The guitar giant continues to push the visual envelope on made-in-Japan versions of classic models
(Image credit: Fender)
Fender has come out of the gate strong in 2020, with a massive new range of striking Custom Shop guitars, which includes the Saleen Stratocaster 1 - a souped-up, automobile-inspired six-string electric guitar - amongst a host of others.
Continuing its trend of artist collaboration, the guitar giant has unveiled two limited-edition made-in-Japan Strat and Tele models, designed with Japanese artists FACE and MHAK, respectively.
Made In Japan Art Gallery Collection Stratocaster FACE
The Strat features an alder body finished with FACE's signature and acclaimed artwork style. The graphic only appears on the top of the guitar; the back is finished in a plain white.
Other than its striking aesthetic, the model features a traditional Stratocaster design and hardware layout, with Vintage-Style single coil pickups and a 21-fret maple fingerboard with a 9.5" radius.
Made In Japan Art Gallery Collection Telecaster MHAK
Painter/artist MHAK - born in Aizuwakamatsu, Japan - is best known for his architectural artwork style. For this guitar, he has drawn inspiration from 1950s furniture, resulting in a look less striking than the FACE Strat, but one that pairs well with the Tele's classic design.
The MHAK Tele features an alder body and a 21-fret maple neck and fingerboard with a single symphonic mark inlay on the twelfth fret. Regarding pickups, the guitar is fitted with a ’70s style Wide Range humbucker in the neck and a standard single coil in the bridge position.
Both are listed at £1,050 in the UK (approx $1,350), with US price points yet to be determined.
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If you're after additional info, Fender.com has more on both the Stratocaster and Telecaster.
Sam was Staff Writer at GuitarWorld.com from 2019 to 2023, and also created content for Total Guitar, Guitarist and Guitar Player. He has well over 15 years of guitar playing under his belt, as well as a degree in Music Technology (Mixing and Mastering). He's a metalhead through and through, but has a thorough appreciation for all genres of music. In his spare time, Sam creates point-of-view guitar lesson videos on YouTube under the name Sightline Guitar.