Sorry for the disappearance, folks… it would seem that recovery from the loss of a loved one seldom occurs in a nice, straight arc––the last few months have been a real roller-coaster for me.
Anyway, I logged in this morning to be pleasantly surprised by the latest Signature Series instrument coming from Fender––the Billy Corgan Signature Stratocaster.
Apparently now one of Corgan’s go-to guitars for live performance and recording, the Smashing Pumpkins frontman worked with Fender engineers to create a versatile guitar that would both maintain that classic Strat feel and sound, and still perform well in modern high-gain situations.
I think what’s difficult for people in this modern culture, with such high-gain rock application, is understanding how to play a style that expresses their individual personality and yet still keeps them sort of within the sound that’s current, which is very, very high-gain. And what I’ve worked with Fender to try to do is to create an instrument that will both allow the individualistic expression at a very high level… and at the same time allow your personality to shine through and play high-gain rock, which I think Fender’s been a little behind the curve in addressing.
The guitar will feature a heavy Alder body, Maple neck (modern “C” shape,) Maple fretboard (9.5“ radius,) 22 Jumbo Frets, ’70s style large headstock and logo, a hardtail bridge, and a set of DiMarzio Billy Corgan Signature Pickups.
No word yet on pricing or availability.
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July 2nd, 2008 at 1:39 pm
“… and at the same time allow your personality to shine through and play high-gain rock, which I think Fender’s been a little behind the curve in addressing.”
Somebody’s pumpkin has been smashed too many times. What a behind the curve comment!
The EJ Strat, among others are hardly behind the curve. Maybe Corgan wants to cut heads with Eric Johnson, Jeff Beck or Yngwie Malmsteen. Or maybe not. Malmsteen is a pretty high gain player— and EJ & JB know something about getting their personalities to shine thru.
Is the Billy Corgan Strat the only hi-lite Fender could come up with for Summer NAMM ‘08?
July 2nd, 2008 at 8:31 pm
Well, there are also somewhat more affordable made-in-mexico Jaguars (one model with HBs) and a Jazzmaster out, and Squier has a new Duo Sonic (with anodized p/g) and 50s P-Bass… all are fairly cool.
July 2nd, 2008 at 9:02 pm
cary, I can’t imagine how hard this time of life must be for you. If I lost my wife, I don’t know how I’d cope.
But thank you so much for this site and forum! It’s a great read, and I make sure to visit every couple of days.
thanks man!
July 3rd, 2008 at 2:01 am
Looks great, I might get myself one of those. :]
July 3rd, 2008 at 2:23 am
A nice HARDTAIL Strat for a change!
July 3rd, 2008 at 9:05 am
Found it online for $1,999.99 http://www.interstatemusic.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/ProductDisplay?catalogId=10001&storeId=10051&langId=-1&productId=900221125
Anyone know anything about those Di Marzio’s? How’s it compare to the SD hotrail?
July 3rd, 2008 at 9:45 am
Great to see you Cary!
July 3rd, 2008 at 11:30 am
Sorry so harsh earlier.
I’m sure this Strat is cool and brings some new twist. Corgan’s comment about Fender being “behind the curve” is just ridiculous.
And many of you know that I’m not generally a Fender DEFender.
CARY: Stay off the rollercoaster as much a you can, and keep workin’ on that Tele! Chin up— WE LUV YA !!!
jp
July 3rd, 2008 at 12:05 pm
Welcome back.
July 27th, 2008 at 9:27 am
I’d love one! - Corgan has had the second best strat sound ever apart from monster magnet