It’s Summer NAMM time in Nashville, Tennessee, which means new gear releases and Fender Musical Instruments Corporation (FMIC) has been quick off the mark with the announcement of five new signature guitar models and a huge array of new ukuleles and travel instruments.
FENDER® DEBUTS FIVE ARTIST SIGNATURE MODELS, NEW AMERICAN ELITE, AMERICAN PROFESSIONAL, OFFSET COLORS AT SUMMER NAMM
Fender Musical Instruments Corporation (FMIC) introduces a record five new artist signature models and nine new, vintage-inspired colorways across American Elite, American Professional and Offset guitars at Summer NAMM 2017 in Nashville, Tenn. Fender’s latest artist signature models showcase the versatility of Fender’s sound across genres, while paying tribute to some of the music industry’s most-celebrated players and their vibrant stories; they include the Brad Paisley Road Worn® Telecaster®, Jimi HendrixTM Monterey Stratocaster®, George Harrison Rosewood Telecaster, JMJ Road Worn® Mustang® Bass and EOB Sustainer Stratocaster.
“Our American Elite, American Professional and Offset guitars and basses have been widely embraced by players around the world, which – in true Fender tradition – has led us to introduce new body colors that draw inspiration from 1960s vintage car paint colors,” said Justin Norvell, SVP Fender Products. “We’re also debuting a record number of artist signature models at Summer NAMM this year, honoring some of the most respected players in the music world. The lineup – spanning country, alternative and rock – is a testament to the genre-transcending music these artists have all inspired, and Fender has and continues to enable.”
Fender will continue to expand its popular American Elite, American Professional and Offset guitars and basses with new vintage-inspired colors harkening back to those originally influenced by the auto industry in the 60s.
Fender’s American Professional series will add two new colors beginning Sept. 12: Candy Apple Red and Natural Ash – both popular vintage Fender finishes that have enjoyed strong customer demand, recently; each new color has been paired with Parchment, Mint Green and Black pickguards for ideal visual appeal. Select Stratocaster and Jazz Bass models will be offered in Natural finish, while Candy Apple Red will be available across Stratocaster, Stratocaster HSS, Telecaster, Telecaster Deluxe ShawBucker™, Jazzmaster, Jaguar, Precision Bass and Jazz Bass models.
Also, beginning Sept. 12, two new colors will be offered on American Elite series guitar and bass models; Champagne and Ocean Turquoise (a vintage Fender and car color); they will accompany an exceptional set of premium features and new, upgraded ebony fretboards.
Finally, each Offset model will be offered in a new color with upgraded pau ferro fretboards beginning Oct. 2. New offset colors include: Surf Green (Duo Sonic), Canary Diamond (Duo Sonic HS), vintage Fender color Shell Pink (Mustang), 2-Tone Sunburst (Mustang 90) and hugely popular Capri Orange (Mustang Bass).
Brad Paisley Road Worn® Telecaster®: Launching July 11, 2017 – $2,399 RRP
Fender teamed up with Brad Paisley to create his signature model, the Brad Paisley Road Worn Telecaster. The Brad Paisley Telecaster is crafted from a paulownia core capped by a spruce top and back, providing a solid, lightweight foundation with acoustic-like resonance. The Paisley-approved pickup configuration includes a custom-wound ’64 Tele® bridge pickup and a Fender Custom Shop Twisted Tele® neck pickup for classic tone with just the right balance of warmth and twang. Playability is key to Paisley’s fleet-fingered style and the “Enhanced V” neck profile is designed for comfort, filling the hand at the nut for easy chording while flattening out in the upper registers for soloing. The modern 9.5″ radius fingerboard and medium-jumbo frets make it easy to play fast and bend big. This Tele wears a silver sparkle Road Worn lacquer finish and aged hardware. Elegant touches include a custom clear pickguard with black and silver paisleys and a cowboy hat insignia on the headstock.
Jimi HendrixTM Monterey Stratocaster®: Launching August 15, 2017 – $1,799 RRP
It’s been 50 years since Jimi Hendrix took the world by storm with his incredible Monterey Pop Festival performance, which he concluded with the sacrificial burning of his now-iconic hand-painted Stratocaster. Destroyed during the fiery culmination of his set, this one-of-a-kind guitar survived only in photos and film. To celebrate the 50th anniversary of this milestone in music history, Fender created the limited-edition Jimi Hendrix Monterey Stratocaster. A trio of vintage-style single-coil Stratocaster pickups give this Strat® its classic Fender sound. Bell-like and articulate, it has plenty of singing sustain for soloing. The “C”-shaped maple neck bears a vintage-style 7.25”-radius pau ferro fingerboard with 21 vintage-sized frets for a playing feel just like the original. The six-screw synchronized tremolo is perfect for unleashing dive-bombs and other sonic expression. An homage to Hendrix’s spectacular Strat, right down to the hand-painted nail-polish artwork that burned its way into our memories, the Jimi Hendrix Monterey Stratocaster also features an exclusive etched Hendrix neck plate.
