Skip to main content
MusicRadar MusicRadar The No.1 website for musicians
UK EditionUK US EditionUS AU EditionAustralia SG EditionSingapore
Sign in
  • View Profile
  • Sign out
  • Artist news
  • Guitars
  • Controllers
  • Drums
  • Keyboards & Pianos
  • Guitar Amps
  • Music Gear Reviews
  • Synths
  • Software & Apps
  • More
    • Recording
    • DJ Gear
    • Acoustic Guitars
    • Bass Guitars
    • Tech
    • Tutorials
    • Reviews
    • Buying Guides
    • About us
More
  • Tiny Dancer
  • Browser DAWs
  • 95k+ free music samples
  • Restring your guitar
  1. Guitars

NAMM 2016: Fender unveils 'Magnificent Seven' Limited Edition guitars

News
By The MusicRadar Team
Published 29 January 2016

Offset Tele, PJ Bass and Jazzmaster with Bigsby on the way

When you purchase through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission. Here’s how it works.

Introduction

Introduction

NAMM 2016: Fender has lifted the lid on its 2016 Magnificent Seven range, a limited edition series of modded classics, including a Bigsby-equipped Jazzmaster, a lightweight Ash Tele and a PJ Bass.

We took a sneaky look at these guitars in our Fender 2016 NAMM stand gallery, but now we can give you the full specs and rundown of the new models.

The range is completed by the American Elite Stratocaster, Telecaster with Figured Neck, Telecaster with Painted Headcap and the American Standard Offset Telecaster. The new instruments will be released throughout the year between March and October.

Browse the gallery for more information on each of the seven models...

Page 1 of 8
Page 1 of 8
Limited Edition American Elite Stratocaster

Limited Edition American Elite Stratocaster

PRESS RELEASE: Externally the Limited Edition American Elite Stratocaster 2-Color Sunburst has Fender’s timeless style, but under the hood it’s an entirely new breed of guitar designed for 21st-century players who constantly push the envelope.

With over a dozen new innovations, each guitar is a true performer with eye-catching style, exceptional feel and versatile sound from the very first moment you plug it in and play.

The latest version of our high performance series, this limited edition sports an astounding flame maple top, highly figured maple neck, aged white pearl pickguard and special 2- Color Sunburst finish. Includes a “Limited Edition” neck plate.

Page 2 of 8
Page 2 of 8
Limited Edition American Standard Telecaster w/ Figured Neck

Limited Edition American Standard Telecaster w/ Figured Neck

PRESS RELEASE: As simply elegant as ever, the Limited Edition American Standard Telecaster Figured Neck is an enduringly classic design for the guitarist who appreciates and aspires to the beautifully bright, clear tone and style of the Fender guitar that started it all.

From garages to nightclubs to stadiums worldwide, this is the real thing—a timeless Telecaster that rings more fully and brilliantly than ever. As an elegant touch, a gorgeous figured maple neck with rosewood fingerboard graces this timeless instrument. Includes a “Special Edition” ingot inlaid in the rear of the headstock.

Page 3 of 8
Page 3 of 8
Limited Edition American Standard Telecaster with Painted Headcap

Limited Edition American Standard Telecaster with Painted Headcap

PRESS RELEASE: Inspired by the “custom color” instruments of yore, the Limited Edition American Standard Telecaster Matching Headstock sports sophisticated aesthetics for the ages.

As simply elegant as ever, the American Standard Telecaster is an enduring design classic for the guitarist who appreciates and aspires to the beautifully bright, clear tone and style of the Fender guitar that started it all.

Featuring a pair of American Vintage ’58 pickups for authentic vintage-style tone, this Telecaster rings more fully and brilliantly than ever. Includes a “Limited Edition” neck plate.

Page 4 of 8
Page 4 of 8
Limited Edition American Standard PJ Bass

Limited Edition American Standard PJ Bass

PRESS RELEASE: It’s one of the most common modification requests we get for Precision basses—the remarkable tonal versatility of an added Jazz Bass bridge pickup.

The Limited Edition American Standard PJ Bass is a great American Standard Precision Bass—the rock-solid stalwart of the bass world—with the extra functionality of a singing, snarling Jazz Bass bridge pickup and a thinner Jazz Bass neck for faster action.

Page 5 of 8
Page 5 of 8
Limited Edition American Standard Offset Telecaster

Limited Edition American Standard Offset Telecaster

PRESS RELEASE: Originally conceived in the Custom Shop, the Limited Edition American Standard Offset Telecaster is an incredibly distinctive hybrid of a Telecaster and Jazzmaster.

A novel concept and a truly original and collectable instrument never before seen in the Fender lineup, it features a highly distinctive offset body, with the singing voice of a Custom Shop Twisted single-coil neck pickup and a vintage-style Custom Shop single-coil Telecaster pickup.

Page 6 of 8
Page 6 of 8
Limited Edition Select Lite Ash Telecaster

Limited Edition Select Lite Ash Telecaster

PRESS RELEASE: Designed from the get-go for comfort and playability, as well as stunning style, the limited Edition Fender Select Lite Ash Telecaster is a blinged out version of the classic design.

Featuring a hand-selected lightweight ash body, each instrument weighs 7 lbs. or less, making it ideal for long playing sessions.

All-gold hardware, a tortoiseshell pickguard and White Blonde lacquer finish make this Telecaster a treat for the eyes as well as the ears. Includes a “Special Edition” ingot inlaid in the rear of the headstock.

Page 7 of 8
Page 7 of 8
Limited Edition American Special Jazzmaster with Bigsby Vibrato

Limited Edition American Special Jazzmaster with Bigsby Vibrato

PRESS RELEASE: With its stripped-down control scheme the stylish Limited Edition American Special Jazzmaster Bigsby is ready to rock.

