The Fender Kenny Wayne Shepherd Stratocaster in Transparent Faded Sonic Blue is a well-thought out and perfectly executed signature Strat! This is one of if not the most visually striking signature model from Fender. From the ultra-light Trans Sonic Blue finish with a Matching Headstock, to the bound neck, to the Pearloid pickguard that matches the Pearloid Block Inlays on the dark Rosewood Fingerboard, this guitar is truly stunning!
Spec'ed out in collaboration with the artist whose name adorns the front of the headstock, this guitar is fit to hit the road running. A slim 60s style C-shaped neck measures in at .807" depth at the 1st fret and .958" depth at the 12th fret. These measurements come straight off the guitar we have in stock. The neck itself is made from Quartersawn Maple and it has a Dark Rosewood Fingerboard on it. A "vintage" fingerboard radius of 7.25" is paired with Jumbo frets for a fantastic playing surface. 1.650" nut width and 25.5" scale length offer a familiar feel.
The body is made from Ash and then chambered. Think of it as a Thinline without the F-hole. This helps reduce weight and may add some subtle bass to the mix. The guitar is then finished in a very faded and slightly transparent Sonic Blue. It's seen as White by many until you really get up close to it.
From the Fender Website...
Kenny Wayne Shepherd’s fiery leads, meaty rhythms, and hard-driving songs have propelled his robust career through nine solo records – three certified platinum, major tours with Buddy Guy, Van Halen, and The Rolling Stones, and an ongoing collaboration with blues-supergroup The Rides with Stephen Stills.
The Kenny Wayne Shepherd Stratocaster features a chambered ash body for vibrant and resonant tone, while the Transparent Faded Sonic Blue lacquer finish highlights the beautiful ash grain. The early ‘60s inspired “C”-shaped maple neck and bound rosewood fingerboard—with a 7.25” radius—offer comfort and playability straight out of Fender’s golden age. Loaded with three Kenny Wayne Shepherd custom pickups, this guitar delivers punchy and full-throated Strat tones.