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Emperor 6 Standard 2021

Here is Fodera's own Mike Bendy playing this very same bass

Fodera guitars are without a question the big name when it comes to custom made high end electric basses. They've been leading the market for over 35 years now and have established many of the specs we consider normal on this instrument today, reaching a level of playability, ergonomics, consistency and pure quality of sound that is often imitated but never quite achieved by others.  

All their basses are made at their shop in Brooklyn, NY. The level of customization they offer is impressive but they are aware that many customers don't need too many extras and would rather save some money. That's the whole idea with the Standard Series. These basses are made by the same people at the same place than the rest of Fodera basses but are closed spec instruments, meaning Fodera can build them in batches, optimizing the use of tools and materials.

This is the Emperor Standard 6 string model with the specs that Fodera have chosen for 2021. We can safely say it is the most versatile model within their whole range of models. It has been designed to be a true workhorse for the touring bassist who needs a lot of different sounds, including those trademark tones from the 60's and 70's as well as modern tones.

These are some of the really cool features in this bass

Lightweight and hollowed out alder body (bass weighs in at just 4.5kg)

3 piece hardrock maple neck

Pau Ferro fingerboard

Gorgeous dark figured Walnut top

Vinnie Fodera and Joey Lauricella's signature at the back of the headstoc.

We chose 17mm string spacing at the bridge and this makes it a really comfortable neck. Many 6 string basses feel cumbersome and are really not comfortable due to the excessively wide necks. On this bass everything is at hand and the spacing is really comfortable for any playing technique including slapping. The 54mm nut is also perfect.  Scale is the traditional 34" and this is again responsible for the incredible playability.

On top of that, this particular bass incredibly lightweight. We've had Fodera 6 string basses in the past that were really close to 6 kg but this one weighs in at just 4.5kg. This is achieved by choosing a special piece of lightweight alder for the body that is then hollowed out. The result is a bass with the perfect weight.

Apart from the ergonomics we love the incredible consistency of volume and sound between strings. The low B is strong and the High C is sweet and never harsh. Simply perfect. Now, you don't find too many 6 string basses where these two strings really sound great and are really on pair with the other 4 string but this is the case. Amazing.

A set of splittable Fodera/Duncan pickups located at the traditional Jazz Bass locations really capture all the nuances of this instrument and prove to be a winner combo. In single coil you actually get a very traditional and recognizable Jazz Bass sound (pretty amazing considering this is a 6 string 24 fret bass). Switch to humbucker mode and you get a more modern type of sound that also works great for soloing (Matt Garrison style).