In an uncharacteristic touch, the Bigsby-licensed B50 vibrato tailpiece replaces the standard Jazzmaster bridge, adding expressive shimmer to your playing. The comfortable modern 9.5” fingerboard radius is ideal for any playing style while the Pure Vintage ’65 Jazzmaster pickups retain the clear tones and edgy snarl of their inspiration.

White witch hat knobs, modern tuning machines and a black/white/black pickguard complete the ensemble for classic Fender style. Includes a “Limited Edition” neck plate.

Page 8 of 8
Page 8 of 8
The MusicRadar Team
The MusicRadar Team
Social Links Navigation

MusicRadar is the internet's most popular website for music-makers of all kinds, be they guitarists, drummers, keyboard players, DJs or producers.

GEAR: We help musicians find the best gear with top-ranking gear round-ups and high-quality, authoritative reviews by a wide team of highly experienced experts.

TIPS: We also provide tuition, from bite-sized tips to advanced work-outs and guidance from recognised musicians and stars.

STARS: We talk to artists and musicians about their creative processes, digging deep into the nuts and bolts of their gear and technique. We give fans an insight into the actual craft of music-making that no other music website can.

Read more
MusicRadar Guitar Gear Round-up June 2026
Guitars MusicRadar’s epic guitar gear round-up: June ’26 edit, ft. EHX, PRS, Fender’s mega-launch and more
 
 
Sean Hurley plays the Fender 75th Anniversary Precision Bass Collection
Bass Guitars Geezer Butler, Tal Wilkenfeld and Nate Mendel hail the legacy of the P Bass, as Fender celebrates its 75th anniversary
 
 
Fender 75th Anniversary Telecaster Road Worn and Cabronita
Electric Guitars Fender 75th Anniversary Vintera Road Worn 1951 Telecaster & American Professional Classic Cabronita Telecaster review
 
 
Fender Jim Root Telecaster Shoreline Gold
Artists Jim Root’s made-for-metal Fender Telecaster gets a makeover with a custom finish from the golden era
 
 
Eastman Guitars Fullertone Offset
Electric Guitars “We’re back in Laurel Canyon in the late '60s”: Eastman Fullertone Offset review
 
 
Harley Benton Fusion-T II: these humbucker-loaded T-styles are packed with features and are offered with myriad hardware, pickups and finish options
Guitars Harley Benton throws a big ol' T party and you are all invited, as it debuts the Fusion-T II series
 
 
Latest in Guitars
Mastodon pictured after performing on Late Night with Seth Meyers in 2021 [L-R]: Brent Hinds, Troy Sanders, Brann Dailor, and Bill Kelliher.
Artists Mastodon's Brann Dailor and Troy Sanders on their complicated relationship with the late Brent Hinds
 
 
Tony Iommi sits at an old table and contemplates his guitar.
Artists Hear Tony Iommi's new single World Alone as the Black Sabbath icon announces his solo album
 
 
Harley Benton Aged Series
Guitars Harley Benton is making hand-aged relic'd guitars for under 250 bucks
 
 
MXR Textures Granular Synth Pedal
Guitars Introducing Textures, the granular synth pedal from MXR that dreamy ambient tones are made of
 
 
Kirk Hammett plays a Jackson Rhoads [left]; Peter Green with the Les Paul that Hammett would eventually own.
Artists “That song has so much voodoo in it”: Kirk Hammett on the Fleetwood Mac classic that defines heavy music
 
 
Gretsch Streamliner CVT
Guitars Gretsch puts high-gain sounds on the menu as it adds the $249 CVT to entry-level Streamliner series
 
 
Latest in News
Glen Hansard watches performance of Freddie Mercury impersonator Brian Keville, during the annual Christmas Eve busk in aid of the Dublin Simon Community outside the Gaiety Theater in Dublin.
Artists Bono, Bob Geldof, Bruce Springsteen, Billie Eilish and Finneas mourn Glen Hansard
 
 
Mastodon pictured after performing on Late Night with Seth Meyers in 2021 [L-R]: Brent Hinds, Troy Sanders, Brann Dailor, and Bill Kelliher.
Artists Mastodon's Brann Dailor and Troy Sanders on their complicated relationship with the late Brent Hinds
 
 
refx
Tech ReFX’s Rippler promises to “emulate acoustic instruments both real and imagined” with its advanced physical modelling engine
 
 
Olivia Dean performs 'Man I Need' on stage during The BRIT Awards 2026 at Co-op Live on February 28, 2026 in Manchester, England.
Music Industry Olivia Dean, Paul McCartney and Raye score Mercury Prize 2026 'best album' nominations
 
 
EAST RUTHERFORD, NEW JERSEY - JULY 19: RM, Jin, Suga, J-Hope, Jimin, V and Jung Kook of BTS perform during the Topps Final Halftime Show in the FIFA World Cup 2026 Final match
Music Industry Grammys CEO defends new 'Asian Pop' category after BTS rule themselves out
 
 
The Beatles
Singles And Albums The Beatles' Rubber Soul Special Edition contains a previously unheard John Lennon song
 
 

MusicRadar is part of Future plc, an international media group and leading digital publisher. Visit our corporate site.

Add as a preferred source on Google Add as a preferred source on Google
  • About Us
  • Contact Future's experts
  • Terms and conditions
  • Privacy policy
  • Cookies policy
  • Advertise with us
  • Accessibility Statement
  • Careers

© Future Publishing Limited Quay House, The Ambury, Bath BA1 1UA. All rights reserved. England and Wales company registration number 2008885.

Please login or signup to comment

Please wait...