The Evolution of Flea's Bass Collection: From Alembic to Fender

Flea, the iconic bassist of the Red Hot Chili Peppers, has a diverse collection of bass guitars that have accompanied his legendary journey in the music industry. His bass collection includes notable models such as Alembic, a Modulus Custom, and the Fender J Bass. Each of these basses has its unique characteristics and a special place in Flea's history. This article delves into the evolution of Flea's bass collection, exploring the various models he has used and the path that has brought him to his current instrument repertoire.

The Alembic Bass

Among the instruments in Flea's collection, the Alembic bass holds a special place. This powerful and versatile bass guitar, known for its rich tone and unique design, has been a staple in Flea's setup. Alembic basses are renowned for their handcrafted nature, meticulous construction, and exceptional sound quality. Flea's Alembic bass, in particular, stands out due to its out-of-production pickups and a few other custom modifications, which contribute to its distinctive sound.

The Modulus Flea Bass

Flea's most-talked-about bass guitar is the Modulus Flea bass. This instrument, equipped with super rare Modulus Custom pickups, is unheard of in other settings. The Modulus Flea bass is more than just an instrument; it is a symbol of Flea's obsession with creating the perfect bass for his unique style. While Flea occasionally uses a modified Fender Jazz bass, he predominantly opts for his Modulus Flea bass for its superior tone and playability.

The Evolution of Flea's Bass Fleet

Over the years, Flea has been through a series of basses that have significantly shaped his sound and stage presence. Let's take a closer look at the evolution of Flea's bass collection:

The Early Years: Spector NS-4

From the self-titled album to the album "Uplift Mofo Party Plan," Flea preferred the Spector NS-4. This bass, known for its clear and bright tone, was well-suited for the funk and rock sounds characteristic of those early albums.

The Rise of the Music Man Stingray

As Flea moved on to the "Freaky Styley" and "Blood Sugar Sex Magik" albums, he switched to the Music Man Stingray. This bass, known for its versatility and powerful tone, became Flea's signature instrument. It was particularly evident in "Blood Sugar Sex Magik," where it provided a foundation for the album's groundbreaking sound.

The Wal Mk1: A Prominent Feature

Interestingly, most of the "Blood Sugar Sex Magik" album was recorded with a Wal Mk1 bass. Flea's preference for the Music Man Stingray was consistent for his live performances but, for the recording process, he leaned towards the Wal Mk1 for a certain sound quality.

The Alembic Epic: A Signature Instrument

During his time with Jane's Addiction and later with the Red Hot Chili Peppers, Flea used a Music Man Epic for recording. This bass, known for its powerful tone and versatility, was a significant part of the sound for "One Hot Minute."

The Modulus Signature Bass

Flea's endorsement with Modulus Basses led to the creation of the signature "Flea Bass," which was a 4-string 34" scale graphite-necked bass with a Lane Poor MM pickup. These basses became a hallmark of Flea's live performances and recordings.

The Modulus and Fender Jazz Basses: A Journey of Experimentation

After acknowledging the limitations of the Modulus, Flea started experimenting with vintage Fenders. Fender's signature Jazz Bass became a staple during the recordings of "Stadium Arcadium" and "By the Way." Flea's live performances saw him using Fender Jazz Basses alongside his Modulus Fbadge basses, each with upgraded electronics and different finishes.

The Latest Signature Bass: A New Chapter

In recent times, Fender has created another signature Jazz Bass for Flea, featuring a single MM-style pickup. This new bass has become a cornerstone in his modern setup, reflecting his constant quest for the perfect sound.

While Flea has used other basses in the studio, these instruments represent the mainstays of his collection. From the Alembic to the Modulus, and now back to the Fender Jazz Bass, Flea's journey in the world of bass guitars is a testament to his creativity and dedication to his craft. Whether on stage or in the studio, these basses have played a pivotal role in shaping the distinct sound that defines him as a musician.