FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
FENDER CELEBRATES KHRUANGBIN'S INNOVATIVE SOUND WITH LIMITED EDITION ARTIST SIGNATURE GUITARS - A LANDMARK TRIBUTE TO GLOBAL SOUND AND INSTRUMENTAL INNOVATION
The Limited Edition Mark Speer Stratocaster® features DiMarzio® Pro Track™ pickups, while the Laura Lee Jazz Bass® Boasts Dimarzio Ultra Noiseless Jazz Bass Pickups and Vintage-style Chrome Covers
Known for their psychedelic melodies and a genre-blending sound that draws from funk, rock, and soul, Khruangbin has carved out a distinct musical identity. The breakthrough trio-bassist Laura Lee, guitarist Mark Speer, and drummer Donald "DJ" Johnson Jr.-is celebrating their 10th anniversary of the band's debut album, The Universe Smiles Upon You; to mark the milestone, the band is teaming up with Fender for something truly special. Fender® guitars have been a core part of the band's sound since its inception, shaping the tones that define their music. Designed to capture the essence of a decade's worth of tone, style, and innovation, these guitars invite musicians to carve out sonic paths while channeling the sound that helped define a generation.
"Khruangbin is a band that has made a huge mark on modern music-they blend cultures, genres, and eras into something entirely their own," said Justin Norvell, EVP of Product at Fender. "Mark and Laura had built their trademark sound with some unique specs and features on their primary instruments and with these signature models, we wanted to be able to share that with the universe of musicians and fans."
Drawing from a wide palette of worldly influences, Mark Speer's innovative guitar playing with Khruangbin has established him as one of the most original and distinctive guitarists of his generation. The music is a stunning mix of psychedelia, soul, rock, and country with all of Mark's smooth, reverb-drenched riffs and melodies played on a single guitar: the same original Fender® Stratocaster® he's played since the band's inception.
The guitar looks as good as it sounds, with an Aged Natural finish over a custom contoured ash body, and distinctive all-white hardware. DiMarzio® Pro Track™ pickups in the neck and bridge deliver vintage humbucker tones, while the 70's Fender® Stratocaster® middle pickup gives the guitar an even wider range of tonal options. The Custom "C"-shape neck with a 7.25" radius and 21 jumbo frets offers a comfortable feel, while the vintage-style synchronized tremolo provides classic Strat® vibrato action. Finally, Graph Tech® saddles and string trees increase harmonic content and improve tuning stability.
"This guitar is the easiest way for me to get the musical idea from my head, out into the world," said Mark Speer. "I know this thing inside and out, the sounds it can make, and the textures I can achieve. It's like becoming really familiar with your paintbrush."
Laura Lee's warm and inventive basslines have propelled Khruangbin albums into the Top 40 in the U.S. and even higher around the world. Armed with a Jazz Bass®, her unique playing style mixes classic-era basslines with funk, soul, country, and surf rock to create something completely distinctive and raw.
Finished in classic Vintage White, with stunning chrome appointments, this bass is an eye-catching instrument tailored to meet Laura Lee's aesthetic and tonal design choices. DiMarzio® Ultra Jazz™ pickups provide deep lows, percussive highs, and rich harmonic overtones that help define Laura Lee's sound. Vintage-style concentric volume/tone knobs for each pickup allow complete control over your sound. The Custom "U"-shape neck is topped with a rosewood fingerboard with a 9.5" radius and 21 jumbo frets, providing a comfortable, unique feel just like Laura's original bass.
"A lot of the features on my bass look vintage, but they function in a modern way. We've been trying to cultivate our music to feel classic and timeless, really. To me, the look and feel of this instrument is the same - it just sounds better the more you play it," said Laura Lee.
For technical specs, additional information on new Fender products, and to find a retail partner near you, visit www.fender.com. Join the conversation on social media by following @Fender..
