Fender Unveils the New Signature Model by Adrian Younge, Merging Classic Design with Innovation
Fender Musical Instruments Corporation (FMIC), based in California, has launched the Limited Edition Masterbuilt Adrian Younge Jazz Bass®, a unique signature model representing both the vibrant personality and creativity of Adrian Younge himself. This innovative instrument features an Aged Silver Sparkle lacquer finish and a half fretless neck, inspired by the late 1960s. It also includes two built-in effects, stimulating new creative possibilities when combined with the craftsmanship of the Fender Custom Shop. Orders will commence on August 27, 2025, at Fender Flagship Tokyo and authorized Fender Custom Shop showcase dealers.
Adrian Younge made his debut in 2000 with the grandeur of his solo EP, Venice Dawn. The tracks encapsulated his profound love for soul classics and hip hop, quickly gathering a dedicated, albeit small, fanbase. Nine years later, he gained significant attention with the release of the soundtrack for the cult classic Blaxploitation film, Black Dynamite, through Wax Poetics. This not only showcased his exceptional production skills but also his prowess as a bassist. Since then, Adrian has diversified his talents, opening his own record store, producing music for Kendrick Lamar, and co-founding the now-legendary record label Jazz Is Dead alongside A Tribe Called Quest co-founder Ali Shaheed Muhammad.
Throughout Adrian’s prolific career, his unwavering commitment to "pure artistry" remains paramount. Whether composing film scores, creating solo works, or producing artists, the core of his music is a sincere and heartfelt love for the art itself. His playing style is deeply rooted in the sounds of 60s soul, funk, and R&B, while also embracing a future-forward hip hop sensibility through sampling and manipulation. This unique blend urged the Custom Shop to develop a signature model capable of meeting various expressive demands.
Fender Custom Shop’s Product Development Director, Chase Paul, noted, "Capturing an artist's personality in a custom instrument is never straightforward. Yet, Adrian's affection for vintage analog recording gear and his distinctive playing style are impeccably reflected in this signature jazz bass. The design seamlessly merges unique elements, giving it the presence of a ‘secret weapon’ that a 1970s producer might have cherished. This bass is a perfect embodiment of Adrian's creativity and style."
Levi Perry, a master builder at Fender Custom Shop, collaborated closely with Adrian to faithfully recreate his personalized Custom Shop Jazz Bass®, originally crafted in 2021. Its striking Journeyman Relic® Aged Silver Sparkle lacquer finish harmoniously pairs with a dark rosewood fingerboard, subtly oxidized hardware, and a black pickguard. This model features a unique pickup configuration: instead of the typical two single-coil pickups, it houses a Custom Shop Hand-Wound ‘62 Split Single-Coil Precision Bass® pickup alongside a Curtis Novak BS-DS pickup, delivering a warm, rounded low end complemented by smooth, punchy midrange tones.
Enhancing tonal possibilities are two built-in effects modeled after Adrian's favorite vintage sounds: a 60s-style fuzz and a square wave tremolo. Players can easily alternate between effects using a discreet push/pull toggle embedded within the master volume and tone knobs. The transition from the fretless region beyond the 10th fret pairs perfectly, enabling seamless shifts from the fuzzy funk grooves of the early 1970s to synth-like, spacious melodies.
Levi Perry further adds, "This bass incorporates many innovative elements, like the half fretless design and built-in effects, making it a creative instrument. At the same time, a classic Fender essence resonates from the depths, seemingly revived from the past. I believe merging classic, contemporary, and boundary-breaking elements is the best way to honor Adrian. I feel privileged to have been part of this project and am eager to see how this bass expands the boundaries of creativity and sound for players."
A video titled In Conversation with Adrian Younge, where Adrian introduces his signature model, is currently available on the official Fender YouTube channel.
Please note that product specifications and pricing are subject to change without notice.
Adrian Younge made his debut in 2000 with the grandeur of his solo EP, Venice Dawn. The tracks encapsulated his profound love for soul classics and hip hop, quickly gathering a dedicated, albeit small, fanbase. Nine years later, he gained significant attention with the release of the soundtrack for the cult classic Blaxploitation film, Black Dynamite, through Wax Poetics. This not only showcased his exceptional production skills but also his prowess as a bassist. Since then, Adrian has diversified his talents, opening his own record store, producing music for Kendrick Lamar, and co-founding the now-legendary record label Jazz Is Dead alongside A Tribe Called Quest co-founder Ali Shaheed Muhammad.
Throughout Adrian’s prolific career, his unwavering commitment to "pure artistry" remains paramount. Whether composing film scores, creating solo works, or producing artists, the core of his music is a sincere and heartfelt love for the art itself. His playing style is deeply rooted in the sounds of 60s soul, funk, and R&B, while also embracing a future-forward hip hop sensibility through sampling and manipulation. This unique blend urged the Custom Shop to develop a signature model capable of meeting various expressive demands.
Fender Custom Shop’s Product Development Director, Chase Paul, noted, "Capturing an artist's personality in a custom instrument is never straightforward. Yet, Adrian's affection for vintage analog recording gear and his distinctive playing style are impeccably reflected in this signature jazz bass. The design seamlessly merges unique elements, giving it the presence of a ‘secret weapon’ that a 1970s producer might have cherished. This bass is a perfect embodiment of Adrian's creativity and style."
Levi Perry, a master builder at Fender Custom Shop, collaborated closely with Adrian to faithfully recreate his personalized Custom Shop Jazz Bass®, originally crafted in 2021. Its striking Journeyman Relic® Aged Silver Sparkle lacquer finish harmoniously pairs with a dark rosewood fingerboard, subtly oxidized hardware, and a black pickguard. This model features a unique pickup configuration: instead of the typical two single-coil pickups, it houses a Custom Shop Hand-Wound ‘62 Split Single-Coil Precision Bass® pickup alongside a Curtis Novak BS-DS pickup, delivering a warm, rounded low end complemented by smooth, punchy midrange tones.
Enhancing tonal possibilities are two built-in effects modeled after Adrian's favorite vintage sounds: a 60s-style fuzz and a square wave tremolo. Players can easily alternate between effects using a discreet push/pull toggle embedded within the master volume and tone knobs. The transition from the fretless region beyond the 10th fret pairs perfectly, enabling seamless shifts from the fuzzy funk grooves of the early 1970s to synth-like, spacious melodies.
Levi Perry further adds, "This bass incorporates many innovative elements, like the half fretless design and built-in effects, making it a creative instrument. At the same time, a classic Fender essence resonates from the depths, seemingly revived from the past. I believe merging classic, contemporary, and boundary-breaking elements is the best way to honor Adrian. I feel privileged to have been part of this project and am eager to see how this bass expands the boundaries of creativity and sound for players."
A video titled In Conversation with Adrian Younge, where Adrian introduces his signature model, is currently available on the official Fender YouTube channel.
Product Overview
- - Product Name: Limited Edition Masterbuilt Adrian Younge Jazz Bass®
- - Expected Retail Price: ¥1,980,000 (including tax)
- - Order Start Date: August 27, 2025
- - Available Stores in Japan: Fender Flagship Tokyo, Fender Custom Shop Showcase Dealers
- - Product Page: Fender Product Page
- - Video Link: YouTube Video
Please note that product specifications and pricing are subject to change without notice.
Topics Consumer Products & Retail）
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