Fender Unveils Lee Sklar Signature P-Bass
Fender launches the Lee Sklar Signature Precision Bass, a recreation of the legendary session bassist's customized workhorse featuring active EMG pickups
Fender has officially launched the Lee Sklar Precision Bass, a meticulous recreation of the legendary session musician's highly customized, road-worn workhorse. As the newest addition to the Fender Stories Collection, this release celebrates an instrument that has fundamentally shaped modern music history.
A Studio Legend Brought to Life
Lee Sklar’s original bass is synonymous with session royalty. Having laid down foundational grooves for titans like Phil Collins, James Taylor, Jackson Browne, and Carole King, this distinctively modified P-Bass has been heard by millions worldwide.
“I’ve used this guitar on about 2,000 albums. It is my go-to instrument when I go in the studio. It’s the first thing I think about when I hear a song,” Sklar explains regarding the significance of this signature release.
Stripped down to the bare wood over decades of rigorous touring and recording, the bass evolved into a true extension of Sklar's musical personality. Fender’s new recreation captures that journey, honoring the decades of character, craftsmanship, and musical history embedded in the original instrument.
Signature Specs for Legendary Tone
What sets this signature model apart is its collection of unique, Sklar-approved modifications designed for supreme versatility and a fluid playing experience.
- Satin Heirloom Finish: The alder body features a naturally worn nitrocellulose lacquer, allowing the wood to breathe while replicating the original's broken-in, bare-wood aesthetic.
- Slimmed-Down Neck: A maple 1962 Jazz Bass "C" profile offers a slimmer nut width compared to standard P-Basses, drastically improving playability.
- Mandolin Frets: Mounted on a 7.25" round-lam Rosewood fingerboard, these uniquely low-profile frets deliver an incredibly fast, effortless feel under the fingers.
- Active Electronics: Dual EMG Active Lee Sklar P pickups provide articulate clarity, high-output punch, and immense sonic headroom.
- Badass II Bridge: The high-mass brass construction guarantees rock-solid tuning stability, precise intonation, and enhanced sustain.
- Hipshot Drop-Tuner: A BT3 Bass Xtender paired with Gotoh reversed-open gear tuners enables instant low-end tuning changes at the flip of a lever.
Price & Availability
Priced at $3,499 and shipped with a deluxe tweed case, the Fender Lee Sklar Precision Bass is available now.
What element of Lee Sklar's signature bass—such as the mandolin frets or the active EMG pickups—appeals most to your playing style?
- +Legendary artist's customized specifications
- +Mandolin frets enable fast, effortless playing
- +Active EMG pickups deliver articulate clarity and punch
- +Hipshot drop-tuner for instant low tuning changes
- +Satin finish replicates original's broken-in character
- +High-mass Badass II bridge ensures tuning stability
What makes the Lee Sklar Signature P-Bass different from a standard Precision Bass?
The signature model features a slimmer 1962 Jazz Bass neck profile, mandolin frets on a 7.25" rosewood fingerboard, dual EMG Active Lee Sklar P pickups, a Badass II high-mass bridge, and a Hipshot BT3 drop-tuner. The satin heirloom finish replicates the worn, bare-wood aesthetic of Sklar's original instrument.
Who is Lee Sklar and why is this bass significant?
Lee Sklar is a legendary session bassist who has played on approximately 2,000 albums for artists including Phil Collins, James Taylor, Jackson Browne, and Carole King. His original P-Bass, heavily customized over decades of touring and recording, fundamentally shaped modern music history and is heard on countless classic recordings.
What is the price and what comes with the Lee Sklar Signature P-Bass?
The Fender Lee Sklar Signature Precision Bass is priced at $3,499 and ships with a deluxe tweed case. It's part of Fender's Stories Collection and available now.
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