Image: Fender bass guitar signature series (right angled), Salon de la Musique et du Son 2008.jpg: derivative work: Clusternote (talk), CC BY 3.0 — via Wikimedia Commons
Fender Urge Bass
| Category | Strings (electric bass) |
|---|---|
| Country of origin | USA |
| Classification | guitar |
| Wikipedia | en.wikipedia.org |
| Wikidata | Q5443282 |
Overview
The Fender Urge is a signature electric bass developed for American bassist Stuart Hamm, known for his solo work and for collaborations with Joe Satriani and Steve Vai. The Urge combines elements of the Precision and Jazz Basses — split P-style pickup plus single-coil bridge pickup, plus an additional Jazz-style middle pickup — on a slightly shorter 32-inch scale, with active electronics for shaping a bright, articulate voice.
Origin & History
Fender first released the Urge in 1993, with the updated Urge II following in 1999. Both models reflected Hamm’s interest in fast, technical playing across the entire bass range, including extensive tapping and slap technique. The shorter 32-inch scale eased fast left-hand work without losing low-end response, and the three-pickup combination allowed players to mix between fundamentally different tonal palettes.
How It’s Played
The Urge handles like a slightly more compact Jazz Bass. Its 32-inch scale shortens left-hand stretches, and the body contour is smaller and lighter than a standard Jazz. Three pickups give a wider tonal range than a typical Fender bass, supported by an active preamp with bass and treble controls. Players use it across slap, fingerstyle, pick, and tapping techniques.
Cultural Significance
The Urge is one of Fender’s most musician-driven signature basses, designed in close consultation with Hamm to support a specific virtuosic style. It also represents Fender’s willingness in the 1990s to depart from its core 34-inch-scale Precision/Jazz formula for an extended-technique signature instrument.
Related Instruments
- – the original Fender bass
- – the other Fender bass classic
- Fender Performer Bass – earlier Fender modern-bass experiment
- Fender Telecaster Bass – another Fender bass variant
- Fender Bass V – Fender’s earlier extended-range bass
Frequently Asked Questions
Who designed the Urge?
Stuart Hamm, in collaboration with Fender.
Is the Urge active or passive?
Active electronics with onboard EQ.
Why a 32-inch scale?
The shorter scale makes fast technical playing — especially tapping — easier without losing the bass’s low-end response.
Image: Fender Stu Hamm Urge II Bass, Salon de la Musique et du Son 2008, derivative work by Clusternote, CC BY 3.0 (Wikimedia Commons).
