Fodera
Since 1983
Founded in Brooklyn, New York in 1983 by luthier Vinny Fodera and master bassist Joey Lauricella, Fodera Guitars represents the undisputed pinnacle of handcrafted luxury electric bass guitars. World-renowned for their signature butterfly headstock inlay, neck-through heel-less construction, and pristine Pope active preamps, Fodera basses have powered legendary performances by Victor Wooten, Anthony Jackson, Richard Bona, and Lincoln Goines. Handcrafted in their Brooklyn shop, Fodera instruments span heirloom Custom/Elite masterbuilts, Standard Series production lines, and the iconic Yin Yang artist models.
43
Years in Business
12K+
Guitars Sold
$8M+
Annual Revenue
Complete Fodera Guitar Price & Valuation Guide (2026)
Comprehensive market valuation ranges, mint vs used condition pricing, tonewood specs, and historical price trends for Fodera guitars.
Fodera Price Overview
Fodera covers a wide range of instruments from entry-level to professional models. Typical used prices vary by condition, series and year. Higher-end USA models and limited editions retain value better than mass-market lines, while rare or vintage pieces often command significant premiums.
When evaluating value, consider originality (pickups, hardware), structural condition (neck, frets, finish) and documentation (serials, receipts, setup reports). Price dispersion across platforms is common; local stores offer service and inspection, whereas online marketplaces provide broader selection and price transparency.
For detailed buying advice, model comparisons and condition-based pricing, read the full guide linked above.
Market Overview
Average Price
$6,850
+6.4% vs last year
eBay Listings
85
Active listings
Sold This Month
18
+4.2% vs last month
Price Range
$4,200-$16,500
Current market range
Data sourced from eBay, Reverb, and Guitar Center used listings
Fodera Timeline
Fodera Guitars Founded
Vinny Fodera (former Spector and Ken Smith master builder) and Joey Lauricella established their custom workshop in Brooklyn, NY.
The Anthony Jackson Contracontrabass (6-String)
Collaborated with legendary session bassist Anthony Jackson to pioneer the single-cut Contrabass (36-inch scale 6-string), defining modern extended-range bass history.
Victor Wooten Adopts Monarch 4
Victor Wooten acquired his iconic 1983 Fodera Monarch 4-string with mahogany body and kahler tremolo, launching Bela Fleck and the Flecktones into global acclaim.
Mike Pope Custom Preamp Integration
Formalized partnership with bassist/engineer Mike Pope, creating the standard Fodera/Pope 3-band and 4-band active preamps with passive tone bypass.
Standard Series Introduction
Introduced the Standard Series (Monarch and Emperor) to provide handcrafted Brooklyn quality at a more accessible semi-production price tier.
Global Benchmark of Luxury Basses
With multi-year custom build waiting lists and record auction resale values, Fodera stands as the undisputed 'Holy Grail' of boutique bass making.
Complete Fodera Product Lineup
A Fodera is not merely an electric bass; it is an acoustic sculpture engineered to translate the subtlest nuance of the human fingertip.
Custom & Elite Series (Heirloom Masterbuilt)
Full bespoke custom builds featuring neck-through construction, presentation-grade exhibition burl tops, dovetail neck joints, and personalized neck profiles.
The classic symmetrical double-cut shape favored by Victor Wooten ($9,500 – $14,500 used)
Single-cut upper bout design maximizing neck-to-body contact and sustain ($11,000 – $16,500 used)
Ergonomic modern single-cut silhouette engineered for supreme balance ($10,500 – $15,800 used)
Standard Series (Brooklyn Handbuilt Production)
Handcrafted alongside custom models in the Brooklyn shop with standardized specs, bolt-on necks, premium top woods, and proprietary Fodera/Pope electronics.
The quintessential modern 5-string session workhorse ($6,500 – $7,800 used)
Lightning-fast 34-inch scale 4-string with 24 frets and Mike Pope active circuit ($5,600 – $6,500 used)
Traditional 21 or 22-fret bolt-on geometry combining vintage vibe with Fodera precision ($4,800 – $5,900 used)
Signature & Artist Models
Exact spec recreations of the legendary instruments played by world masters.
Distinctive painted or inlaid Yin Yang ebony/ivoroid top with EMG/Duncan pickups ($6,800 – $8,200 used)
Hollow Contracontrabass acoustic chamber without magnetic controls ($18,000 – $28,000 used)
Olive wood or spalted maple top, 34-inch scale, narrow string spacing ($12,000 – $16,000 used)
"A Fodera is not merely an electric bass; it is an acoustic sculpture engineered to translate the subtlest nuance of the human fingertip."
Model-Specific Buying Guide
Each model has unique characteristics that affect both tone and value. Here's what to look for when buying specific models.
The Benchmark Modern 5-String Session & Gospel Workhorse
Mike Pope Standard Active Preamp
Hyper-transparent boost/cut circuit with dedicated passive tone roll-off, delivering piano-like note separation without mid-range phase smear.
Pristine Low-B String Definition (34-Inch Scale)
Through precise neck angle geometry and solid brass high-mass bridges, Fodera achieves tight fundamental low B notes on a comfortable 34-inch scale.
Official Brooklyn Birth Certificate
Every authentic Fodera leaves Brooklyn with a signed parchment Birth Certificate; missing documentation diminishes resale value by $500–$1,000.
The Soloist's Instrument of Choice for Expressive Groove
Symmetrical Double-Cut Ergonomics
Fast neck carve and 24-fret access engineered specifically for thumb slapping, double-thumping, and melodic chordal voicing.
Hand-Inlaid Wood Butterfly Logo
Verify authentic hand-carved wood veneer butterfly on the headstock; screen-printed logos or thick epoxy borders indicate counterfeits.