In contrast to his relatively vanilla signature model from 2008, the new Kenny Wayne Shepherd Strat boasts a number of modifications to make it quite an alluring take on the stock-standard Stratocaster.
Featuring a lightweight, chambered ash body that’s said to give the guitar a vibrant, resonant tone, the KWS Strat also makes use of a vintage 7.5″ C-shaped radius, as well as the notable addition of pearloid block inlays upon a rosewood fretboard. There’s also a pearloid pickguard and a matching finished headstock to complement the guitar’s Transparent Faded Sonic Blue finish on the body, with Kenny’s signature being emblazoned on the top of the headstock for good measure.
Kenny Wayne Shepherd’s new signature model also comes loaded with three of his signature single coil pickups for that classic searing blues rock tone he’s best known for. The unit also feature a minor wiring modification, with the second tone control being wired to the bridge pickup in order to tame your treble when it’s a bit too harsh on the ears.
Elsewhere, the new Fender includes a vintage six-point tremolo with modern GraphTech saddles, as well as vintage Kluson-style tuners. As of yet, we’re yet to hear anything about pricing or availability in Australia, but we’ll aim to keep you updated if we find anything out in the coming weeks.
Keep your eyes peeled for when the Kenny Wayne Shepherd Stratocaster lands on Fender’s website.
