Belka

I'm not sure as Foderas are normally fitted with Gotohs. The GB7 looks very similar to a Gotoh but it might not be an exact fit.

I've never seen it done before but if I was putting a ramp on a jazz bass I'd try to get it to match the pick guard. Not sure how you'd get the radius but I guess it could be done by getting a piece of wood with the right radius, and then gluing a piece of appropriate pick guard material onto that. I suppose you'd need a pretty strong glue to stop it coming apart under tension but if it could be done it would look great.

Also, regarding the jibe about lawyers, solicitors, CEOs etc... Myth. Instrument collectors may collect vintage Fenders and Gibsons ( and even then the majority of collectors are players or former players). I've never, ever come across a Fodera owner who was not a passable bass player.

And by the way, the top on the Monarch P is not holly, it's ivorywood. White, but not as white as holly.

I own one Fodera and have another one on order due in September. I like the idea of the Monarch P, and I agree with Si that if they have put the model out, then they clearly believe there is a demand for it, and it is likely among Fodera owners who want the P bass vibe rather than Fender players looking to upgrade. Despite my love of their basses however, I wouldn't buy it. Foderas appeal to me due to their effortless playability and the killer tone of the Duncan duals. I'll quite happily keep my Foderas for that reason but when I buy a P bass I won't be bothered about super low action or great woodwork. I like a P bass to have pretty high action, a thick neck and solid colours. If you play one of those for any extended time period the added finger strength you've gained ratchets the playability factor on the Foderas up another notch. Still, good they put it out as a choice for those who want that playability on a P bass.

Nice bass, have a bump, but I'm not sure what you mean about 'pre-mass production era'. I take it you're not interested in trading for post 2009 Foderas.

Is that bass on consignment at the Gallery by any chance? If it is then I've played it - and it's lovely. It is also ridiculously light - lightest bass I think I've ever picked up!

It looks nice enough. What's with the black spots on the pickguard? Finish removed from around the thumb rest and ashtray screw holes? Does it come with the ashtrays?

I might be interested but I'm not in the UK at the moment. Planning to come and visit in late Jan / Feb. If it's still available would love to come and see it. Obviously I'm not asking you to reserve it or anything if a buyer does come along. How is the neck? Weren't they fairly chunky by this point in the 70s? Can you get low action on it