Take a first look at Kenny Wayne Shepherd's new signature Fender Stratocaster

(Image credit: Fender)

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.

(Image credit: Fender)

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.

(Image credit: Fender)

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.

Stuart Williams
Drums

I'm a freelance member of the MusicRadar team, specialising in drum news, interviews and reviews. I formerly edited Rhythm and Total Guitar here in the UK and have been playing drums for more than 25 years (my arms are very tired). When I'm not working on the site, I can be found on my electronic kit at home, or gigging and depping in function bands and the odd original project.