Few bassists have crafted a signature sound as recognizable and self-identifying as Flea from the Red Hot Chili Peppers. His often technical, surprisingly melodic and frequently funky licks have done plenty to cement his status as one of today's most popular bass players. So it comes as no surprise that the wild man has teamed up with Fender to create a brand new signature instrument. Based on his prized Shell Pink 1961 Jazz Bass – used to record RHCP’s Stadium Arcadium and The Getaway, as well as with his side project, Atoms For Peace – this model is definitely a thing of beauty. While the Fender Flea Signature Jazz Bass won’t ship out until later this month (July 2016), you can make sure you’re first in line to receive one by preordering today! In the meantime, read on for more info.    

The Signature Touches

As one of the rarest classic vintage colors ever released by Fender, the Shell Pink finish on Flea's '61 Jazz Bass might very likely make his instrument the last one in existence. But Fender didn't just go back to the paint shop and ask for the same coat of paint. To get the look and feel just right, they painstakingly recreated his bass's playing wear, found the right faded Pink Shell shade and added their signature Road Worn nitro lacquer finish. But Fender didn't stop there. They also included a special engraved neck plate that features artwork from the wild man himself, commemorating the inspiration behind the instrument. Other signature touches include aged white dot position inlays, nickel and chrome hardware, a 3-ply tortoise shell pickguard and sleek black-trimmed control knobs.   flea-fender-61-jazz-bass-montage  

The Specs

Aside from the many little touches added to recreate Flea's actual instrument, Fender crafted this signature '61 Jazz Bass model to be an amazing bass all on its own. Sporting a pair of American-made Pure Vintage '64 Jazz Bass single-coils, these pickups come loaded with classic Fender tone that boasts a well-defined low-end, crisp and clear articulation, an in-your-face midrange attack and plenty of singing highs. The period-accurate 21-fret U-shaped maple neck and smooth Road Worn urethane finish make the Flea '61 Jazz Bass a fast and fluid playing experience, coupled with a 7.25”-radius rosewood fretboard and 1.5” wide nut for good measure. The stacked concentric controls are vintage-accurate and help shape the pickups' tone and volume, as well as allowing players to blend the pickups in any ratio. Even the bridge is accurate to its era, featuring vintage-styled, four threaded steel barrel saddles that add a touch of crispness, enhancing the instrument's overall attack -- perfect for cutting through a busy mix.     As far as signature models go, this one sounds like it will end up as one of our favorites and well worth the wait! If you would like to pre-order or sign up to be notified as soon as we have the Flea Signature Jazz Bass in stock, head on over to the product page by hitting the link below!

FENDER Flea Jazz Bass Rosewood Fretboard Roadworn Shell Pink with Gig Bag

For more info regarding the purchase of this or any other piece of gear we carry, don't hesitate to ask one of our knowledgeable PAL pros by using the Contact Us dialogue box below!    

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