Flea Produces Own Range of Basses

Good news for anyone who daydreams of slapping the bass like a true funk metal behemoth, but hasn't got the funds for a stadium-worthy axe -- Red Hot Chili Peppers string spanker Flea has unveiled his own range of cut price bass guitars.

The Australian-born rocker says he was inspired to help out band members on a budget after observing the shoddy instruments displayed by pupils at the Silverlake Conservatory of Music, the Los Angeles non-profit he co-founded in 2001.

"I found that a lot of the kids I was teaching were coming in with inexpensive basses, which were pieces of s---," Flea explained. "The necks were warped and were falling apart. They were like toys. I wanted to make something that kids could afford but were quality, play well and last a long time."

Presenting, the Fleabass: a natty two-tone model that retails for around £315. Says Flea, "I had been adding my name to established bass models for many years, but I thought, 'F--- it, I'll make my own bass! I'll make it b------- and it'll be cool!' I just want the kids to rock!"

Yeah! Sounds totally awesome! Now, just tell us where we can get one of those skin-tight psychedelic body suits you're so fond of, and we'll be good to go.