Exclusive distribution for Spain
Joey Standard Special Emperor 5 Bass
Here is Fodera’s own Mike Bendy testing 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 Joey Standard Special Emperor 5 Bass and it is based on Fodera's own Joey Lauricella, who is a professional bassplayer with throusands of gigs under his belt. Joey founded Fodera guitars together with Vinnie Fodera back in 1983 and they have shaped the modern electric bass ever since them. The fact that Joey is an active player is an asset as he can test all the improvements and changes in the instrumens in a real life situation immediately. Also he understands perfectly what a professional bassplayer needs.
Even though Fodera guitars build some really exotic high end basses, Joey has always prefered a more straightforward approach and his bass of choice for years was one with basically the same specs that this bass.
When it was time to produce a Standard bass that would bear Joey's name, he didn't change any of those specs.
This is a really solidly built instrument that also sounds incredibly punchy and has a tone that will cut through any mix easily.
These are some of the really cool features in this bass
Lightweight ash body (bass weighs in at just 4.3kg)
3 piece hardrock maple neck
Bird's eye maple fingerboard
Gorgeous Transparent cream finish
Matching headstock
Ebony ramp (removable)
22 frets for a traditional feeling (easy reach to the first fret)
Two Single Coil Fodera/Duncan pickups in 70's position
Top Quality Mono case instead of a hardcase (proves that this bass is made for gigging)
Vinnie Fodera and Joey Lauricella's signature at the back of the headstock
The classic 19mm string spacing at the bridge and 47mm nut makes it really comfortable to play no matter what style of music you make.. Both hands feel relaxed and this is very important. Scale is the traditional 34" and this is again responsible for the incredible playability.
Apart from the ergonomics we love the incredible consistency of volume and sound between strings. The low B is strong and it just speaks beautifully with excellent definition. Simply perfect. We love the incredible consistency of sound and volume regardless of the string that you play and/or the neck area.
A set of Fodera/Duncan pickups located at the traditional 70's Jazz Bass locations and they really capture all the nuances of this instrument and prove to be a winner combo.
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: a true workhorse that will give you years of excellent service. If you are looking for THE 5 STRING BASS, this might be the end of your seach.