Table of Contents
Picture this: You’re sitting in that trendy coffee shop downtown, sipping your oat milk latte, when those hypnotic guitar licks float through the speakers. That warm, pulsing bassline wraps around you like a musical hug. You don’t know it yet, but you’re hearing the magic of Khruangbin—and now, thanks to Fender’s brilliant new collaboration, you can own the exact instruments that create those transcendent sounds.
The Texas trio has been quietly revolutionizing modern music for a decade, blending psychedelic grooves with world music influences that transport listeners straight to a vintage Thai film soundtrack. Their secret weapons? A natural ’70s Stratocaster and a custom Jazz Bass that have been meticulously modified over years of touring and recording.
Fender just dropped the ultimate gift for tone seekers: the Khruangbin Collection. Two limited-edition instruments that aren’t just copies—they’re exact replicas of Mark Speer and Laura Lee’s personal guitars, down to every pickup swap and hardware upgrade. Let’s explore why these instruments are already causing a stir in the guitar community.
The Story Behind the Sound – The Khruangbin Collection
Mark Speer didn’t set out to create a signature guitar. His natural ash Stratocaster started as pure necessity—a working musician’s tool built on pragmatic choices. Couldn’t afford to replace strings constantly? Install flatwound strings that last longer. Need reliability during aggressive tremolo use? Upgrade to Graph Tech string trees. Want bigger frets for better sustain? Go jumbo.
Those practical decisions, made simply to keep playing gigs while making rent, evolved into something magical. The guitar became an extension of Mark’s musical vision, capable of channeling everything from Cambodian pop to Thai funk with equal authenticity.
Laura Lee’s Jazz Bass tells a similar story. Her approach to modification focused on functionality over flash. “A lot of the features on my bass look vintage, but they function in a modern way,” she explains. The result is an instrument that delivers the percussive attack she needs for Khruangbin’s rhythm section while maintaining the warm, vintage character that defines their sound.
Mark Speer Stratocaster: Channeling Global Grooves
The Look That Launched a Thousand Playlists
The Mark Speer Stratocaster captures that distinctive ’70s vibe with its natural ash body finish. But this isn’t your typical wood-grain Strat. The select ash construction provides a balanced foundation that responds beautifully to Mark’s dynamic playing style, whether he’s laying down dreamy reverb washes or cutting through with crystalline lead lines.
The all-white hardware creates a striking contrast against the natural wood—pickups, pickup covers, knobs, pickguard, everything bathed in that clean, minimalist aesthetic that perfectly mirrors Khruangbin’s visual identity. It’s vintage-inspired without feeling stuck in the past.
Pickup Configuration That Defies Convention
Here’s where things get interesting. Most Stratocasters feature three single-coil pickups, but Mark’s signature model rocks an HSH configuration that opens up entirely new tonal territories:
Neck Position: DiMarzio Pro Track humbucker delivers those warm, jazz-influenced tones that anchor Khruangbin’s mellower passages. Mark describes this pickup as “cloudy” in the best possible way—it’s not harsh or overly defined, allowing notes to bloom with organic sustain.
Middle Position: Vintage-style ’70s single-coil maintains that classic Strat bite. This pickup provides the familiar quack and sparkle that cuts through the mix during more aggressive sections.
Bridge Position: Another DiMarzio Pro Track humbucker handles the heavier lifting. When Mark needs clarity and punch for lead work, this pickup delivers without the noise issues that plague traditional single-coils.
The wiring creates some unique combinations. Positions 2 and 4 on the pickup selector offer in-phase and out-of-phase blending that produces those distinctive, slightly hollow tones you hear throughout Khruangbin’s catalog.
Playability Features That Matter
The Custom “C”-shaped neck feels familiar but refined. At 7.25″ radius, it’s more vintage than modern, encouraging the kind of expressive bending that defines Mark’s style. The 21 jumbo frets provide excellent sustain and make even the most complex chord voicings feel effortless.
