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Best Fodera 5-String Basses 2025

Premium Fodera 5-string basses - legendary tone and craftsmanship

Last updated: October 29, 2025 • Next update: November 5, 2025

PRICE RANGES: Under $300 Under $500 Under $800 Under $1,000 Under $2,000 Under $5,000
SKILL LEVELS: For Beginner For Intermediate For Professional For Advanced
GENRES & STYLES: For Extended Range For Unique Designs For Experimental Music For Custom Features For Alternative Styles For Professional Use
BRANDS: Sadowsky Ibanez Warwick Marcus Miller Yamaha Harley Benton Sterling by Music Man Spector Lakland Music Man Sandberg Cort Fodera Marleaux
Fodera Yin Yang Std 5 Mahogany - Professional Music Instrument Photo
#1

Fodera Yin Yang Std 5 Mahogany

by Fodera
Extended Range Custom Features Unique Designs
Key Feature:
• Perfect for contemporary music styles
✓ PROS
  • • Modern extended range capabilities
  • • Professional versatility
✗ CONS
  • • May need specialized strings and setup
  • • Higher learning curve vs 4-string

Fodera Yin Yang Std 5 Mahogany5-String Electric BassBody: MahoganyTop: Mahogany with Yin Yang design3-Piece neck:...

⭐ 4.5/5 (25 reviews)
Sound:
10/10
Build:
9/10
Value:
8/10
Art. 497749
$9,129
Buy at Thomann View Details
Fodera Emperor Standard Classic RW SG - Professional Music Instrument Photo
#2

Fodera Emperor Standard Classic RW SG

by Fodera
Alternative Styles Experimental Music Extended Range
Key Feature:
• Perfect for contemporary music styles
✓ PROS
  • • Perfect for contemporary music styles
  • • Modern extended range capabilities
✗ CONS
  • • More complex muting techniques required
  • • String spacing may feel cramped

Fodera Emperor Standard Classic RW SG5-String Electric BassBody: AlderBolt-on 3-piece neck: MapleFingerboard:...

⭐ 4.5/5 (7 reviews)
Sound:
9/10
Build:
9/10
Value:
8/10
Art. 552976
$10,439
Buy at Thomann View Details
Fodera Emperor Elite 5 James Genus - Professional Music Instrument Photo
#3

Fodera Emperor Elite 5 James Genus

by Fodera
Extended Range Experimental Music Alternative Styles
Key Feature:
• Versatile pickup configurations available
✓ PROS
  • • Professional versatility
  • • Perfect for contemporary music styles
✗ CONS
  • • Wider neck requires adjustment
  • • Higher learning curve vs 4-string

Fodera Emperor Elite 5 James Genus5-String Electric BassBody: Ash with maple toneblockSpecial body thickness of 3.8 cm...

⭐ 4.9/5 (2 reviews)
Sound:
9/10
Build:
10/10
Value:
7/10
Art. 588766
$13,189
Buy at Thomann View Details
Fodera Emperor STD Special 5 J-Maple - Professional Music Instrument Photo
#4

Fodera Emperor STD Special 5 J-Maple

by Fodera
Alternative Styles Extended Range Experimental Music
Key Feature:
• Modern extended range capabilities
✓ PROS
  • • Versatile pickup configurations available
  • • Professional versatility
✗ CONS
  • • More complex muting techniques required
  • • String spacing may feel cramped

Fodera Emperor STD Special 5 J-Maple5-String Electric BassLimited Thomann editionBody: AlderPremium top: Japanese...

⭐ 4.7/5 (11 reviews)
Sound:
10/10
Build:
9/10
Value:
7/10
Art. 557235
$9,669
Buy at Thomann View Details
Fodera Emperor Standard 5 - Professional Music Instrument Photo
#5

Fodera Emperor Standard 5

by Fodera
Extended Range Alternative Styles Experimental Music
Key Feature:
• Perfect for contemporary music styles
✓ PROS
  • • Perfect for contemporary music styles
  • • Versatile pickup configurations available
✗ CONS
  • • May need specialized strings and setup
  • • Higher learning curve vs 4-string

Fodera Emperor Standard 55-String Electric BassAlder bodyWalnut topBolt-on 3-piece maple neckLong scalePau ferro...

⭐ 4.9/5 (51 reviews)
Sound:
8/10
Build:
8/10
Value:
8/10
Art. 507125
$8,239
Buy at Thomann View Details
Fodera Emperor Std 5 Black Limba LTD - Professional Music Instrument Photo
#6

Fodera Emperor Std 5 Black Limba LTD

by Fodera
Unique Designs Experimental Music Professional Use
Key Feature:
• Modern extended range capabilities
✓ PROS
  • • Professional versatility
  • • Extended low-end range with low B string
✗ CONS
  • • Wider neck requires adjustment
  • • May need specialized strings and setup

Fodera Emperor Std 5 Black Limba LTD5-String Electric BassLimited Thomann editionBody: roasted ashTop: Black...

⭐ 4.9/5 (55 reviews)
Sound:
10/10
Build:
8/10
Value:
8/10
Art. 556388
$9,899
Buy at Thomann View Details
Fodera Richard Bona Imperial 5 - Professional Music Instrument Photo
#7

Fodera Richard Bona Imperial 5

by Fodera
Custom Features Professional Use Experimental Music
Key Feature:
• Perfect for contemporary music styles
✓ PROS
  • • Extended low-end range with low B string
  • • Professional versatility
✗ CONS
  • • Wider neck requires adjustment
  • • More complex muting techniques required

Fodera Richard Bona Imperial 55-String Electric BassAsh bodyOlive wood topNeck-thru-body 3-strip maple neckBirdseye...

⭐ 4.7/5 (23 reviews)
Sound:
9/10
Build:
8/10
Value:
7/10
Art. 552477
$16,379
Buy at Thomann View Details

How to Choose the Best 5-String Basses

Budget Planning

  • • Under $200: Entry-level
  • • $200-$500: Intermediate
  • • $500-$1000: Advanced
  • • $1000+: Professional

Quality Check

  • • Sound clarity & tone
  • • Build materials & finish
  • • Hardware durability
  • • Overall craftsmanship

Key Features

  • • Your musical style
  • • Skill level match
  • • Intended use case
  • • Brand reputation

Frequently Asked Questions

Key factors include build quality, sound characteristics, playability, brand reputation, warranty coverage, and value for money. Consider your musical style, skill level, and intended use to find the best match.
Budget depends on your needs and experience level. Beginners can find quality options for $200-500, intermediate players should consider $500-1500 range, while professionals often invest $1500+ for premium features.
Higher-priced 5-string basses typically offer better materials, craftsmanship, and performance. They're worth it if you're serious about music, perform regularly, or need professional-grade features.
Top brands combine quality, innovation, and reliability. We evaluate brands based on build quality, sound performance, durability, and customer satisfaction to recommend the best options for different budgets.
Both have advantages. Online offers better prices and selection, while stores allow hands-on testing. We recommend researching online first, then testing in stores if possible. Many online retailers offer excellent return policies.

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