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GALLERY: Tom Petersson's Bass Collection
Tom Petersson—conceptualizer of the 12-string bass and original
low-end man for Cheap Trick—gives Premier Guitar a glimpse at some of
the rare gems in his vast collection of vintage guitars and basses
Circa late-'50s Premier Bass "Mark Sandman from the group Morphine played a heavily modified 2-string version of this late-'50s Premier bass with a slide," shares Petersson. "I had to include it in this Premier Guitar photo shoot to honor one of my favorite bassists."
Peavey® introduces new Cirrus™ bass guitar models, featuring 4-string and 5-string options in nine styles. With Peavey VFL humbuckers, 3-band active EQ, and exotic hardwoods, these basses pay homage to the original 1997 design. Starting at $3299.99.
Peavey® announces the debut of new Cirrus™ bass guitar models. Featuring 4-string and 5-string models, in an encompassing collection of nine different styles, Cirrus bass guitars deliver the high level of craftsmanship and sonic character that helped bring Peavey fretted instruments to a new standard. Featuring Peavey VFL humbuckers, 3-band active EQ, and visually striking designs, Cirrus basses are back to make their boldest statement yet.
The initial launch of handcrafted Cirrus basses in 1997 helped Peavey guitars gain a new level of respect among professional players. Peavey’s master luthier, the late Mike Powers, achieved excellent tone with a lighter, neck-through design. In the new Cirrus bass models, Peavey brings back this essential feature, as well as the use of exotic hardwoods, state-of-the-art electronics, and a 35-inch scale length to improve the low-end.
Peavey Debuts New Cirrus Bass Guitars Models
The new Cirrus bass design improves upon the VFL (Vertical Flux Loading) humbucker technology that originally debuted with this model. VFL was another Powers innovation that optimized the magnetic field for less inductance and enhanced high-frequency performance. Peavey’s VFL electronics include 3-band active Cirrus EQ, blend control, and master volume, allowing players of various styles to dial in their perfect tone.
The two main models are the Cirrus 4-string and 5-string. Each model offers Flame Maple, Flame Maple Trans Black, Flame Maple Trans Blue, or Wenge wood for the top material. The Cirrus 4 offers the additional option of a Quilt Maple top. The maple tops are paired with alder bodies, achieving a harmonious balance of brightness and midrange warmth. Similarly, the pairing of the wenge top with walnut creates a distinctive tonal fusion resulting in a rich, balanced sound. A natural oil finish is used, with the exception of the Flame Maple Trans Blue and Trans Black models, which have a corresponding Gloss Burst finish for a dazzling splash of color.
On each model, a rosewood fretboard with 24 medium jumbo frets is reinforced by purple heart wood stringers, which not only add to the tonal depth but provide an eye-catching design that complements each instrument’s overall look. Another captivating signature feature is the Cirrus inlay on the 12th fret.
The engineering team also tips their hat to the lightweight 1997 design by using graphite pultrusion, as well as a graphite top nut and graphite overlay headstock with Peavey’s block letter logo. Wood is the material of choice for the back plate, battery cover, and dual-action truss rod cover, secured with machine screws.
While most of the models have sleek black hardware, the Quilt Maple and Flame Maple models offer a unique flair with gold hardware. Dunlop-style strap locks come standard.
With the debut of new Peavey’s Cirrus bass guitars, past and present reunite to provide players endless possibilities for a new musical journey.
Street prices starting at $3299.99 with TKL hardshell case included.
The Limited Edition Mark Speer Stratocaster® features DiMarzio® Pro Track™ pickups, while the Laura Lee Jazz Bass® Boasts Dimarzio Ultra Noiseless Jazz Bass Pickups and Vintage-style Chrome Covers
Today, Fender Musical Instruments Corporation (FMIC) is proud to announce the Limited Edition Mark Speer Stratocaster® and Limited Edition Laura Lee Jazz Bass® from the iconic band, Khruangbin. For the first time in its nearly 80-year history, Fender is introducing a signature bass and signature guitar for the same band, released simultaneously.