Graph Tech saddles and string trees aren’t just buzzword upgrades—they solve real-world problems. The improved tuning stability means more time playing and less time tweaking, while the enhanced harmonic content adds subtle richness to every note.
Laura Lee Jazz Bass: The Rhythm Revolution
Vintage Aesthetics, Modern Performance
The Laura Lee Jazz Bass embraces classic Fender design language with its Vintage White finish and chrome hardware. But like its six-string companion, this instrument prioritizes function alongside form.
The alder body provides the fundamental punch that Jazz Basses are famous for, while the gloss polyester finish protects the wood during the rigors of touring. Chrome appointments throughout—from the tuning machines to the bridge cover—create visual cohesion with the Stratocaster.
DiMarzio Ultra Jazz: The Sound of Groove
Both pickups are DiMarzio Ultra Jazz humbuckers, specifically chosen for their ability to deliver deep lows and percussive highs without the noise issues that can plague live performance. These aren’t your typical Jazz Bass pickups—they’re designed for players who need maximum versatility.
The concentric volume and tone controls for each pickup provide incredible flexibility. Want to dial in that perfect balance between neck warmth and bridge definition? The dual controls make it simple. Need to quickly adjust your tone mid-song? Everything’s within thumb’s reach.
The Neck That Changed Everything
Laura’s Custom “U”-shaped neck represents a departure from typical Jazz Bass profiles. This chunkier feel provides additional comfort during extended playing sessions while supporting the percussive attack that defines her style.
The 9.5″ radius rosewood fingerboard with jumbo frets creates the perfect platform for both fingerstyle funk and aggressive pick playing. It’s modern enough for complex passages but retains enough vintage character to nail those classic basslines.
The Khruangbin Collection – Specs Breakdown
Mark Speer Stratocaster Specs
| Category | Component | Specification |
|---|---|---|
| Body | Material | Select Ash |
| Finish | Natural Gloss Polyester | |
| Shape | Stratocaster | |
| Color | Natural | |
| Neck | Material | Maple |
| Shape | Custom “C” | |
| Scale Length | 25.5″ (64.77 cm) | |
| Fingerboard | Maple, 7.25″ radius | |
| Frets | 21 Jumbo | |
| Nut Width | 1.650″ (42 mm) | |
| Electronics | Neck Pickup | DiMarzio Pro Track DP188 |
| Middle Pickup | Vintage-Style ’70s Single-Coil | |
| Bridge Pickup | DiMarzio Pro Track DP188 | |
| Controls | Master Volume, Tone 1 (Neck), Tone 2 (Middle) | |
| Hardware | Bridge | 6-Saddle Vintage-Style Synchronized Tremolo |
| Tuners | Fender Vintage “F” Stamped | |
| Hardware Finish | White/Chrome | |
| String Trees | Graph Tech TUSQ | |
| Strings | Fender Stainless Steel Flatwound (.010-.042) | |
| Price | MSRP | $1,499.99 |
Laura Lee Jazz Bass Specs
| Category | Component | Specification |
|---|---|---|
| Body | Material | Alder |
| Finish | Vintage White Gloss Polyester | |
| Shape | Jazz Bass | |
| Color | Vintage White | |
| Neck | Material | Maple |
| Shape | Custom “U” | |
| Scale Length | 34″ (86.36 cm) | |
| Fingerboard | Rosewood, 9.5″ radius | |
| Frets | 20 Jumbo | |
| Nut Width | 1.5″ (38.1 mm) | |
| Electronics | Neck Pickup | DiMarzio Ultra Jazz DP149 |
| Bridge Pickup | DiMarzio Ultra Jazz DP149 | |
| Configuration | JJ (Jazz Bass Style) | |
| Controls | Stacked Concentric Vol/Tone per pickup | |
| Hardware | Bridge | 4-Saddle Vintage-Style with Bridge Cover |
| Tuners | Vintage-Style Open-Gear with Clover Leaf Paddles | |
| Hardware Finish | Nickel/Chrome | |
| Pickguard | 3-Ply Parchment | |
| Strings | Fender Stainless Steel Flatwound (.048-.095) | |
| Price | MSRP | $1,499.99 |
The Tone Test: What You Can Expect
Stratocaster Sound Profile
The Mark Speer Stratocaster excels in these areas:
Clean Tones: The neck humbucker produces warm, jazz-influenced sounds perfect for chord work and melodic passages. Roll back the volume slightly and you’ll find that sweet spot where notes bloom naturally.
