Fender introduces the Johnny A. Signature Stratocaster
Subscribe
X

Subscribe to Mixdown Magazine

16.09.2022

Fender introduces the Johnny A. Signature Stratocaster

Words by Harry Connell

A fine signature Strat for one of the finest blues, rock, and jazz sidemen!

The Fender Custom Shop is celebrating the journey of Massachusetts guitarist Johnny Antonopoulos with the announcement of the Johnny A. Signature Stratocaster.

What you need to know:

  • Fender has introduced the Johnny A. Signature Stratocaster.
  • Johnny A. has built a name for himself as one of the finest blues, rock and jazz sidemen in the industry.
  • The guitar combines several classic 60’s design elements and features a new-to-Fender Lydian Gold Metallic lacquer finish.

Read all the latest gear news here.

Johnny A. has built a name for himself as one of the finest blues, rock, and jazz sidemen in the industry.

He has worked alongside artists such as Derek and the Dominoes keyboardist Bobby Whitlock and Creedence Clearwater Revival drummer Doug Clifford – as well as boasting an impressive solo career.

Influenced by the likes of the Beatles, Hendrix, and the Yardbirds, the signature Strat is an amalgamation of Johnny A.’s four favourite model years – 1963 through 1966.

The guitar combines several classic ’60s design elements and features a new-to-Fender Lydian Gold Metallic lacquer finish, alongside another model with a Sunset Glow Metallic that adorned his father’s old Pontiac.

It features a ’65 oval “C”- shaped neck that allows for comfortable play, the neck and middle pickups are hand wound 11/56 models, while a steel bottom-plated 11/56 bridge offers livelier tone and wide-ranging response.

These are selected via a five-way switch and controlled with Strat Blender wiring with Tone-Saver bleed circuitry.

Other premium features include a Custom Shop synchronised tremolo, vintage style tuners, bone nut, wing string tree with tall metal spacer, and a deluxe hardshell case.

As a long-time admirer of Strat players, this model feels at home to the session and solo artist and is the epitome of what he wants to play.

“If you had to pick one electric guitar that was the most perfectly designed electric guitar, you’d be hard pressed to come up with something other than the Stratocaster,” he said.

“I just hope the guitar feels great, sounds great and makes someone want to be a better version of themselves.”

The Lydian Gold Metallic Strat is available for $8,299, and the Sunset Glow Metallic will cost $8,499.

Head to Fender for more information.