George Harrison Rosewood Telecaster®: Launching August 22, 2017 – $4,999 RRP
To honor Harrison’s venerable career, Fender has created the George Harrison Rosewood Telecaster, a limited edition commemoration that embodies Harrison’s elegantly restrained playing style and sound. Based on the original Telecaster created for Harrison by guitar luthier, Roger Rossmeisl, this model remains true to its heritage with a classic look and the unique tone only an all-rosewood guitar can produce. The body is chambered for reduced weight and increased resonance. Other features include a rosewood neck with a laminated 9.5″ radius rosewood fingerboard and a custom neck plate engraved with an Om symbol. A classic in every way, this refined instrument was born in the era that defined rock n’ roll. George Harrison’s legacy is one of innovation and creativity, and the rosewood Telecaster became one of his primary instruments of choice. Only 1,000 units will be available worldwide.
JMJ Road Worn® Mustang® Bass: Launching October 17, 2017 – $2,099 RRP
Known as a true renaissance man of the modern music scene, Justin Meldal-Johnsen’s bass credits range a variety of top artists across genres. From studio to stage, Justin’s treasured ’66 Mustang Bass is his tool of choice. Fender has teamed up with him to create a signature 4-string modeled after his vintage Daphne Blue instrument—the limited edition JMJ Road Worn Mustang Bass. Powered by a custom-spec split-coil pickup, the JMJ Road Worn Mustang bass is perfect for playing punchy, melodic bass lines. The 30″ scale gives it a tight, focused tone while the modern 9.5”-radius fingerboard with rolled edges offers a familiar feel that will make any bassist feel right at home. Designed for comfort and speed, this bass also has stage-ready style.
EOB Sustainer Stratocaster®: Launching November 14, 2017 – $2,399 RRP
Ed O’Brien’s ambient, ethereal and orchestral guitar style is an essential part of the sonic identity of Radiohead. Fender partnered with the groundbreaking player to create the EOB Sustainer Stratocaster — an instrument as unique as his sound. The EOB Sustainer Stratocaster offers a wide palette of tones thanks to its Seymour Duncan® JB Jr. humbucking bridge pickup, Texas Special™ single-coil middle pickup and Fernandes® SustainerTM unit in the neck position. The Sustainer works some technical magic to create near-infinite sustain on one or more strings, making it easy to achieve thick, textured sounds. The Sustainer’s controls include an on/off switch, intensity control and three-position switch to select the mode: Fundamental-only, Harmonic-only or Blend. A mix of modern and classic, this Stratocaster features a 6-saddle vintage-style synchronized tremolo bridge, vintage-style tuning machines, a “10/56 V” neck profile, 21 narrow-jumbo frets, a synthetic bone nut and a special neck plate engraved with a custom “Flower of Life” emblem.
FENDER DEBUTS ULTIMATE TRAVEL COMPANIONS: CALIFORNIA COAST SERIES UKULELES, NEW PARAMOUNT SERIES, CLASSIC DESIGN TRAVEL BODY SHAPES
Refreshed Line of Southern California-Inspired Ukuleles Feature Fender Headstocks;
Classic Design Series Also Adds Nylon, Parlor, Bass Models
Fender Musical Instruments Corporation (FMIC) today announced it will debut a refreshed line of California Coast Series Ukuleles inspired by the brand’s Southern California roots, along with new Paramount Series and Classic Design travel body shapes at Summer NAMM in Nashville, Tenn.
Arriving September 2017, California Coast Series Ukuleles feature five new models with the beloved Fender look and feel; they include: Venice, Seaside, Zuma, Rincon and Montecito available in Cherry, Natural and Black finishes. Named after California beaches, California Coast Series Ukuleles are resonant, portable, easy-to-play and distinctly Fender, with a mix of Telecaster®-style and traditional 2×2 headstocks across models – all offered at accessible price points. Available in soprano, concert and tenor body shapes, these new ukuleles boast upgraded woods and aesthetic appointments. With no-tie bridges on all models—as well as multiple stained wood finishes, solid tops and Fishman® electronics offered on select models—this series is perfect for guitar players looking to diversify their sound or a beginning ukulele enthusiast.