Driven Tones: Push the bridge pickup through a vintage-style amp and you get singing sustain without excessive compression. The humbucker design eliminates single-coil buzz while maintaining note definition.
Effects Response: Those flatwound strings and Graph Tech hardware create an ideal platform for reverb and delay effects. The instrument stays stable under heavy processing while retaining musical character.
Jazz Bass Sound Character
The Laura Lee Jazz Bass delivers:
Fundamental Punch: The alder body and DiMarzio pickups provide that essential low-end foundation without muddiness. Each note sits perfectly in the mix.
Percussive Attack: The jumbo frets and custom neck profile encourage the kind of aggressive playing that makes basslines pop. Whether you’re slapping or picking, notes cut through with authority.
Harmonic Richness: The dual pickup system captures both the fundamental note and its harmonic overtones, creating fuller, more complex bass tones.
Why These Instruments Matter
Beyond Celebrity Endorsements
This isn’t typical signature guitar marketing. Khruangbin’s approach to music—blending global influences with modern production—represents something genuinely new in popular music. Their instruments aren’t just tools; they’re integral to their creative process.
Mark and Laura spent years refining these specifications through real-world use. Every modification serves a musical purpose, from the pickup choices to the hardware upgrades. When you play these instruments, you’re accessing a decade of refinement and experimentation.
Limited Edition Reality Check
Fender has designated these as limited editions, which typically means production will be finite. Given Khruangbin’s growing popularity and the unique specifications of these instruments, they’re likely to become sought-after pieces for both players and collectors.
At $1,499.99 each, they’re positioned in Fender’s mid-tier range—more than Mexican Standards but less than American Professional models. The pricing reflects the custom specifications and signature aspects while remaining accessible to serious players.
The Competition Landscape
How They Stack Up
In the signature guitar market, these instruments face competition from established names, but they offer something different. While many signature models focus on metal or classic rock applications, the Khruangbin Collection serves the growing world music and psychedelic communities.
The DiMarzio pickups alone represent significant value. Upgrading a standard Stratocaster or Jazz Bass with similar pickups would cost several hundred dollars, making the signature pricing more reasonable.
Alternative Considerations
Players seeking similar functionality might consider:
For the Stratocaster: Fender Player Plus Stratocaster HSS or American Professional II Stratocaster HSS For the Jazz Bass: Fender Player Plus Jazz Bass or American Professional II Jazz Bass
However, none offer the exact pickup combinations and specifications found in the Khruangbin models.
Getting The Most From Your Investment
Setup Considerations
Both instruments ship with flatwound strings, which may feel unfamiliar to players accustomed to roundwounds. Flatwounds provide longer life and reduced finger noise but require adjustment in playing technique.
The vintage-style radius necks may also feel different for players used to modern compound radius designs. Spend time adjusting your fretting hand position to take advantage of the enhanced bending capabilities.
Amplification Recommendations
These instruments were designed with specific amplification in mind. Here are our top picks for getting the most out of each instrument:
For the Mark Speer Stratocaster:
Premium Choice: Fender ’65 Deluxe Reverb. This 22-watt tube combo is the gold standard for Strat players. The built-in spring reverb tank creates those ethereal textures that define Khruangbin’s sound, while the tube preamp adds natural compression and warmth. The Deluxe Reverb’s moderate wattage provides perfect headroom for clean tones and controlled breakup when pushed.
Budget Option: Boss Katana-50 GEN 3. Don’t let the solid-state design fool you—the Katana series has won over countless tube amp devotees. The built-in effects include excellent reverb and delay algorithms that complement the Strat’s tonal palette. Multiple amp voicings and the ability to save presets make this incredibly versatile for various musical styles.
