Fender Khruangbin Collection: 2 Smooth Signatures
The Khruangbin Collection is a limited edition run
2,9 / 5,0 | 
Fender has revealed the Khruangbin Collection, a first-of-its-kind launch featuring signature instruments for both of the band’s visionary instrumentalists: the Limited Edition Mark Speer Stratocaster and the Limited Edition Laura Lee Jazz Bass.
Khruangbin Collection
The Fender Khruangbin Collection consists of two limited edition models: the Mark Speer Stratocaster and the Laura Lee Jazz Bass.
Both instruments are based on the guitar and bass that they have both played throughout their careers with the band, each model has all the subtle updates and stylings of the two guitars that they play.
Genre Bending Grooves
Khruangbin, the acclaimed trio behind psychedelic, genre-blending funk, rock, and soul, is celebrating the 10th anniversary of their debut album, The Universe Smiles Upon You.
This collaboration is an interesting release, as the band has such a unique, clean sound. I’m a fan of the band and didn’t foresee Fender working with them, so this release was a welcome surprise.
Mark’s Natural Strat
Mark’s guitar is something I have seen him play forever, and Fender has tried to replicate it as closely as possible. It features an Aged Natural finish on a custom-contoured ash body and stands out with its all-white hardware. For versatile tones, it’s equipped with DiMarzio Pro Track humbuckers in the neck and bridge, complemented by a ’70s Fender® Stratocaster middle pickup.
Clean Machine
Playability is key, with a comfortable Custom “C”-shape neck, a 7.25″ vintage-style radius, and more modern 21 jumbo frets. This is an odd mix of old and new, so it may not suit everyone.
Classic Strat vibrato is delivered by the vintage-style synchronized tremolo, while Graph Tech saddles and string trees are used. These saddles and string trees should help with avoiding string breakages and help with tuning stability, essentially a great upgrade for a working instrument anyway.
MSRP – USD 1499.99/ GBP 1349/ EUR 1599
Laura’s Jazz Bass
The Jazz Bass is finished in Vintage White with lots of classic Fender chrome appointments and is equipped with DiMarzio Ultra Jazz pickups. It has a set of vintage-style concentric volume/tone knobs for each pickup, so it will be great for dialling in some nice round bass tones.
Smooth Grooves
Laura’s style is smooth, and her basslines are warm and help the band’s groove. The Custom “U”-shape neck, topped with a rosewood fretboard, a 9.5″ radius, and 21 jumbo frets, provides a comfortable and unique feel, supposedly just like Laura’s original instrument.
I like the style of this model; it’s classic and doesn’t scream signature bass guitar.
MSRP – USD 1499.99/ GBP 1399/ EUR 1699
Fender Laura Lee J Bass at Thomann
Verdict
Both models are Mexican-made instruments, and you pay a premium for the signature aspect of them. However, the specifications are very good, and if they get you anywhere near the band’s signature tones, then they could be a winner.
They are a limited edition, and so potentially they aren’t going to be around forever, so if you need one in your life, maybe don’t be too laid back about purchasing them.
More Information
This might also interest you
2 responses to “Fender Khruangbin Collection: 2 Smooth Signatures”
Well, that’s interesting/ironic. Fender copied Laura’s bass, which was an SX, not a Fender, which is a copy of a Fender…. Funny, if the “custom” neck profile is something that was unique to the SX copy, and now Fender is stealing (borrowing/referencing) that one bit that actually wasn’t Fender-inspired in the first place.
Man Fender did dirty on the Sx bass. funny the real thing is a 1/4 the price