Death Cab for Cutie frontman Ben Gibbard has collaborated with Fender to create his own signature guitar. The Ben Gibbard Mustang is modeled after a 1970s version of the classic Mustang, recreating his go-to touring model, complete with custom modifications. It features a chambered ash body, a 3-way rotary pickup selector switch, and a rock-solid hardtail bridge.
“Growing up as a kid I always wanted to own a Fender but I couldn’t afford one until much later in life,” Gibbard said in a press release. “It’s a dream come true to design my own signature model. Over the years I’ve owned many different guitars, but my Mustang models have always been my favorites. Creating a custom version that is a replica of what I play on stage was an opportunity I could never pass up. I wanted to create something that would mimic all the augmentations I’ve made on my live instruments, something you can just pick up off the rack and everything is intuitive. Maybe this player wants to sing and play guitar at the same time, or perhaps they just want to play a guitar that makes navigating tone simple.”
EVP of Fender Products Justin Norvell added:
“Ben Gibbard’s unique guitar style helped define a genre, and we’re thrilled to have this opportunity to collaborate with him, bringing his signature sound to the masses. Ben worked closely with us on the design of his signature Mustang, with new pickups, simplified controls, and a locked-down bridge to create a super rock-solid, roadworthy instrument.”