For the Laura Lee Jazz Bass:
Premium Choice: Ampeg SVT-CL Classic Head + SVT810E 8×10 Bass Cabinet. The SVT Classic delivers 300 watts of all-tube power that showcases the DiMarzio Ultra Jazz pickups’ full frequency range. This rig provides the clean headroom and fundamental punch that jazz bass players demand, while the iconic 8×10 cabinet delivers massive low-end presence and the classic Ampeg sound that’s dominated stages for decades.
Budget Option: Fender Rumble 100. This 100-watt combo punches well above its weight class. The Rumble series is known for its clean, powerful sound that lets the bass guitar’s natural tone shine through. Built-in compression and EQ options help dial in the perfect sound for any venue, from practice room to small club.
The Khruangbin Collection – FAQs
Q: Are these instruments only suitable for Khruangbin’s style of music?
A: Absolutely not. While they’re optimized for the band’s approach, both instruments offer versatility for various genres. The Stratocaster’s HSH configuration works well for everything from jazz to indie rock, while the Jazz Bass excels in funk, soul, rock, and beyond.
Q: How do the DiMarzio pickups compare to standard Fender pickups?
A: DiMarzio pickups typically offer higher output and noise cancellation compared to traditional Fender single-coils. They provide more modern functionality while maintaining vintage character. The Pro Track and Ultra Jazz models were specifically chosen for their musical response and reliability.
Q: Can I get similar sounds from standard Fender instruments?
A: You can approximate these sounds with modifications, but the exact pickup combinations and specifications create unique tonal characteristics. The custom neck profiles and hardware choices also contribute to the overall playing experience.
Q: Are these instruments made in Mexico or the USA?
A: Both instruments are manufactured in Mexico at Fender’s Ensenada facility. This allows for the custom specifications while maintaining the $1,499 price point. Mexican-made Fenders have consistently improved in quality over recent years.
Q: How limited is this “limited edition”?
A: Fender hasn’t announced specific production numbers, but limited editions typically run for 1-2 years or until demand decreases. Given Khruangbin’s growing popularity, these could sell quickly.
Q: Should I buy both instruments as a set?
A: If you play both guitar and bass, they’re designed to complement each other sonically and visually. However, each instrument stands alone as a high-quality player’s tool.
Q: Do they come with cases?
A: Standard Fender gig bags are included. Hardshell cases would be a wise investment for protection and resale value.
Q: How do they handle different tunings?
A: The Graph Tech hardware and quality construction handle alternate tunings well. The flatwound strings provide stability during tuning changes, though they may take longer to settle than roundwounds.
Q: Are these good for beginners?
A: While playable by beginners, these instruments are designed for intermediate to advanced players who can appreciate the subtle specifications. The price point also suggests they’re targeted at serious musicians rather than first-time buyers.
Q: Will Fender release other Khruangbin-related products?
A: Nothing has been announced, but successful signature lines often expand to include accessories, pedals, or amplifiers. The initial reception of these instruments will likely influence future releases.
Final Feedback – The Khruangbin Collection
Look, here’s the deal with the Fender Khruangbin Collection—these aren’t just another celebrity cash grab. Mark and Laura actually use these exact specs night after night on tour. Every pickup swap, every hardware upgrade happened because it solved a real problem or made their sound better.
You know how most signature guitars feel like marketing exercises? This is different. These instruments exist because two working musicians spent a decade tweaking their gear until it was perfect. Now you can skip all that trial and error and get straight to the good stuff.
Whether you’re already obsessed with Khruangbin’s sound or just want guitars that actually work the way they’re supposed to, these deliver. They’re built right, they sound incredible, and they’ll probably end up being worth more than you paid once this limited run sells out.
So yeah, if you’ve been thinking about it, maybe stop thinking and start playing. Your amp is waiting.
👉 Check out more deals and gear reviews on the Get My Guitar Blog.
