Flea, the energetic and innovative bassist of the Red Hot Chili Peppers, is renowned for his distinctive funk-infused basslines and dynamic stage presence. His unique sound is not only shaped by his playing style but also by his impressive collection of bass guitars. While Flea owns numerous instruments, this article spotlights the most significant basses that have defined his career and contributed to his signature sound. We aim to provide an accurate overview, and welcome any further insights from fellow enthusiasts to enhance this resource. Special acknowledgment to Paul McGhee for his invaluable contributions to the detailed bass guitar information presented here.
Flea energetically slapping his bass guitar during a performance
Exploring Flea’s Revered Bass Guitars
Flea’s bass guitar choices are as diverse and eclectic as his musical style. From vintage classics to custom-made instruments, each bass has played a role in shaping his sound across different Red Hot Chili Peppers albums and eras. Let’s delve into some of his most notable instruments:
Alembic Epic Bass
The Alembic Epic bass guitar became a staple for Flea during the One Hot Minute era. Known for its rich and articulate tone, the Epic featured a flame maple top on a mahogany body, complemented by an ebony fingerboard. This combination provided a sophisticated and powerful sound that suited the album’s more experimental and heavier direction.
Blue Flake Modulus Fleabass: The Californication Era
Flea performing live with his blue Modulus Fleabass, recognizable by the "A flea still drinks the blood…" sticker
Synonymous with the Californication album and tour, Flea’s Blue Flake Modulus Fleabass is instantly recognizable. This custom instrument, finished in a striking blue flake, was personalized with a meaningful sticker stating, “A flea still drinks the blood of those who wouldn’t harm a flea.” This bass became a visual and sonic icon of a pivotal period in the Red Hot Chili Peppers’ history.
The Iconic ‘Punk Bass’: A Modulus Flea Bass Masterpiece
Close-up of Flea playing his 'Punk Bass', showcasing the vibrant red, white, and blue design with punk band graphics
Flea performing with the 'Punk Bass', displaying the Circle Jerks logo and the bass's overall punk rock aesthetic
Perhaps Flea’s most famous bass guitar is the ‘Punk Bass’. This custom Modulus Flea Bass earned its nickname due to its vibrant and rebellious decoration. Painted in red, white, and blue, it is adorned with graphics of Flea’s favorite punk rock bands, reflecting his musical roots and personal style. The ‘Punk Bass’ is a visual statement as much as a musical instrument, embodying Flea’s energetic and unconventional approach.
1961 Shell Pink Fender Jazz Bass: A Vintage Gem
Flea skillfully slapping his rare 1961 Fender Jazz Bass in Shell Pink, distinguished by the D Boon sticker
A truly rare and historically significant instrument in Flea’s collection is his 1961 Shell Pink Fender Jazz Bass. Originally finished in Shell Pink, the bass has aged gracefully, with the varnish yellowing over time to a slightly amber hue. Flea famously added a sticker of D. Boon, the lead vocalist of The Minutemen, much to the dismay of vintage bass purists, further cementing its unique character. This bass has been used extensively, notably on the Stadium Arcadium album.
Sunburst Modulus Flea Bass: Stadium Arcadium Tour Companion
Flea playing his Sunburst Modulus Bass, used during the Stadium Arcadium tour, featuring a classic sunburst finish and black pickguard
For the Stadium Arcadium tour, Flea utilized a Sunburst Modulus Flea Bass. This bass featured a classic sunburst finish with a black pickguard, providing a visually understated yet sonically powerful instrument for stadium-sized performances.
Flea’s Basses Across Albums and Eras
Flea’s choice of bass guitars has evolved alongside the Red Hot Chili Peppers’ musical journey. Here’s a look at some key basses used during different album periods:
- Pre-Red Hot Chili Peppers: In the band’s early days, Flea primarily played a budget-friendly Squier bass guitar, demonstrating that iconic sound can originate from humble beginnings.
- Red Hot Chili Peppers (Debut Album): For their debut album, Flea favored a Music Man Stingray (or Cutlass), customized with pink and green tape, paint, and stickers, showcasing his early penchant for instrument modification.
- Freaky Styley: The funk-heavy Freaky Styley saw Flea utilizing both Music Man Stingray and Fender Precision basses, exploring different tonal palettes for the album’s diverse tracks.
- Uplift Mofo Party Plan: A Spector LV bass became prominent during the Uplift Mofo Party Plan era, contributing to the album’s raw and energetic sound.
- Mother’s Milk: Flea transitioned to a Spector NS-2 for Mother’s Milk, a bass known for its punchy and articulate tone, well-suited to the album’s more polished production.
- Blood Sugar Sex Magik: The groundbreaking Blood Sugar Sex Magik album was largely recorded with a blue Wal Mach II bass. However, tracks like “Funky Monks” and “The Righteous And The Wicked” featured a Music Man Stingray 5, also seen in the “Under the Bridge” video.
- One Hot Minute: An Alembic Epic was Flea’s main bass for One Hot Minute, except for “Aeroplane” (Music Man Stingray, visible in the video) and “Pea” (Sigma acoustic). A Music Man Sterling was used in the “My Friends” video.
- Californication: The Modulus Fleabass* became Flea’s primary instrument for Californication, with a Fender Jazz used on “Easily” and a Taylor acoustic bass for “Road Trippin'”. The subsequent tour heavily featured the Blue Flake Modulus Fleabass.
- By The Way: Continuing with the Modulus Fleabass* for By The Way, Flea also incorporated his 1961 Shell Pink Fender Jazz for certain tracks, notably seen in the “Can’t Stop” video. The ‘Punk Bass’ was a frequent choice for the By The Way tour.
- Stadium Arcadium: Flea predominantly used his 1961 Shell Pink Fender Jazz for the entire Stadium Arcadium album. The Stadium Arcadium tour saw the introduction of the Sunburst Modulus Flea Bass*.
*Note: The Modulus Fleabass is now referred to as the Funk Unlimited to differentiate it from the later Fleabass guitar line.
Fleabass: Flea’s Vision for Accessible Quality
Driven by a desire to make quality bass guitars accessible to aspiring musicians, Flea launched his own line of instruments, Fleabass, in 2009. He recognized that many students couldn’t afford professional-grade basses and sought to bridge this gap. Flea personally promoted the initial Fleabass designs, including the Sunny Bass (orange), Water Bass (blue), The Wild One (black & white), and Punk Bass (green & orange). The Fleabass range has since expanded to include the Street Bass series, offering further options in black & white, silver & black, blue & white, and white & black finishes.
A collection of Fleabass guitars showcasing the initial designs: Sunny Bass Orange, Water Bass Blue, The Wild One Black & White, and Punk Bass Green & Orange
Conclusion: Flea’s Enduring Bass Legacy
Flea’s bass guitar collection is a testament to his evolving musical journey and his dedication to sonic exploration. From customized Modulus Fleabasses to vintage Fender Jazz basses, each instrument has played a crucial role in shaping his iconic sound and influencing generations of bass players. His commitment extends beyond his personal collection with Fleabass, aiming to empower aspiring musicians with quality, affordable instruments. Flea’s basses are not just tools, but partners in his musical expression, each with its own story to tell within the vibrant tapestry of his career.
