Fodera Emperor 5 Standard Special Figured Bubinga

This is a special model available only through authorized dealers—one that allows for custom requests while remaining based on the "Standard" platform.

This particular unit features a Bubinga top with beautiful, distinct figuring.

It retains the solid fundamental specs—an ash body and a 3-piece maple neck—but this isn't just a case of slapping a top onto a standard model; you can clearly see the care taken to balance the instrument's overall design.

Visually, it gives the impression of a mid-range-focused sound, and upon playing it, you realize it cuts through the mix remarkably well.

While the top is dark, you can really feel the ash body contributing to the overall sound profile.

But is it just about cutting through? There’s also a certain "chewy" or rich quality to the tone—and that brings us to the crucial fretboard.

Many players consider the fretboard the heart of the sound; here, instead of the typical maple pairing for an ash body, they’ve opted for ebony.

This choice balances the aesthetics with the Bubinga top and black hardware, while also influencing the tone.

With a sound that cuts through, fingerstyle playing can sometimes feel thin, but here you can still clearly feel the body of the mid-range frequencies.

I suspect the ebony fretboard plays a role in this; it results in a highly playable bass with a character that goes beyond what a simple ash body could achieve on its own.

A quick look at the other specs: the classic Emperor 5-String Standard was created with the concept of making the Fodera sound more accessible.

To that end, it features fixed standard specifications, such as a bolt-on neck without an angled headstock, as well as specific pickups and preamps.

Yet, even as a "standard" model, it is unmistakably Fodera.

The standard dual-coil pickups—co-developed with Seymour Duncan—are essential components that cannot be purchased separately.

The dual-coil mode delivers rich low-end that never becomes overly boomy.

Flipping the switch engages single-coil mode—specifically mimicking the 70s Jazz Bass pickup position—which is perfect when you want that crisp, snappy single-coil sound.

The preamp is a collaboration with Trickfish, designed to avoid excessive coloration of the tone.

While it is a 3-band EQ, this new model includes a "luxury" feature: small internal switches that allow you to select the specific frequency points. Enjoy a sound shaped by the body and neck materials while retaining the core characteristics of faithful signal reproduction.

If you are unsure, the classic "Standard" model is a great place to start.

However, if you are looking for a bit more unique character, a "Special" model like this one is highly recommended.

[Key Specifications]

・Color: Clear Satin

・Body: Figured Bubinga/Ash

・Neck: Maple 3-piece, 24 Frets, 34" Scale

・Fingerboard: Ebony

・Pickups: Fodera/Duncan Dual Coil Pickups ('70s Spacing)

・Preamp: Fodera x Trickfish Standard 3-band Preamp

・Controls: Vol/Tone, Bal, Treble, Middle, Bass, Active/Passive Switch, Coil Tap Switch

・Tuners: Gotoh

・Bridge: Fodera 19mm Standard Bridge

・Weight: 4.54 kg

・Includes: Gator/Fodera Hardshell Case

・Warranty: 1-Year Manufacturer's Warranty

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