👉 Join our guitarist community to share your finds and discuss all things guitar!
About the Author: David Bandler
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Picture this: You’re sitting in that trendy coffee shop downtown, sipping your oat milk latte, when those hypnotic guitar licks float through the speakers. That warm, pulsing bassline wraps around you like a musical hug. You don’t know it yet, but you’re hearing the magic of Khruangbin—and now, thanks to Fender’s brilliant new collaboration, you can own the exact instruments that create those transcendent sounds.
The Texas trio has been quietly revolutionizing modern music for a decade, blending psychedelic grooves with world music influences that transport listeners straight to a vintage Thai film soundtrack. Their secret weapons? A natural ’70s Stratocaster and a custom Jazz Bass that have been meticulously modified over years of touring and recording.
Fender just dropped the ultimate gift for tone seekers: the Khruangbin Collection. Two limited-edition instruments that aren’t just copies—they’re exact replicas of Mark Speer and Laura Lee’s personal guitars, down to every pickup swap and hardware upgrade. Let’s explore why these instruments are already causing a stir in the guitar community.
The Story Behind the Sound – The Khruangbin Collection
Mark Speer didn’t set out to create a signature guitar. His natural ash Stratocaster started as pure necessity—a working musician’s tool built on pragmatic choices. Couldn’t afford to replace strings constantly? Install flatwound strings that last longer. Need reliability during aggressive tremolo use? Upgrade to Graph Tech string trees. Want bigger frets for better sustain? Go jumbo.
Those practical decisions, made simply to keep playing gigs while making rent, evolved into something magical. The guitar became an extension of Mark’s musical vision, capable of channeling everything from Cambodian pop to Thai funk with equal authenticity.
Laura Lee’s Jazz Bass tells a similar story. Her approach to modification focused on functionality over flash. “A lot of the features on my bass look vintage, but they function in a modern way,” she explains. The result is an instrument that delivers the percussive attack she needs for Khruangbin’s rhythm section while maintaining the warm, vintage character that defines their sound.
Mark Speer Stratocaster: Channeling Global Grooves
The Look That Launched a Thousand Playlists
The Mark Speer Stratocaster captures that distinctive ’70s vibe with its natural ash body finish. But this isn’t your typical wood-grain Strat. The select ash construction provides a balanced foundation that responds beautifully to Mark’s dynamic playing style, whether he’s laying down dreamy reverb washes or cutting through with crystalline lead lines.
The all-white hardware creates a striking contrast against the natural wood—pickups, pickup covers, knobs, pickguard, everything bathed in that clean, minimalist aesthetic that perfectly mirrors Khruangbin’s visual identity. It’s vintage-inspired without feeling stuck in the past.
Pickup Configuration That Defies Convention
Here’s where things get interesting. Most Stratocasters feature three single-coil pickups, but Mark’s signature model rocks an HSH configuration that opens up entirely new tonal territories:
Neck Position: DiMarzio Pro Track humbucker delivers those warm, jazz-influenced tones that anchor Khruangbin’s mellower passages. Mark describes this pickup as “cloudy” in the best possible way—it’s not harsh or overly defined, allowing notes to bloom with organic sustain.
Middle Position: Vintage-style ’70s single-coil maintains that classic Strat bite. This pickup provides the familiar quack and sparkle that cuts through the mix during more aggressive sections.
Bridge Position: Another DiMarzio Pro Track humbucker handles the heavier lifting. When Mark needs clarity and punch for lead work, this pickup delivers without the noise issues that plague traditional single-coils.
The wiring creates some unique combinations. Positions 2 and 4 on the pickup selector offer in-phase and out-of-phase blending that produces those distinctive, slightly hollow tones you hear throughout Khruangbin’s catalog.
Playability Features That Matter
The Custom “C”-shaped neck feels familiar but refined. At 7.25″ radius, it’s more vintage than modern, encouraging the kind of expressive bending that defines Mark’s style. The 21 jumbo frets provide excellent sustain and make even the most complex chord voicings feel effortless.
