Celebrating Khruangbin's New Signature Models
On June 11, 2025, fans and musicians alike can look forward to the launch of two special models from Khruangbin, a trio hailing from Houston, Texas. Band members Mark Speer and Laura Lee will unveil their signature instruments: the
Limited Edition Mark Speer Stratocaster® and
Limited Edition Laura Lee Jazz Bass®.
Khruangbin has built a strong identity over the years with their distinctive sound that blends psychedelic melodies with elements of funk, rock, and soul. This trio, consisting of Laura Lee on bass, Mark Speer on guitar, and Donald “DJ” Johnson Jr. on drums, celebrates a decade since the release of their debut album,
The Universe Smiles Upon You. Their collaboration with Fender Musical Instruments Corporation (FMIC) marks a significant milestone in their musical journey.
Fender has played a crucial role in shaping the sound of Khruangbin. Justin Norvell, FMIC's Chief Product Development Officer, stated, "Khruangbin merges cultures, genres, and eras in a way that has a significant impact on contemporary music. Mark and Laura each bring unique specifications and characteristics to their instruments, allowing them to share their distinctive sound with musicians and fans worldwide."
The Distinctive Sound of Mark Speer
Mark Speer has established himself as one of the most innovative and distinctive guitarists of his generation. His unique playing style draws from a wide array of musical influences, seamlessly blending elements of psychedelic, soul, rock, and country. It's interesting to note that his signature sound has been primarily developed using a Fender Stratocaster, which has been his go-to instrument from the band's inception.
The
Limited Edition Mark Speer Stratocaster® features a custom contoured ash body finished in Aged Natural, complemented by striking all-white hardware. This model is equipped with DiMarzio® Pro Track™ pickups in the neck and bridge, delivering vintage humbucker tones alongside the additional versatility of a 70s Fender Stratocaster® middle pickup. Its custom ‘C’ shape neck with a 7.25-inch radius fingerboard hosts 21 jumbo frets, ensuring a comfortable playing experience. Meanwhile, the vintage-style synchronized tremolo system provides classic Stratocaster vibrato
.
Mark described his signature guitar as, "The easiest way to express the musical ideas in my head into the real world. I know this guitar inside out – from the sounds it can produce to its textural nuances. It feels like a paintbrush that has become an extension of my hand."
Laura Lee's Unique Touch
Laura Lee is the driving force behind Khruangbin's warm and creative bass lines, which have propelled the band into the U.S. top 40 charts and beyond. Known for her ability to mix classic bass lines with funk, soul, country, and surf rock styles, Laura's signature instrument is a true representation of her aesthetic and musical philosophy.
The
Limited Edition Laura Lee Jazz Bass® comes with a classic Vintage White finish and eye-catching chrome parts, designed to reflect Laura’s exquisite taste. This model features DiMarzio® Ultra Jazz™ pickups that deliver deep lows, punchy highs, and rich resonance, perfectly capturing Laura’s signature sound. Each pickup is accompanied by vintage-style concentric volume/tone knobs for exceptional sound control. Additionally, the custom “U” shape neck with a 9.5-inch radius rosewood fingerboard ensures a comfortable and unique playing feel.
Laura reflects on her signature bass: "While my bass incorporates many vintage features, its functionality is very modern. We've wanted to cultivate our music to be timeless and classic. For me, the look and feel of this bass embodies that vision, and it improves the more you play it."
Product Details
Prices:
- - Limited Edition Mark Speer Stratocaster®: ¥220,000 (tax included)
- - Limited Edition Laura Lee Jazz Bass®: ¥253,000 (tax included)
Release Date: June 11, 2025
Where to Buy: Available at Fender Flagship Tokyo, Fender's official online store, and authorized Fender retailers.
To explore more, check out the product pages:
Khruangbin Collection
And don’t forget to watch the
introduction video.
About Khruangbin
Formed in 2015, Khruangbin combines influences of global psychedelia, soul, funk, dub, and surf rock to create a unique sound that transcends genres. Their minimalist approach yields music rich in depth and emotion, and their captivating live performances have garnered a devoted fanbase across the globe. Known for their musical craftsmanship and storytelling, Khruangbin continues to evolve with each release, showcasing introspective and expansive themes in their latest album,
A LA SALA.
About Fender Musical Instruments Corporation
Since its inception in 1946, Fender has been a leading manufacturer and distributor of instruments, creating a revolution in music and culture. FMIC owns and licenses various renowned brands, including FENDER®, SQUIER®, and GRETSCH®. They focus on delivering high-quality instruments and digital experiences for players of all genres, ensuring both beginners and legendary musicians can express themselves through music. Celebrating 75 years in 2021, Fender continues to connect players through a shared love for music that embodies the vision of its founder, Leo Fender.