This is a Pedulla Rapture RB-5, a boutique 5-string bass handcrafted by master luthier Michael V. Pedulla.
Handcrafted right down the road in Rockland, Massachusetts, the Rapture series was introduced as Pedulla's answer to players who wanted the legendary Pedulla build quality but preferred the snap and punch of a bolt-on neck design rather than his famous neck-through MVP models.
The Body: It features a sleek, offset double-cutaway body finished in a vibrant Cherry Sunburst, paired with a classic tortoiseshell pickguard. The body is typically crafted from Eastern soft curly maple or plain maple, providing a very bright, articulate acoustic resonance.
The Neck: The 22-fret bolt-on neck is carved from hard rock maple and topped with a rosewood fingerboard. It features Pedulla's signature slim, highly playable neck profile and a matching Cherry Sunburst painted headstock adorned with the distinctive "R" logo.
Hardware: It is equipped with premium, heavy-duty chrome hardware, including a high-mass bridge machined to anchor the strings rigidly for maximum sustain.
The "RB" designation in the model name indicates the single-pickup configuration, which is placed meticulously in the "sweet spot" for optimal harmonic response.
The Pickup: It features a single, custom-voiced Bartolini soapbar pickup.
The Preamp: This is paired with an active Bartolini preamp system (powered by the 9-volt battery compartment visible on the back).
The Tone: Despite having only one pickup, this setup is notoriously versatile. It delivers a massive, punchy, and modern tone with a very distinct midrange "growl" that allows it to easily cut through a dense mix without sounding muddy.
In May 2019, Michael Pedulla officially retired and closed his workshop after more than 40 years of building. Because no new Pedulla basses will ever be made, the entire catalog immediately transitioned into highly desirable collector's territory.
Used Value: On the boutique used market, assuming it is fully functional and the truss rod operates smoothly, a Pedulla Rapture RB-5 in this excellent condition typically holds a value between $1,600 and $2,200.