Fodera Emperor Custom Bolt-On 5-string, custom ordered in 2019. This is a highly playable, versatile Emperor with a custom neck carve modeled around the dimensions of my 1964 Fender Jazz Bass.

The bass is in fair cosmetic condition, with a couple of finish cracks around the knobs, on the head stock and some nicks/marks from use. These are cosmetic and can be repaired by Fodera if desired. Please see the photos carefully for condition details. The frets are in excellent condition, and mechanically the instrument is excellent. It plays very evenly across the neck with comfortable low action.

Specifications

• Model: Fodera Emperor Custom Bolt-On
• Strings: 5
• Scale: 34”
• Frets: 22, small fret wire
• Body: Alder
• Tone block: Northern Ash
• Top: Quilted Maple
• Neck: 3-piece Hard Rock Maple
• Fingerboard: Birdseye Maple
• Neck construction: Bolt-on
• Neck profile: Custom
• Fingerboard inlays: Abalone dots
• Headstock veneer: Matching top wood
• Headstock: Modern 5 (2+3)
• Pickups: Fodera J/J single coils
• Electronics: Fodera Emperor/Imperial 3-band
• Bridge: Fodera Custom, 17.5mm spacing
• Tuners: Gotoh
• Hardware: Black
• Finish: Satin, custom color
• Weight: 10.3 lbs

The neck was ordered with a custom carve based on the depth of my 1964 Fender Jazz Bass. It has a substantial but very comfortable feel rather than the more typical modern thin-neck profile.

• Depth at 1st fret: 0.90”
• Depth at 12th fret: 1.01”
• Nut width: 1.77”
• Neck width at 12th-fret position: 2.55”

The combination of the Northern Ash tone block with Alder wings is particularly nice on this bass. To my ear, it gives it a broader range than I typically associate with an all-Ash or all-Alder instrument—the definition and immediacy of Ash are there, but with some of the mid forward balance of Alder. It works particularly well with the Fodera J/J single coils.

Most importantly, the bass sounds great and plays great. The neck is very even, the action is low, and the frets are in excellent shape.

Case Options

The bass can ship in your choice of:

• The original Fodera TKL hardshell case, or
• A brand-new Gorilla case

Please examine all photos closely for the cosmetic condition. I’m happy to provide additional detailed photos or measurements for a serious buyer.

A great opportunity to get a genuinely custom-spec Emperor Bolt-On at a price that reflects the cosmetic wear rather than its playability or performance.