Since first breaking into the mainstream with her 2015 SoundCloud hit ‘Ocean Eyes’, Eilish has been a staunch advocate for the ukulele, using the instrument as her primary songwriting tool and often playing it onstage during her live set.
This new Fender signature model is just another reminder of her astronomic rise to stardom, and plays testament to the ukulele’s nature as an instrument that’s accessible for everyone – or, as Billie says herself, “The rules of ukulele are: If you know three chords, you can play any song. Ever.”
Eilish’s signature model is based on a concert ukulele shape with a sapele top, back and sides for a deceptively strong sound, while a walnut fingerboard acts as a slick platform for nimble fretting. It’s wrapped up in a Matte Black finish and adorned with Billie’s own “blohsh” symbols, creating a striking aesthetic that complements Eilish’s own unique visual flair.
Elsewhere, the ukulele features a Fishman Kula preamp for amplified performance, as well as a four-in-line Telecaster headstock and simple no-tie string bridge, making for an instrument that’s perfectly suited for beginners and professionals alike.
To coincide with the launch of the signature model and honour its Hawaiin history, Fender and Billie have also donated to the Aloha Mele Fund, supporting coronavirus relief efforts for Native Hawaiin and Pacific Islander communities, which you can find out more about here.
Watch Billie discuss the ukulele and demo her own signature model alongside her pet dog below.
Find out more about the Billie Eilish Signature Ukulele at Fender’s website.