Graph Tech saddles and string trees aren’t just buzzword upgrades—they solve real-world problems. The improved tuning stability means more time playing and less time tweaking, while the enhanced harmonic content adds subtle richness to every note.
Laura Lee Jazz Bass: The Rhythm Revolution
Vintage Aesthetics, Modern Performance
The Laura Lee Jazz Bass embraces classic Fender design language with its Vintage White finish and chrome hardware. But like its six-string companion, this instrument prioritizes function alongside form.
The alder body provides the fundamental punch that Jazz Basses are famous for, while the gloss polyester finish protects the wood during the rigors of touring. Chrome appointments throughout—from the tuning machines to the bridge cover—create visual cohesion with the Stratocaster.
DiMarzio Ultra Jazz: The Sound of Groove
Both pickups are DiMarzio Ultra Jazz humbuckers, specifically chosen for their ability to deliver deep lows and percussive highs without the noise issues that can plague live performance. These aren’t your typical Jazz Bass pickups—they’re designed for players who need maximum versatility.
The concentric volume and tone controls for each pickup provide incredible flexibility. Want to dial in that perfect balance between neck warmth and bridge definition? The dual controls make it simple. Need to quickly adjust your tone mid-song? Everything’s within thumb’s reach.
The Neck That Changed Everything
Laura’s Custom “U”-shaped neck represents a departure from typical Jazz Bass profiles. This chunkier feel provides additional comfort during extended playing sessions while supporting the percussive attack that defines her style.
The 9.5″ radius rosewood fingerboard with jumbo frets creates the perfect platform for both fingerstyle funk and aggressive pick playing. It’s modern enough for complex passages but retains enough vintage character to nail those classic basslines.
The Khruangbin Collection – Specs Breakdown
Mark Speer Stratocaster Specs
| Category | Component | Specification |
|---|---|---|
| Body | Material | Select Ash |
| Finish | Natural Gloss Polyester | |
| Shape | Stratocaster | |
| Color | Natural | |
| Neck | Material | Maple |
| Shape | Custom “C” | |
| Scale Length | 25.5″ (64.77 cm) | |
| Fingerboard | Maple, 7.25″ radius | |
| Frets | 21 Jumbo | |
| Nut Width | 1.650″ (42 mm) | |
| Electronics | Neck Pickup | DiMarzio Pro Track DP188 |
| Middle Pickup | Vintage-Style ’70s Single-Coil | |
| Bridge Pickup | DiMarzio Pro Track DP188 | |
| Controls | Master Volume, Tone 1 (Neck), Tone 2 (Middle) | |
| Hardware | Bridge | 6-Saddle Vintage-Style Synchronized Tremolo |
| Tuners | Fender Vintage “F” Stamped | |
| Hardware Finish | White/Chrome | |
| String Trees | Graph Tech TUSQ | |
| Strings | Fender Stainless Steel Flatwound (.010-.042) | |
| Price | MSRP | $1,499.99 |
Laura Lee Jazz Bass Specs
| Category | Component | Specification |
|---|---|---|
| Body | Material | Alder |
| Finish | Vintage White Gloss Polyester | |
| Shape | Jazz Bass | |
| Color | Vintage White | |
| Neck | Material | Maple |
| Shape | Custom “U” | |
| Scale Length | 34″ (86.36 cm) | |
| Fingerboard | Rosewood, 9.5″ radius | |
| Frets | 20 Jumbo | |
| Nut Width | 1.5″ (38.1 mm) | |
| Electronics | Neck Pickup | DiMarzio Ultra Jazz DP149 |
| Bridge Pickup | DiMarzio Ultra Jazz DP149 | |
| Configuration | JJ (Jazz Bass Style) | |
| Controls | Stacked Concentric Vol/Tone per pickup | |
| Hardware | Bridge | 4-Saddle Vintage-Style with Bridge Cover |
| Tuners | Vintage-Style Open-Gear with Clover Leaf Paddles | |
| Hardware Finish | Nickel/Chrome | |
| Pickguard | 3-Ply Parchment | |
| Strings | Fender Stainless Steel Flatwound (.048-.095) | |
| Price | MSRP | $1,499.99 |
The Tone Test: What You Can Expect
Stratocaster Sound Profile
The Mark Speer Stratocaster excels in these areas:
Clean Tones: The neck humbucker produces warm, jazz-influenced sounds perfect for chord work and melodic passages. Roll back the volume slightly and you’ll find that sweet spot where notes bloom naturally.
