factor, incredibly sweet singing highs and the lowest action and best playability of any bass I’ve ever owned. I could regret this, but I just may not be a maple board guy. I prefer darker, woolier tones.

Even so, this is a hard one to let go. It is a well-rounded, perfected, variation on the classic alder body/maple board bolt-on bass. I can’t imagine a better example of such a bass. The only things I'd change about it might be to get a 4 band preamp and maybe swap the knobs for maple ones with ebony caps to tie the look of the ebony headstock in with the blonde body better. I’m not knowledgeable about these particular Bartolinis, but they seem a great fit for this bass.

This bass isn't mint. See photos for evidence of wear/cosmetic flaws. I tried to show everything.

Weighs 10.0 lbs, is perfectly balanced and surprisingly comfortable on the shoulder. I like duostraps to distribute the weight of basses evenly to both shoulders and will include one if you'd want to try it. Just remind me.

At this price, I'd ask another $150 for fully insured shipping.

I only have so much positive feedback on TB, since I haven't been here terribly long, but also have lots of positive feedback on ebay and some on Reverb, as well. Let me know if you want links to those accounts or to speak directly, video chat, etc.

Thanks for looking.

 

It's currently equipped with the Aguilar preamp. I bet the Haz sounds great, though.

 

Sorry, no.

 

Thank you emjazz, it really is a special bass. I know everybody says that, but it has to be true sometimes! I'm really a romantic when it comes to musical instruments and I just feel like this one is supposed to be paired up with somebody else, and I'm okay with that.

 

The previous owner told me it was made around the year 2000. Sorry not to know the exact date. Let me know if you'd like me to email Fodera and ask. The serial number is C5B1733B.

 

Strange. I didn't think of this top as spalted. I also figured the pickups were original, but it appears they weren't.

 

In other news, I just accepted an offer on this bass. Thanks everyone. Happy playing.