HOLLYWOOD, Calif. (August 15, 2023) — Fender Musical Instruments Corporation (FMIC) today announces the launch of the Limited Edition Mike Kerr Jaguar® Bass, the brand’s first collaboration with the influential frontman, bassist and founding-member of UK rock duo Royal Blood. Over the course of three chart-topping studio albums – including their 2014 platinum-selling self-titled debut – Royal Blood have had a seismic impact on the UK music scene and Kerr has inspired a generation of bassists with his innovative playing style and thunderous riffs. Now, ahead of the release of the band’s fourth record, Back to the Water Below, Fender is honoring these achievements with the Limited Edition Mike Kerr Jaguar Bass, an instrument that offers both effortless playability and ferocious tone.
“When I play bass and write riffs, I’m looking to feel childish excitement, and I get that feeling from this bass,” said Mike Kerr. “The Custom Humbuckers are a big part of that, and the smaller one at the bridge is a real wildcard. I use it a lot in the studio, particularly when I want to double-track bass. I can get a twang and something subby at the same time, without having to go and grab another guitar. Hopefully players will enjoy it as much as I do!”
Kerr has penned some of the greatest bass riffs of the last decade, but surprisingly he didn’t actually pick up the bass guitar until the age of 21, when he joined a punk band with now Royal Blood bandmate Ben Thatcher. Rather than bassists, Kerr’s musical heroes growing up had been guitarists like Jimmy Page, Tom Morello and Jack White and this fact drew him to short-scale basses and, eventually, the Fender Jaguar Bass. Whilst getting to grips with his new instrument, Kerr began experimenting with a signal splitter to route through different amps and effects and soon after, his huge signature sound was born. Fast forward to today and Kerr’s accolades with Royal Blood include a BRIT Award for Best British Group, two NME Awards, wins at the Kerrang! Awards and the Q Awards, plus countless other prizes and nominations.
Featuring an alder body and a maple neck with slab rosewood fingerboard, the Limited Edition Mike Kerr Jaguar Bass has a classic Fender tonewood formula that delivers well-defined punch, massive resonance and ample warmth, whilst a versatile set of high-output humbuckers offer Kerr’s trademark savage sound. The compact 30” scale length modern “C”-shaped neck sports a slim profile and medium jumbo frets on a 9.5” radius fingerboard for a modern playing feel. Meanwhile, gleaming gold hardware and elegant block inlays complement the vibrant Tiger’s Blood Orange finish to create a truly striking aesthetic.
“I’ve been a fan of Mike Kerr ever since Royal Blood burst onto the scene in 2013 with their snarling debut single ‘Out of the Black’,” said Justin Norvell, Executive Vice President of Product FMIC. “He has such an innovative approach to his playing and to the equipment he uses, so it’s been great to celebrate that with this signature. Bassists are going to love the easy playability of this instrument and with the high-output Custom Humbucking Pickup on the bridge and the Wide Range Humbucking Bass Pickup in the middle position, they’ll find it’s a joy to replicate Kerr’s fierce riffs.”
In true tradition, the Fender Artist Signature Series honors iconic musicians through product progression and storytelling, creating instruments inspired by the unique specifications of the world’s greatest guitarists and bassists. Watch ‘Introducing the Mike Kerr Signature Jaguar Bass’.
Limited Edition Mike Kerr Jaguar® Bass ($1,599.00 USD, £1,549.00 GBP, €1,749.00 EUR, $2,799.00 AUD, ¥242,000 JPY) The Mike Kerr Jaguar Bass delivers the ferocious tones that ignite the iconic riffs of chart-topping British rock duo Royal Blood. Featuring an alder body and a maple neck with slab rosewood fingerboard, this classic Fender tonewood formula delivers well-defined punch, massive resonance and ample warmth. Effortlessly playable, the compact 30” scale length modern “C”-shaped neck sports a slim profile and medium jumbo frets on a 9.5” radius fingerboard for a modern playing feel. Outfitted with a versatile set of high-output humbuckers, the Mike Kerr Jaguar Bass is uniquely suited to replicate Mike’s aggressive, anthemic riffs and searing lead lines. Gleaming gold hardware and elegant block inlays complement the vibrant Tiger’s Blood Orange finish to create a truly striking aesthetic. The perfect choice for those who want to break the mold and rewrite the rule book, the Mike Kerr Jaguar Bass captures the savage and thunderous tones that make Royal Blood an eternal sensation
For technical specs, additional information on new Fender products and to find a retail partner near you, visit www.fender.com. Join the conversation on social media by following @Fender.
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