Billie Eilish adds her signature flair to a new Fender ukulele
In a nod to her early musical background, Billie Eilish has launched a signature ukulele in collaboration with Fender.
The announcement comes shortly after the addition of six Billie Eilish songs to Fender Play. Through the platform for guitar, bass and ukulele lessons, fans can learn hits such as “ocean eyes” and “my strange addiction,” the latter of which features notable samples from The Office. Other titles include “when the party’s over,” “watch,” “&burn” and “six feet under.”
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The adaptation is hardly a stretch. In a 2019 episode of Carpool Karaoke, Eilish told James Corden that she started playing the ukulele at the age of six by covering the Beatles’ “I Will.”
Throughout her professional career, she’s commonly incorporated the instrument in her tracks. Notable examples include don’t smile at me EP’s “party favor” and “8” from her debut album WHEN WE ALL FALL ASLEEP, WHERE DO WE GO?
“I think the ukulele brings a different feeling to every single song, and it inspires a different kind of writing,” Eilish tells Fender. “Different instruments always make me write differently.”
The 15-inch Billie Eilish uke is “stage-ready” from purchase, featuring a Fishman Kula Preamp and built-in tuner. Additional details include a no-tie bridge, 4-in-line Tele headstock and an abalone rosette. Constructed with a Sapele body, Nato neck and walnut fingerboard, the uke boasts an all-over satin finish for easy gripping.
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The singer’s individual flare, however, is most clearly seen in the gold repeating pattern of her signature “blohsh” symbol. And though it might appear extravagant, Fender is currently listing the uke at just under $300.
To celebrate the historical context of the ukulele in Hawaii, Fender and Eilish are contributing to the Aloha Mele Fund. Established under the Hawaii Community Foundation, this fund supports nonprofits providing coronavirus relief for Native Hawaiian and Pacific Islander communities. Fender encourages fans to donate directly to the fund as their situation allows.
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The Billie Eilish uke is available for purchase on the Fender website now. Check out more on the features of the model below.
