Exclusive distribution for Spain
Monarch 4 Standard 2021
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 Monarch 4 Standard 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 alder body (bass weighs in at just 3.75kg)
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 love the traditional 39mm nut and 19mm spacing at the bridge. Coupled with the 34" scale and a perfectly shaped body, this bass has that perfect balance when playing that is not easy to find. No need to stretch your left arm to reach the first frets, but at the same time you can easily solo in the high register. We stress this because some other basses look cool on picture but then when you sit to play them (or use a strap), you immediately find that balance is not right. But on this Fodera bass everything lies within reach and the bass is perfectly balanced.
On top of that, this particular bass incredibly lightweight. We've had Fodera basses in the past that were pretty heavy but this one weighs in at just 3.75kg
Apart from the ergonomics we love the incredible consistency of volume and sound between strings. Again this one of those things that might pass unnoticed at first but we really think that this is what sets Fodera apart from many other brands.
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 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).
Passive mode is already incredible and there's a chance you might play the bass in that mode a lot. Apart from that the Active mode works jsut great with 3 very musical bands that really add to the sound.
We asked Vinnie Fodera and Joey Lauricella to sign the back of the headstock for us. Just a nice touch that makes this bass a bit more special and exclusive.
To sum up: if you've been looking for THE 4 string bass, this might well be it, believe us. It has it all: comfort, playability, sound, consistency and looks.