Driven Tones: Push the bridge pickup through a vintage-style amp and you get singing sustain without excessive compression. The humbucker design eliminates single-coil buzz while maintaining note definition.
Effects Response: Those flatwound strings and Graph Tech hardware create an ideal platform for reverb and delay effects. The instrument stays stable under heavy processing while retaining musical character.
Jazz Bass Sound Character
The Laura Lee Jazz Bass delivers:
Fundamental Punch: The alder body and DiMarzio pickups provide that essential low-end foundation without muddiness. Each note sits perfectly in the mix.
Percussive Attack: The jumbo frets and custom neck profile encourage the kind of aggressive playing that makes basslines pop. Whether you’re slapping or picking, notes cut through with authority.
Harmonic Richness: The dual pickup system captures both the fundamental note and its harmonic overtones, creating fuller, more complex bass tones.
Why These Instruments Matter
Beyond Celebrity Endorsements
This isn’t typical signature guitar marketing. Khruangbin’s approach to music—blending global influences with modern production—represents something genuinely new in popular music. Their instruments aren’t just tools; they’re integral to their creative process.
Mark and Laura spent years refining these specifications through real-world use. Every modification serves a musical purpose, from the pickup choices to the hardware upgrades. When you play these instruments, you’re accessing a decade of refinement and experimentation.
Limited Edition Reality Check
Fender has designated these as limited editions, which typically means production will be finite. Given Khruangbin’s growing popularity and the unique specifications of these instruments, they’re likely to become sought-after pieces for both players and collectors.
At $1,499.99 each, they’re positioned in Fender’s mid-tier range—more than Mexican Standards but less than American Professional models. The pricing reflects the custom specifications and signature aspects while remaining accessible to serious players.
The Competition Landscape
How They Stack Up
In the signature guitar market, these instruments face competition from established names, but they offer something different. While many signature models focus on metal or classic rock applications, the Khruangbin Collection serves the growing world music and psychedelic communities.
The DiMarzio pickups alone represent significant value. Upgrading a standard Stratocaster or Jazz Bass with similar pickups would cost several hundred dollars, making the signature pricing more reasonable.
Alternative Considerations
Players seeking similar functionality might consider:
For the Stratocaster: Fender Player Plus Stratocaster HSS or American Professional II Stratocaster HSS For the Jazz Bass: Fender Player Plus Jazz Bass or American Professional II Jazz Bass
However, none offer the exact pickup combinations and specifications found in the Khruangbin models.
Getting The Most From Your Investment
Setup Considerations
Both instruments ship with flatwound strings, which may feel unfamiliar to players accustomed to roundwounds. Flatwounds provide longer life and reduced finger noise but require adjustment in playing technique.
The vintage-style radius necks may also feel different for players used to modern compound radius designs. Spend time adjusting your fretting hand position to take advantage of the enhanced bending capabilities.
Amplification Recommendations
These instruments were designed with specific amplification in mind. Here are our top picks for getting the most out of each instrument:
For the Mark Speer Stratocaster:
Premium Choice: Fender ’65 Deluxe Reverb. This 22-watt tube combo is the gold standard for Strat players. The built-in spring reverb tank creates those ethereal textures that define Khruangbin’s sound, while the tube preamp adds natural compression and warmth. The Deluxe Reverb’s moderate wattage provides perfect headroom for clean tones and controlled breakup when pushed.
