Ever since he burst onto the scene in the mid-'90s, Kenny Wayne Shepherd has remained one of blues guitar's leading lights. Now, the blues virtuoso is readying a new incarnation of his signature Fender Stratocaster, and it's one of the best looking Strats we've seen in a while.
Kenny's new Strat features a chambered ash body, finished in Transparent Faded Sonic Blue: allowing that ash grain to glimpse through the paint job, and there's a striking finished headstock to match.
Electronically, Fender has fitted Kenny's custom signature Kenny Wayne Shepherd singlecoils. But in a break from tradition the second tone control is wired to control the bridge pickup, perfect if you're looking for a rounder sound from your Strat's bridge-position.
Elsewhere, Kenny has opted for a maple neck with a C-shaped 60s profile, and the vintage-style 7.5" radius, rosewood fingerboard is inlaid with pearloid blocks. Other appointments include a six-point tremolo bridge with GraphTech saddles, vintage-style machineheads and a pearloid scratchplate.
There's no word on the official release date, but Fender's website is listing the guitar at £1899.
“Your opportunity to own a piece of music history that is directly tied to two of the world’s foremost guitarists”: Gibson unveils Murphy Lab replica of Eric Clapton’s “Disraeli Gears” 1958 Les Paul Custom that he later gifted to Albert Lee
“I have to try and talk about the neck without sounding offensive or angry”: Johnny Marr says satin finishes have no business being on a guitar neck
