Today, Fender is releasing a new colourway of the Tim Armstrong Hellcat, honouring Grammy winner and founder of influential U.S. punk band Rancid, Tim Armstrong. This checkerboard model is the latest in a series of collaborations between the world’s leading guitar brand and one of today’s most genre-defining and iconic players in the punk and alternative spaces.
When asked about the pattern choice for this guitar, Armstrong said: “The inspiration for the pattern came from the black and white checkered artwork of the Two-tone movement in the late 70’s and early 80’s. I love how that music combined traditional ska with punk rock energy. All those bands and that sound has been an inspiration to me since I was a teenager.”
ABOUT THE TIM ARMSTRONG HELLCAT® – $459.99
Well known as the Grammy-winning founder of influential U.S. punk band Rancid, Tim Armstrong is also well respected as a producer and indie label owner. But as a songwriter, he has always turned to his old Fender concert-style acoustic for inspiration. The Tim Armstrong Hellcat is based on Armstrong’s own classic instrument, with modern appointments including high-quality onboard electronics. A great guitar for pop, rock, folk and more, it has a solid spruce top for especially sweet sound and a satin-finish maple neck for smooth playability.
In true tradition, the Fender’s Artist Signature Series honours iconic musicians through product progression and storytelling, creating instruments inspired by the unique specifications of the world’s greatest guitarists and bassists.
“The fact that Fender is so passionate about making the Hellcat – a guitar based off my Fender I picked up when I was a teenager and have written so many songs on over the years – still blows my mind,” said Armstrong – “One thing I really love about Fender is that they have become my friends. The whole company top to bottom plays guitars and loves them as much as I do. I feel that they are the greatest guitar company in the world and working with them across these projects has been so fulfilling.”
Additional features include:
• Solid spruce top for especially sweet sound
• Satin-finish maple neck for smooth playability
• Maple “C” shape neck
• Chrome hardware and Tim’s signature “Hellcat and Double Skulls” inlay
• Fishman® CD-1 Preamp
• Integrated Electronic Tuner