These Fender Japan x Godzilla guitars might be the coolest we’ve seen this year – and possibly ever
Fender Japan has unveiled three Godzilla-themed Stratocaster guitars, and one of them even roars with the push of a button.
The lineup has been launched in honour of Godzilla’s 70th anniversary, and consists of three models: a Limited Edition Masterbuilt Godzilla Stratocaster, crafted by Fender Custom Shop Master Builder Andy Hicks (with only units five available), plus two made-in-Japan models – the Godzilla Stratocaster Blue and Godzilla Stratocaster Black.
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These guitars are seriously cool, with the Limited Edition model offering a unique button that plays out Godzilla’s famous roar, marking the first time a button like this has ever been incorporated into a Fender guitar. Hicks designed the model in collaboration with illustrator Tom Neely, and it was unveiled at a special event at Fender’s flagship Tokyo store.
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A post shared by Tom Neely (@iwilldestroytom)
Speaking to Guitar World, Neely explains of its design: “For the front of the guitar, we featured a black-and-white Godzilla with a blue blast to complement the neck inlay, capturing the spirit of the Heisei-era films. For the back, to celebrate Godzilla’s 70th anniversary, we created a montage of seven Godzillas – from the 1954 original to Godzilla Minus One – and added neon paint that glows under black light for a dynamic effect.”
Of course, the most important element of this guitar is its visual design, so its other features are fairly simple, including a single humbucker that is said to be a tweaked version of Hicks’ favoured Sonic Pickups Cult Leader, and a single volume control.
As for the made-in-Japan models, though they are both slightly less pricey, they are not without their flashy appointments. Godzilla is outlined on the pickguard on these models, and players can press the Tone 2 knob to engage a brand new and patent-pending circuit known as G.L.O, or Gain-Linked Optics. This magical onboard distortion circuit illuminates Godzilla’s dorsal fin, and its brightness changes in response to gain levels.
The Blue and Black models are exclusive to Japan, and are each fitted with a Custom Godzilla humbucker that promises a unique, heavy tone. They’re priced at ¥495,000 each (approx $3,250), while the Masterbuilt Strat is a whopping ¥5,500,000 ($36,000). But that’s not all, as a Godzilla-themed distortion pedal will also be made available exclusively in Japan.
Find out more via Fender Japan.
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Source: www.guitar-bass.net