Known for their psychedelic melodies and a genre-blending sound that draws from funk, rock, and soul, Khruangbin has carved out a distinct musical identity. The breakthrough trio—bassist Laura Lee, guitarist Mark Speer, and drummer Donald “DJ” Johnson Jr.—is celebrating their 10th anniversary of the band's debut album, The Universe Smiles Upon You; to mark the milestone, the band is teaming up with Fender for something truly special. Fender® guitars have been a core part of the band’s sound since its inception, shaping the tones that define their music. Designed to capture the essence of a decade’s worth of tone, style, and innovation, these guitars invite musicians to carve out sonic paths while channeling the sound that helped define a generation.
Khruangbin | Fender Signature Sessions | Fender
“Khruangbin is a band that has made a huge mark on modern music—they blend cultures, genres, and eras into something entirely their own,” said Justin Norvell, EVP of Product at Fender. “Mark and Laura had built their trademark sound with some unique specs and features on their primary instruments and with these signature models, we wanted to be able to share that with the universe of musicians and fans.”
Drawing from a wide palette of worldly influences, Mark Speer’s innovative guitar playing with Khruangbin has established him as one of the most original and distinctive guitarists of his generation. The music is a stunning mix of psychedelia, soul, rock, and country with all of Mark’s smooth, reverb-drenched riffs and melodies played on a single guitar: the same original Fender® Stratocaster® he’s played since the band's inception.
The guitar looks as good as it sounds, with an Aged Natural finish over a custom contoured ash body, and distinctive all-white hardware. DiMarzio® Pro Track™ pickups in the neck and bridge deliver vintage humbucker tones, while the 70’s Fender® Stratocaster® middle pickup gives the guitar an even wider range of tonal options. The Custom “C”-shape neck with a 7.25” radius and 21 jumbo frets offers a comfortable feel, while the vintage-style synchronized tremolo provides classic Strat® vibrato action. Finally, Graph Tech® saddles and string trees increase harmonic content and improve tuning stability.
“This guitar is the easiest way for me to get the musical idea from my head, out into the world,” said Mark Speer. “I know this thing inside and out, the sounds it can make, and the textures I can achieve. It’s like becoming really familiar with your paintbrush.”
Laura Lee’s warm and inventive basslines have propelled Khruangbin albums into the Top 40 in the U.S. and even higher around the world. Armed with a Jazz Bass®, her unique playing style mixes classic-era basslines with funk, soul, country, and surf rock to create something completely distinctive and raw.
Finished in classic Vintage White, with stunning chrome appointments, this bass is an eye-catching instrument tailored to meet Laura Lee’s aesthetic and tonal design choices. DiMarzio® Ultra Jazz™ pickups provide deep lows, percussive highs, and rich harmonic overtones that help define Laura Lee’s sound. Vintage-style concentric volume/tone knobs for each pickup allow complete control over your sound. The Custom “U”-shape neck is topped with a rosewood fingerboard with a 9.5” radius and 21 jumbo frets, providing a comfortable, unique feel just like Laura’s original bass.
“A lot of the features on my bass look vintage, but they function in a modern way. We've been trying to cultivate our music to feel classic and timeless, really. To me, the look and feel of this instrument is the same — it just sounds better the more you play it,” said Laura Lee.
The Limited Edition Mark Speer Stratocaster® and Limited Edition Laura Lee Jazz Bass® each carry a $1,499.99 street price. For mor information visit fender.com.
Limited Edition Mark Speer Stratocaster®
($1,499.99 USD, €1,599 EUR, £1,349 GBP, $2,499.00 AUD,¥220,000 JPY) Drawing from a wide palette of worldly influences, Mark Speer’s innovative guitar playing with Khruangbin has established him as one of the most original and distinctive guitarists of his generation. The music is a stunning mix of psychedelia, soul, rock, and country with all of Mark’s smooth, reverb-drenched riffs and melodies played on a single guitar: his original Fender Stratocaster®.