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Limited Edition Mark Speer Stratocaster® ($1,499.99 USD, €1,599 EUR, £1,349 GBP, $2,499.00 AUD, ¥220,000 JPY) Drawing from a wide palette of worldly influences, Mark Speer's innovative guitar playing with Khruangbin has established him as one of the most original and distinctive guitarists of his generation. The music is a stunning mix of psychedelia, soul, rock, and country with all of Mark's smooth, reverb-drenched riffs and melodies played on a single guitar: his original Fender Stratocaster®.
Finished in a beautiful natural ash and furnished with upscale features, this guitar looks as good as it sounds. DiMarzio® Pro Track™ pickups in the neck and bridge deliver vintage humbucker tones, while the 70's Fender® Stratocaster® middle pickup gives the guitar an even wider range of tonal options. The Custom "C"-shape neck with a 7.25" radius and 21 jumbo frets offers a comfortable feel, while the vintage-style synchronized tremolo provides classic Strat® vibrato action. Finally, Graph Tech® saddles and string trees increase harmonic content and improve tuning stability. Whether you're aiming to capture Mark Speer's signature sound or seeking a Stratocaster® with custom upgrades, the Mark Speer Stratocaster® is sure to thrill any guitar enthusiast.
Limited Edition Laura Lee Jazz Bass® ($1,499.99 USD, €1.699,00 EUR, £1,399 GBP, $2,499.00 AUD, ¥253,000 JPY) Laura Lee's warm, pulsing, and inventive basslines have propelled Khruangbin albums into the Top 40 in the U.S. and even higher around the world. Armed with a Jazz Bass®, her unique playing style mixes classic-era basslines with funk, soul, country, and surf rock to create something completely distinctive and raw.
Finished in a classic vintage white with stunning chrome appointments, this bass is an eye-catching instrument tailored to meet Laura Lee's aesthetic design choices. Loaded with DiMarzio® Ultra Jazz™ pickups, this bass has deep lows, percussive highs, and rich harmonic overtones that help define Laura Lee's sound. Vintage-style concentric volume/tone knobs for each pickup allow complete control over your sound. The Custom "U"-shape neck is topped with a rosewood fingerboard with a 9.5" radius and 21 jumbo frets, providing a comfortable, unique feel just like Laura's bass. With its classic Jazz Bass® controls, chrome hardware, and upgraded DiMarzio pickups, this bass will help you stand out on any stage.
ABOUT KHRUANGBIN:
Khruangbin is a Houston-formed trio whose genre-blurring sound draws on global psychedelia, soul, funk, dub, and surf rock-crafted with a signature minimalism that speaks volumes. Since emerging with their debut in 2015, the band has cultivated a devoted international following through their immersive live shows and instantly recognizable aesthetic. Widely praised for their instrumental prowess and sonic storytelling, Khruangbin continues to evolve with each release. Their latest album, A LA SALA, offers a reflective and expansive chapter in their ever-unfolding journey-bridging ambient textures, American roots, and surrealist visual elements into a cohesive, deeply personal body of work.
ABOUT FENDER MUSICAL INSTRUMENTS CORPORATION:
Since 1946, Fender has revolutionized music and culture as one of the world's leading musical instrument manufacturers, marketers,and distributors. Fender Musical Instruments Corporation (FMIC)-whose portfolio of owned and licensed brands includes Fender®, Squier®, Gretsch® guitars, Jackson®, EVH®, Charvel®, Bigsby,® and PreSonus® - follows a player-centric approach to crafting the highest-quality instruments and digital experiences across genres. Since 2015, Fender's digital arm has introduced a new ecosystem of products and interactive experiences to accompany players at every stage of their musical journey. This includes innovative apps and learning platforms designed to complement Fender guitars, amplifiers, effects pedals, accessories and pro-audio gear, and inspire players through an immersive musical experience. FMIC is dedicated to unlocking the power of musical expression for all players, from beginners to history-making legends. In 2021, Fender celebrated 75 years of giving artists "wings to fly," carrying on the vision of its founder, Leo Fender, and connecting players through a shared love of music.
FENDER MUSICAL INSTRUMENTS CORP. MEDIA CONTACT:
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PR/Communications Manager
Fender Musical Instruments Corp.
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