Fender today released the Dhani Harrison Ukulele, marking the artist’s first collaboration with the iconic musical instrument brand. Designed for live performance, the Dhani Harrison Ukulele is built with eye-catching aesthetics from custom inlay work and unique stained finishes, to Fender® electronics with a tone knob allowing players to EQ their sound.
“We’re thrilled to launch the Dhani Harrison Signature Ukulele, the latest addition to our expanding line of Fender® ukuleles,” said Billy Martinez, Vice President Category Manager -Acoustic and Squier Divisions. “Dhani is a world-leading talent and we are seeing more demand for ukulele instruments than ever – so this collaboration made total sense to us. Dhani worked hand-in-hand with us to create his ideal ukulele, incorporating design elements that are deeply personal to him, which we hope will encourage people all over the world to express their own individuality and creativity.”
Dhani has carved a unique career path as a multi-instrumentalist, composer and singer-songwriter, with a versatility that has led to collaborations with artists as varied as the Wu-Tang Clan, UNKLE, Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers, Pearl Jam and Jeff Lynne’s ELO, to name but a few. Harrison grew up playing the ukulele, which quickly became an integral tool in his songwriting. A firm believer that being a great player is about how raw the right hand is and its gusto and rhythm, Harrison was influenced musically by the likes of Gabby Pahinui, Bennie Nawahi and George Formby.
Dhani Harrison’s psychedelic style spans an impressive career. Harrison has performed at legendary concerts and festivals around the world including Coachella and Lollapalooza, as well as receiving a Grammy award for Best Pop Instrumental Performance for the completion of his father’s final album, Brainwashed.
“I knew that if I did a Fender® signature model, it would have to be a ukulele,” said Dhani Harrison. “I’ve always played it and I write a lot of stuff on a uke. I spent a lot of time in Hawaii growing up and it was there that I really fell in love with the uke as a serious instrument. I designed it to be my ideal stage ukulele that also sounds great when you’re not plugged in. The design is very much inspired by my passions and quest to build the ultimate ukulele. I wanted to do a blue finish and I wanted a light and a dark – kind of like a blue sky day and a space black night. The blue sapphire stain finish is my nighttime mode, and the turquoise stain is my daytime mode. I hope this new Signature Series helps inspire others on their own musical journey.”
The Dhani Harrison Ukulele is available in two different finishes, each with its own unique fretboard inlays and engraved designs on the back of the instrument. Designed for live performance, the tenor-sized ukulele features a solid ovangkol wood top, with ovangkol back and sides, providing a warm sound – as well as a ¾ depth, upgraded Fender® electronics, distinctive build and eye-catching aesthetics. With a choice of daytime and nighttime finishes, the stains were developed to maintain the visual grain of the wood. Extremely lightweight yet durable, the Dhani Harrison Ukulele is built to stand the test of time.
In true tradition, the Fender® Artist Signature Series honours iconic musicians through product progression and storytelling, creating instruments inspired by the unique specifications of the world’s greatest instrumentalists. Learn more about Fender’s first ever collaboration with Dhani Harrison as he talks songwriting and his Signature Ukulele featuring a tenor-sized body, upgraded Fender electronics and original inlays and engravings that celebrate a few sources of Dhani’s own creative inspiration.
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.