For his latest model, Shepherd has chosen a resonant chambered ash body, which comes finished in Transparent Faded Sonic Blue with - yes! - matching headstock (complete with KWS signature), and white pearloid pickguard.
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The early-’60s C-shaped maple neck - which was modeled after Shepherd's '61 Strat - has a bound rosewood fingerboard with pearloid block inlays, 7.25” radius and 21 jumbo frets.
Shepherd is a longstanding advocate of Graph Tech String Saver saddles, so these come fitted to the six-point synchronized tremolo, while the trio of single coils are custom voiced to his specs, too.
“I was heavily involved in every aspect of the guitar,” says Kenny Wayne Shepherd.
“From specs to design – especially the Custom 'Hot' Vintage Pickups, carefully designed to have a very natural sound; the block inlay neck which really sets this Stratocaster apart visually; and the matching headstock which I just think has an unbeatable aesthetic.
“I can’t wait to see what this guitar can do in the hands of other players – I hope this guitar is a tool that inspires others to find their own voice and to truly express themselves and their own love of music.”
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The price tag clocks in at $1,999 - suffice to say, we like the looks of this one.
Mike is Editor-in-Chief of GuitarWorld.com, in addition to being an offset fiend and recovering pedal addict. He has a master's degree in journalism from Cardiff University, and over a decade's experience writing and editing for guitar publications including MusicRadar, Total Guitar and Guitarist, as well as 20 years of recording and live experience in original and function bands. During his career, he has interviewed the likes of John Frusciante, Chris Cornell, Tom Morello, Matt Bellamy, Kirk Hammett, Jerry Cantrell, Joe Satriani, Tom DeLonge, Ed O'Brien, Polyphia, Tosin Abasi, Yvette Young and many more. In his free time, you'll find him making progressive instrumental rock under the nom de plume Maebe.