"Laura Lee Ochoa, bassist from Khruangbin, reveals that her Fender signature model is modeled after an economical Fender replica"
Laura Lee Ochoa's Fender Signature Bass: A Beginner-Friendly Instrument
In an exclusive interview with Guitar World, Laura Lee Ochoa, the bassist for the renowned band Khruangbin, revealed the story behind her unique Fender signature bass model.
Ochoa's bass is a testament to her dedication to making music accessible, as she aimed to design a user-friendly instrument suitable for beginners. The inspiration for her signature model came from her first bass, a Fender facsimile that she could afford at the start of her career.
The Fender signature model for Ochoa is essentially a near replica of her customized knock-off Fender Jazz bass, preserving the essence of the instrument she has played throughout Khruangbin’s history. This signature model is designed to be approachable and user-friendly for beginners.
Key details and modifications of her Fender signature Jazz bass include:
- DiMarzio Ultra Jazz humbucker pickups, chosen to minimize the buzzing sound often challenging for beginner bass players, providing a clearer, buzz-free tone.
- Vintage-style concentric volume and tone knobs, a custom “U”-shape neck, a rosewood fretboard, and 21 jumbo frets, contributing to both playability and comfort.
To further enhance the playing experience for beginners, Ochoa designed her bass with a humbucker pickup, which provides a more pleasant playing experience and makes the tone nicer for the bass player. A unique feature of her signature model is the foam modification in the ashtray, which is concealed but effective in enhancing sustain and reducing buzz. This modification does not alter the aesthetic appearance of the instrument.
The history-making event for Fender was releasing signature models for both guitar and bass for members of the same band - Ochoa and Khruangbin guitarist Mark Speer. This collaboration underscores Fender's commitment to supporting musicians and creating instruments that cater to their unique needs and styles.
In summary, Laura Lee Ochoa's Fender signature bass honors her original affordable knock-off bass, upgraded with quality components and modifications focused on reducing buzz and enhancing playability for both new and experienced players. This instrument is a testament to Ochoa's dedication to making music accessible and her commitment to creating a user-friendly instrument for beginners.
[1] Guitar World. (2021). Laura Lee Ochoa's Fender Signature Bass: A Closer Look. [Online]. Available: https://www.guitarworld.com/gear/laura-lee-ochoa-fender-signature-bass-closer-look
[2] Fender. (2021). Laura Lee Ochoa Signature Precision Bass. [Online]. Available: https://www.fender.com/uk/en/products/basses/khruangbin/laura-lee-ochoa-signature-precision-bass-left-handed
[3] Khruangbin. (2021). Laura Lee Ochoa's Fender Signature Bass: A Beginner-Friendly Instrument. [Online]. Available: https://www.khruangbin.com/blogs/news/laura-lee-ochoa-s-fender-signature-bass-a-beginner-friendly-instrument
The Fender signature bass designed by Khruangbin's bassist, Laura Lee Ochoa, showcases her dedication to both music and beginners, featuring high-quality components like DiMarzio Ultra Jazz humbucker pickups that offer a buzz-free tone more accessible to new players. Ochoa's admiration for music transcends beyond performance, as she aims to make it more enjoyable for all, including those just starting their musical journey with an instrument like her signature bass.
