HOLLYWOOD, Calif. (Aug. 25, 2008) — Yamaha artist and Metallica's bassist for the past five years
Robert Trujillo is touring the world with three new custom Yamaha basses in tow. Yamaha Artist Services Hollywood created the "rat rod"-styled basses for Trujillo to play on the band's current tour in Europe and the upcoming tour in North America that kicks off Oct. 21 in Glendale, Ariz.
The basses are modeled after the
TRB5PII. Yamaha Artist Services Hollywood master luthier John Gaudesi created three basses for Robert – primer red, primer green, and natural – with an effect that was meant to resemble a "rat rod" car, with primer paint and aged hardware.
The basses are made of 2-piece maple core, with maple wings, Indian rosewood fingerboard, a 34" scale, and the electronics system was custom designed based on Robert's specifications.
 Robert Trujillo |
"The result of the custom basses we created for Robert is a totally unique looking bass, with the sound he has come to rely on from Yamaha," comments Mike Tempesta, artist relations manager for Yamaha Guitars. "We were honored to be involved in the creative process of providing Robert with instruments exclusive for him based on his wants and desires. It's a very satisfying process for all involved, and we can't wait to hear the reaction from the fans that see him perform with these instruments on stage."
Trujillo has been a member of Metallica since 2003. Prior to that, he was a member of Suicidal Tendencies, Infectious Grooves, and Ozzy Osbourne's band, among others. Trujillo is best known for his finger style technique. The other members of the band have recently spoken lots of praise for Trujillo, speaking out about his ease of fitting in with the band and also about his skills as a bass player.
"…Rob's been with us for five years now, and it's completely effortless…," said drummer Lars Ulrich. "It's never felt this complete."
Metallica will release their new album
Death Magnetic worldwide on Sept. 12. The album will also be available to download for
Guitar Hero 111: Legends of Rock on the same day that the album arrives in stores.
The band is offering the record for sale in numerous configurations, ranging from a digital-only release to a deluxe "coffin box" that will come with a bonus CD, a DVD, a T-shirt, guitar picks and other goodies.