Budget Option: Boss Katana-50 GEN 3. Don’t let the solid-state design fool you—the Katana series has won over countless tube amp devotees. The built-in effects include excellent reverb and delay algorithms that complement the Strat’s tonal palette. Multiple amp voicings and the ability to save presets make this incredibly versatile for various musical styles.
For the Laura Lee Jazz Bass:
Premium Choice: Ampeg SVT-CL Classic Head + SVT810E 8×10 Bass Cabinet. The SVT Classic delivers 300 watts of all-tube power that showcases the DiMarzio Ultra Jazz pickups’ full frequency range. This rig provides the clean headroom and fundamental punch that jazz bass players demand, while the iconic 8×10 cabinet delivers massive low-end presence and the classic Ampeg sound that’s dominated stages for decades.
Budget Option: Fender Rumble 100. This 100-watt combo punches well above its weight class. The Rumble series is known for its clean, powerful sound that lets the bass guitar’s natural tone shine through. Built-in compression and EQ options help dial in the perfect sound for any venue, from practice room to small club.
The Khruangbin Collection – FAQs
Q: Are these instruments only suitable for Khruangbin’s style of music?
A: Absolutely not. While they’re optimized for the band’s approach, both instruments offer versatility for various genres. The Stratocaster’s HSH configuration works well for everything from jazz to indie rock, while the Jazz Bass excels in funk, soul, rock, and beyond.
Q: How do the DiMarzio pickups compare to standard Fender pickups?
A: DiMarzio pickups typically offer higher output and noise cancellation compared to traditional Fender single-coils. They provide more modern functionality while maintaining vintage character. The Pro Track and Ultra Jazz models were specifically chosen for their musical response and reliability.
Q: Can I get similar sounds from standard Fender instruments?
A: You can approximate these sounds with modifications, but the exact pickup combinations and specifications create unique tonal characteristics. The custom neck profiles and hardware choices also contribute to the overall playing experience.
Q: Are these instruments made in Mexico or the USA?
A: Both instruments are manufactured in Mexico at Fender’s Ensenada facility. This allows for the custom specifications while maintaining the $1,499 price point. Mexican-made Fenders have consistently improved in quality over recent years.
Q: How limited is this “limited edition”?
A: Fender hasn’t announced specific production numbers, but limited editions typically run for 1-2 years or until demand decreases. Given Khruangbin’s growing popularity, these could sell quickly.
Q: Should I buy both instruments as a set?
A: If you play both guitar and bass, they’re designed to complement each other sonically and visually. However, each instrument stands alone as a high-quality player’s tool.
Q: Do they come with cases?
A: Standard Fender gig bags are included. Hardshell cases would be a wise investment for protection and resale value.
Q: How do they handle different tunings?
A: The Graph Tech hardware and quality construction handle alternate tunings well. The flatwound strings provide stability during tuning changes, though they may take longer to settle than roundwounds.
Q: Are these good for beginners?
A: While playable by beginners, these instruments are designed for intermediate to advanced players who can appreciate the subtle specifications. The price point also suggests they’re targeted at serious musicians rather than first-time buyers.
Q: Will Fender release other Khruangbin-related products?
A: Nothing has been announced, but successful signature lines often expand to include accessories, pedals, or amplifiers. The initial reception of these instruments will likely influence future releases.
Final Feedback – The Khruangbin Collection
Look, here’s the deal with the Fender Khruangbin Collection—these aren’t just another celebrity cash grab. Mark and Laura actually use these exact specs night after night on tour. Every pickup swap, every hardware upgrade happened because it solved a real problem or made their sound better.
You know how most signature guitars feel like marketing exercises? This is different. These instruments exist because two working musicians spent a decade tweaking their gear until it was perfect. Now you can skip all that trial and error and get straight to the good stuff.
Whether you’re already obsessed with Khruangbin’s sound or just want guitars that actually work the way they’re supposed to, these deliver. They’re built right, they sound incredible, and they’ll probably end up being worth more than you paid once this limited run sells out.
So yeah, if you’ve been thinking about it, maybe stop thinking and start playing. Your amp is waiting.
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About the Author: David Bandler
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