NBD - Fodera Emperor Standard 5 String

[alembicbones]

Early Christmas for Alembicbones. This arrived today.

Funny thing. I bought this through Musicians Friend and I was expecting the flamed maple version. However, I think Fodera is only making the Emperor Standard 5 now in the Figured Walnut. I actually prefer the walnut and it was a nice surprise when I opened the case.

I've been interested in a Fodera for a long time and this bass ticks all of the boxes.

Needless to say I'm stoked!

Bones

 

[Geri O]

Very. Very. NICE!!

 

[eastcoasteddie]

I think I have to say that a Fodera Monarch 5 is my “dream bass”…

congrats and enjoy!!!

 

[CletusMarley]

Really sweet! Congrats!

 

[Minimalist]

Really nice bass. You will never forget the day you put the first scratch into it. May that day never come.

 

[Dr. Cheese]

Early Christmas for Alembicbones. This arrived today.

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Funny thing. I bought this through Musicians Friend and I was expecting the flamed maple version. However, I think Fodera is only making the Emperor Standard 5 now in the Figured Walnut. I actually prefer the walnut and it was a nice surprise when I opened the case.

I've been interested in a Fodera for a long time and this bass ticks all of the boxes.

Needless to say I'm stoked!

Bones

I like it!

 

[JLY]

Sweet bass!
Congratulations

 

[Geri O]

I guess I'm too lazy to look for myself, what is the width of the fingerboard at the nut?

 

[Flaked Beans]

I like it!

+1! Very nice bass!

 

[Eneade]

I like the Standard Foderas, I have two.

The buckeye butterfly is a nice touch, but am I the only one finding the figure in the top underwhelming?

 

[Levent]

Early Christmas for Alembicbones. This arrived today.

View attachment 4908266

View attachment 4908267

View attachment 4908268

Funny thing. I bought this through Musicians Friend and I was expecting the flamed maple version. However, I think Fodera is only making the Emperor Standard 5 now in the Figured Walnut. I actually prefer the walnut and it was a nice surprise when I opened the case.

I've been interested in a Fodera for a long time and this bass ticks all of the boxes.

Needless to say I'm stoked!

Bones

Yo great bass that would satisfy anyone for a lifetime
But can you please tell us how did you not get the specified top you selected? That's a big risk for future purchases I believe all of us would like to avoid. Wasn't there a 'real' picture to select on one of a kind tops?

 

[tb-player]

Yo great bass that would satisfy anyone for a lifetime
But can you please tell us how did you not get the specified top you selected? That's a big risk for future purchases I believe all of us would like to avoid. Wasn't there a 'real' picture to select on one of a kind tops?

Musicians Friend is affiliated with Guitar Center. With the exception of pre-owned gear, they use stock photos. You can’t guarantee the look or the weight of your bass. Anytime I’ve shopped on MF or GC, I’ve called the toll-free number to find out which store the guitar is located in. Then I call that store and ask for photos and specs. If the instrument is in a warehouse, it’s a roll of the dice for sure.

Still, with a Fodera, you can’t go wrong, as long as you’re not concerned about weight. They tend to run on the heavy side.

OP, this one’s a beautiful example and more custom in appearance than the standard flame maple. I just wish Fodera would add matching headstock to their standard models, given the price. But that’s a personal peeve of mine. Nice score!!

 

[DeepHz]

Stellar Bass! I could hear it sing from here!!

 

[deepestend]

Classic combo. Love that walnut top!

 

[P. Aaron]

Very nice, lovely bass. Congrats.

I wanna Fedora P-Bass version.

 

[JRA]

it sure is a beauty! and i'll bet it plays like nobody's business --- congratulations on your new instrument!

 

[RGerhart]

Excellent choice. Excellent choice!

 

[Five or Six]

That's good stuff! I love the cutaway...let's you get to the top with no problem. Congrats!

 

[Mark Karwan]

I think it looks awesome. Your preference would be mine as well- I find the standard flame-maple thing kind of boring at this point. The walnut is beautiful and a bit more understated.
Anyway congrats. I hope you enjoy it!

 

[alembicbones]

Played it a bunch last night. Very impressed with the tones I could get out of it. Another bonus was it was pretty close to spot on with the setup, right out of the box. Perfect intonation and action very close to my liking (I might have to raise the B and E strings a bit, but not much).

I could see somebody being pretty miffed if they were set on the flamed maple, and got the walnut. However, if you go to the Fodera website, you'll see the walnut is the only option for the Emperor Standard. Also, when I looked at the COA certificate, it shows completion in November 2022. I'm even happier knowing it really is a new bass, not a piece that has been sitting around for a good amount of time.

This is a great bass. If you are looking for a killer, high end bass, the Emperor Standard 5 should be in your consideration.

Bones