Fender’s ever-expanding Paramount Series and Classic Design guitars will offer new acoustic models and body shapes, catering to variety of diverse guitarists and singer-songwriters. While Classic Design introduces new Nylon, Parlor, Bass and Travel models, the Paramount Series – first introduced at Winter NAMM 2016 – will add the all-new Paramount Travel (PM-TE) model. Based on a scaled-down auditorium shape, the Paramount Travel PM-TE acoustic-electric guitar packs big tone into a stylish package – featuring an open-pore finish in all-solid mahogany or solid mahogany with a spruce top. Designed to be light, comfortable and easily portable to fit a variety of lifestyles, the Paramount Travel acoustic guitar is a high-quality, all-solid instrument. Classic Design now includes two nylon models – the CN-60s and CN-140SCE – replacing the typical extra wide neck on a standard classical guitar with an easy-to-play neck shape; the resulting playability mirrors the rest of the series, just with a different sound and feel.
“On the heels of the continued success of our Paramount and Classic Design acoustic guitars, we’re adding another layer of portability with new travel body shapes,” said Billy Martinez, VP Category Manager – Acoustic and Squier Divisions. “Also ideal for travel are Fender’s refreshed ukuleles, which embrace our Southern California roots and iconic Fender headstock. From the boardwalk in Venice to the cliffs in Montecito, the musical inspiration found by the ocean is second to none.”
NEW California Coast Series Ukuleles: Launching September 2017
Venice Ukulele – $149 RRP
Fender has created a soprano ukulele that captures the entertaining sights and unique, carefree vibe of Venice, California—the Venice Ukulele. Thanks to its compact, comfortable body size, the Venice travels easily from the beach to the studio or jam room, while retaining the classic, light sound that makes the ukulele a “must-have” for today’s players. The slim “C”-shaped neck profile is comfortable to hold and easy to play, while the no-tie bridge makes changing strings a breeze. A stylish bound top and 4-in-line Tele® headstock adds a unique dash of Fender style that can’t be duplicated. Embrace the music of the boardwalk and live the beach life year-round with the Venice Ukulele.
Seaside Ukulele – $199 RRP
When it’s time to kick back and relax by the ocean, the Seaside Ukulele is always ready with inspiring style and sound. Compact, comfortable and easily portable, this soprano ukulele is ideal for beginning players or anyone looking to add its light, joyful sound to their music. The slim “C”-shaped neck profile is comfortable and easy to move around on, while the no-tie bridge makes changing strings a breeze. Crafted from mahogany for a warm, bell-like tone, the Seaside’s open-pore finish gives it an organic look. The top, back and fingerboard bindings add a touch of elegance, while the traditional 2×2 headstock is sure to appeal to all ukulele aficionados.
Zuma Ukulele – $299 RRP Equally at home at the beach or the studio, this concert-sized ukulele is crafted from Sapele, with an open-pore finish for balanced earthy tone that blends well with other instruments. The Zuma falls between the smaller soprano and the larger tenor sizes, providing a full sound and comfortable playing experience for players with larger hands. The easy-playing, 16-fret neck extends the range, while the no-tie bridge makes changing strings quick and easy. A striking abalone rosette, bound top, back and fingerboard and 4-in-line Tele® headstock stand out from the crowd. Whether you’re following in the sandy footsteps of those who came before or blazing your own musical trail – the Zuma Ukulele is the perfect companion for all of your creative adventures.
Rincon Ukulele – $449 RRP Packed with elegant style and top-notch features, the tenor-sized Rincon Ukulele has a rich, deep voice that’s uniquely inspiring. “Electrifying” isn’t a word usually associated with ukuleles, but for players who want to plug in and get loud, the Rincon features an onboard Fishman® Kula preamp. Crafted from Ovangkol, with a solid top for enhanced volume, this ukulele sings with full-bodied chime while boasting a natural appearance. A no-tie bridge, bone nut and saddle and eye-catching abalone rosette round out the modern features, while the 2×2 headstock with vintage-style closed-back tuning machines gives it a traditional look.
Montecito Ukulele – $599 RRP
Inspired by the California home of many celebrities, this ukulele’s screen-ready looks and headline grabbing features could only have one name—the Montecito Ukulele. Constructed completely from Koa, this tenor-sized ukulele has a rich, sonorous tone that matches its sumptuously elegant aesthetic. The solid top provides enhanced resonance and sustain, along with incredible warmth and well-balanced projection. The Montecito’s Koa body is complemented by blue-green abalone top binding and a bound back and fingerboard for a refined look. Other features include a no-tie bridge for quick, easy string changes, a bone nut and saddle for superior intonation, an abalone rosette, vintage-style closed-back tuning machines and a 4-in-line Tele® headstock for that unmistakably classic Fender look.