Finished in a beautiful natural ash and furnished with upscale features, this guitar looks as good as it sounds. DiMarzio® Pro Track™ pickups in the neck and bridge deliver vintage humbucker tones, while the 70’s Fender® Stratocaster® middle pickup gives the guitar an even wider range of tonal options. The Custom “C”-shape neck with a 7.25” radius and 21 jumbo frets offers a comfortable feel, while the vintage-style synchronized tremolo provides classic Strat® vibrato action. Finally, Graph Tech® saddles and string trees increase harmonic content and improve tuning stability. Whether you’re aiming to capture Mark Speer’s signature sound or seeking a Stratocaster® with custom upgrades, the Mark Speer Stratocaster® is sure to thrill any guitar enthusiast.
Limited Edition Laura Lee Jazz Bass®
($1,499.99 USD, €1.699,00 EUR, £1,399 GBP, $2,499.00 AUD, ¥253,000 JPY) Laura Lee’s warm, pulsing, and inventive basslines have propelled Khruangbin albums into the Top 40 in the U.S. and even higher around the world. Armed with a Jazz Bass®, her unique playing style mixes classic-era basslines with funk, soul, country, and surf rock to create something completely distinctive and raw.
Finished in a classic vintage white with stunning chrome appointments, this bass is an eye-catching instrument tailored to meet Laura Lee’s aesthetic design choices. Loaded with DiMarzio® Ultra Jazz™ pickups, this bass has deep lows, percussive highs, and rich harmonic overtones that help define Laura Lee’s sound. Vintage-style concentric volume/tone knobs for each pickup allow complete control over your sound. The Custom “U”-shape neck is topped with a rosewood fingerboard with a 9.5” radius and 21 jumbo frets, providing a comfortable, unique feel just like Laura’s bass. With its classic Jazz Bass® controls, chrome hardware, and upgraded DiMarzio pickups, this bass will help you stand out on any stage.
Grez Guitars has introduced the Grez GrandTour Bass, a short scale semi-hollow carve-top instrument available in 4-string format.
The Grez Grand Tour Bass, designed in collaboration with bass powerhouse Ian MartinAllison is, like all Grez instruments, a modern sleek interpretation of the classic instruments from the 50’s and 60’s.
The instruments feature a carved Spruce top, Honduran Mahogany body and neck. The 30" scale construction includes a Macassar ebony fretboard, 12” radius with 21 jumbofrets. Each bass comes equipped with a Halon bridge, Grez string anchor and LaBellaDeep Talkin’ long scale 45-105 flatwound strings. Electronics include Curtis Novak Bisonic/Darkstar pickups with coil tap.
The Grand Tour bass features a nitro finish and is available in a variety of colors(pictured here in custom Toasted Marshmallow).
Grez Grand Tour Bass with Ian Martin Allison
Barry Grzebik explains: “I love process of design instruments, marrying acoustical,electrical, visual and ergonomic engineering with industrial and artistic design. In this case creating something that artfully balances the desire for a robust acoustic voice with the need to hold up to professional touring and stadium stage volumes. One small notable detail is that although this is a short scale instrument, because of the after-length of string past the bridge, it uses standard long scale strings which dramatically increases sting options and availability.”
Ian Marin Allison shares, “I’m inspired by the unique character of vintage hollow andsemi-hollow basses, but they don’t always live up to our modern expectation of stability, playability, versatility and QUALITY. I’m proud to have helped create something that does”.
The Grez Grand Tour Bass, is available now from Grez Guitars and their dealers with astreet price starting at $5,999. Light customization is welcome with delivery times aslittle as 8 weeks.
Ernie Ball, the world’s leading manufacturer of premium guitar and bass strings, is proud to announce the release of the Pino Palladino Signature Smoothie Flats, the newest innovation in flatwound bass strings.
Developed in collaboration with legendary bassist Pino Palladino, these signature sets are engineered to deliver an ultra-smooth feel and a rich, warm tone that’s as versatile as it is expressive. Available in two gauges—Extra Light (38–98) and Medium (43–108)— Smoothie Flats are crafted with a precision-polished cobalt alloy ribbon for low tension, flexible playability, and deep vintage-inspired sound.
Peavey Debuts New Cirrus Bass Guitars Models
