Laura Lee and her playing elevate Khruangbin to the global stage, with appearances on festivals around the globe, as well as headline tours just about everywhere that’ll have ’em. We caught up with Laura Lee about the gear she uses to get it done!

Laura Lee Khruangbin

What piece of equipment do you have to show us today?

My SX Jazz Bass. I’ve been playing this bass, almost exclusively, since I picked up bass in 2009. And I haven’t changed the strings once. *knocks on wood*

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How did you come across this particular item?

Mark actually bought it for me as a college graduation present. It’s a knock-off, inexpensive, jazz style bass. It looks awesome with the ash tray and plays like home. With Mark’s luthier skills in my back pocket, he replaced the pick ups, put flat wounds on it, and gave it a killer set up. They no longer make this exact model anymore. So at this point, it’s rare.

Laura Lee (bassist)

What is it that you like about it so much?

I like its humility. It’s been with me since I could barely play bass, had a few pennies to my name, and playing on stage was not even a pipe dream. It’s my favorite sounding bass. I’ve picked up really beautiful instruments in my travels, and nothing plays like this one. It’s been through me learning how to hit a string, writing my first song, and has traveled with me to five continents—multiple times over.

How do you use it and how has it shaped the way you write music?

I’ve written almost every Khruangbin song on it. With the strings having been worn in through 10 years of me playing, nothing gives me more comfort or confidence than my bass. I play as much for the instrument as I do myself. It’s one of the best friends I’ve ever had.

Texas Sun, the joint EP from Khruangbin and Leon Bridges, is out now via Dead Oceans / Interia Music.

This article was original published on Feb 6, 2020.

(Photo credit: Pooneh Ghana)