NEW Paramount PM-TE Travel Guitar: Launching October 2017
Paramount PM-TE Travel
Lightweight and highly resonant, the Paramount PM-TE Travel guitar is designed for easy portability without sacrificing an iota of its rich, natural tone. Comfortable for players of any size, this highly responsive 14-fret model features an open-pore finish for superior tone and unique visual appeal. The 23.5” scale is comfortable for any player, even those with smaller hands, while the relaxed string tension makes it easier to play notes and chords along the entire length of the neck. The Fender and Fishman®-designed PM preamp is voiced specifically for this guitar, bringing out the subtlest playing nuances when amplified. Other sterling features include an ovangkol fingerboard and bridge and ebony bridge pins, along with a bone nut and saddle. The Paramount PM-TE will be offered with an open pore finish in all-solid mahogany or solid mahogany with a spruce top.
NEW ‘Classic Design’ Acoustic Guitars: Available Now
CP-60S – $449 RRP The CP-60S acoustic guitar’s parlor body style ensures a comfortable playing experience thanks to its smaller size. It also sings with a distinctly warm and intimate voice traditionally embraced by folk and blues players, making this model an ideal choice for the up-and-coming fingerstyle player. Other features include a solid spruce top, laminated mahogany back and sides, rosewood fingerboard, rolled fingerboard edges, chrome finish and a new easy-to-play neck shape. The CP60-S comes in Natural and 3-Color Sunburst.
CT-60S – $449 RRP The new Classic Design CT models feature a brand-new body shape: Travel. Its short scale and compact size make it the perfect instrument to bring along wherever the music takes you. The CT-60S Travel body is derived from an Auditorium shape that’s been scaled down to 23.5” for comfort and portability. A great choice for players of all ages and sizes, it’s an exceptional alternative to downsized instruments normally reserved for young strummers. Like all Classic Design guitars, the CT-60S includes a solid spruce top, easy-to-play neck profile, and rolled fingerboard edges, along with laminated mahogany back and sides and a rosewood fingerboard. The CT-60S come in Black and Natural.
CN-60S – $449 RRP The CN-60S features a solid spruce top, laminated mahogany back and sides and rolled fingerboard edges. The CN-60S is a perfect choice for the developing player seeking a softer string that’s easier to fret, while still offering the rich tones of a classical guitar. Putting comfort first, this instrument is an excellent starting point for those who are beginning their musical journey. The CN-60S comes in Black and Natural.
CB-60SCE – $599 RRP The CB-60SCE is an acoustic bass that goes above and beyond anything in its class. This model makes use of the slim-taper, easy-to-play neck profile found on all Classic Design guitars. Its solid spruce top and laminated mahogany back and sides complement the concert-sized body for a smooth and articulate low end. The perfect companion for an ‘unplugged’ session, the CB-60SCE comes equipped with a flexible Fishman® electronics system that’s well-suited to the stage or studio. The CB-60SCE comes in Black and Natural.
CP-140SE – $729 RRP The CP-140SE acoustic-electric guitar’s parlor body style ensures a comfortable playing experience thanks to its smaller size. It also sings with a distinctly warm and intimate voice traditionally embraced by folk and blues players, making this model a great choice for the up-and-coming fingerstyle player. Other features include laminated rosewood back and sides, an onboard Fishman® Presys preamp system, solid spruce top and a new easy-to-play neck with a rosewood fingerboard and rolled fingerboard edges. The CP-140SE comes in Natural and Sunburst and includes a case.
CT-140SE – $729 RRP
The new Classic Design CT models feature a brand-new body shape: Travel. Its short scale and compact size make it the perfect instrument to bring along wherever the music takes you. The CT-140SE Travel body is derived from an Auditorium shape that’s been scaled down to 23.5” for comfort and portability. A great choice for players of all ages and sizes, it’s an exceptional alternative to downsized instruments normally reserved for young strummers. The CT-140SE comes packed with the top-of-line Classic Design appointments that players of all levels are sure to appreciate, including laminated rosewood back and sides and a Fishman® Presys preamp system. It also features a solid spruce top and a new easy-to-play neck with a rosewood fingerboard and rolled fingerboard edges. The CT-140SE comes in Natural and Sunburst and includes a case.
CN-140SCE – $729 RRP
As a nod to Fender tradition, the CN-140SCE uses a solid cedar top, along with laminated rosewood back and sides for a warm and mellow tone. The CN-140SCE provides a comfortable experience for players of any skill level—the ‘thinline’ concert body makes it a perfect guitar for the living room and stage alike, while the single cutaway makes it easy to access higher frets. When the need to plug in arises, this model’s onboard Fishman® electronics provide straightforward, yet powerful tonal control. The CN-140SCE comes in Natural and Black and includes a case.