Kenny Wayne Shepherd Stratocaster | Artist Signature Series | Fender

[@LangenmayrS]

That is probably the best looking strat I've ever seen

[@armurray359]

Yes she is, I have one and this baby is sooo nice!

[@RByrne]

Yeah, I played one today and loved it. I don't really like strats either.

[@arlos21]

Just another Stratocaster only difference with the others are the fretboard inlays.

[@RByrne]

@@arlos21 aesthetically you get the binding as well. But there's more to it than that. Different radius and taper, pickups, weight etc.

[@arlos21]

@@RByrne Well he said "Best looking" 😄😄

[@bipbipletucha]

This is definitely in the running for prettiest Strat ever made

[@FrekenMalkovich]

Agree

[@fender]

We're honored to be nominated! 😎🤘

[@t4m471]

Bruh

[@charlesbolton8471]

I’m a huge fan of maple fretboards (I absolutely have to have them on Fender guitars and I would love to have a nice American made acoustic guitar with a maple fretboard) and blue definitely isn’t my top choice for a guitar color. However, I’m 100% in agreement that this guitar looks absolutely stunning plus it sounds amazing, too. I would definitely consider buying one of these.

[@Twentykixx]

Will it be released in a Lefty variant. 😀

[@indyd1534]

This guy still got it. I started listening to him when he was like 19. Still __💯💯❤❤👊✌

[@JC-11111]

Should have been around Shreveport back then. From what I remember, Kenny was a pretty big name coming up. Even before he really made it big.

[@guyincognito320]

He's one of the best musicians to listen to talking about gear. Great taste, detail oriented. I feel less nerdy now too

[@michaelsnydermusic]

Sounds really unique. When he plays quiet it’s 100% strat. But when he digs in it’s another instrument all together. Really impressive.

[@youssefkasim7556]

I love that that it has some 61’ start inspired things. I think 61’ was the best strat year.

[@abhulineokonofua8677]

One of the greatest blues rock musicians of all time. God bless Kenny Wayne Shepherd 🙏🏿

[@jldkrank]

Fun fact, those 60s strats with block inlays and binding were actually jazzmaster necks

[@rboyer29]

I was just thinking that the neck reminded me of the Jazzmaster!

[@addisonkumlien2943]

Thats the stratiest thing I've ever heard

[@Dor_Cohen1]

Sounds amazing, and kenny could play a broom with strings on it and make ut sounds awesome!

[@GraniteSoundtrack]

I like that Kenny doesn’t just rehash the vintage, even though I love the vintage. Sometimes it seems like strats are only good if they are real vintage or a custom shop recreation, good to see that Kenny is bold enough to stay true to strat, but make changes where they work for him or make him unique...and still sound great!

[@erickraueldallasskywatcher8262]

Man what you gotta do is try everyone you can get your hands on. I got a 96" 50 th anniversary Mexican Strat that played better than an American made Strat 97". I also had a early 80"s Squire Blue Sparkle paint job, put a pearl pickguard on it and a couple new pickups and that was the first strat I ever owned, my grandfather got it at the pawn shop next to his business in Bossier and boy, the neck on that thing was waay better than the Americans. Japan makes great 70"s reissue strats. You just gotta play as many as you can and youll find a squire that might sound better that an American Standard or a Mexican or Japanese made strats, you never know what went into it, when i was working fabrication , steel, my welder would always yell at me saying it's not going to the World's Fair lol. But I just couldn't help but be a perfectionist. And thatvthe guitars you want to find are usually made by guys that get yelled at for taking extra time ir eventually move to the custom shops. But gotta play everything!!!!

[@Chimp_Handzee]

I have a Vintera 50's Strat in Blonde, and it's a great guitar. What pisses me off, though, is that my Squier Classic Vibe 50's Strat is even better! Look at Jack Pearson. He gigs a Squier Bullet Strat and sounds amazing. Don't need to be expensive.

[@Monsterdrumma]

I seen one in my local music shop and as a drummer I just love gear and all instruments. This thing was beautiful and felt like butter under the fingers.

[@petersindo6981]

I got it today.....Dam what a nice strat...been playing for 2 hours steady...my fingers are killing me....lol...it has been nearly 40 years...and I decided to start again...the KWS Strat is the way to go...dam

[@MichaelAlso]

Great salesman. One of the best promo vids I've seen

[@JC-11111]

Man I love listening to Kenny Wayne talk about his gear. His Rig Rundown episode was excellent, IMO. Good to know about why he uses Graphtech saddles. I had been wondering about that. Makes perfect sense. 😎🎸 I know exactly what he means about feelings from the guitar. Kenny Wayne and Duane Allman are my 2 biggest inspirations and Duane could do it with the best of em! Listen to "Loan Me a Dime" by Boz Scaggs w/ Duane Allman on lead guitar. Those solos are INCREDIBLE! Edit: see! Just watching this made me get up, pull my pick out of my pocket and grab my black Silvertone 🎸👍 Kenny always inspires me to keep learning and playing.

[@ATX0705]

Who says you can't get amazing, monster vintage Strat tones with Graph Tech/String Saver saddles? Always preferred these saddles over the bent ones.

[@metalliholic]

Saw the article about this guitar online and thought, “oh great another signature that looks like any other strat.” When I clicked and saw the guitar my jaw dropped! It’s beautiful.

[@guitaraficionado8145]

Impressive Strat.

[@Walks-With-Pride]

This Strat, with it´s block inlays, is the best looking one I have ever seen. I am a Jazzmaster fan myself. I love Fender´s Offset Series! But, if I were going to buy a Strat, I would definitely give this one a good look. Well done, Kenny Wayne! I don´t know who you are, but after seeing this video, I will be checking you out.

[@halohunter5217]

He had one hit in 1998 called blue on black.

[@dirkvanstralen2]

Not that it ever negatively affected Kenny, but whoever thinks of KWS as just having one hit way back when does not understand how important Kenny has been in keeping blues music alive and thriving. It is definitely not just about the hits. Sure blue on black is a great hit song but Kenny has written so many amazing tunes throughout all his albums that they would be tough to list in this post. He and his band also kicks serious tail at every show they play! It’s like watching rocking blues but with the emotion of bb king and the intensity that srv and evh had. Anyhow, I know I am answering to kind of an old post, but if you haven’t listened to Kenny yet, you definitely should!!! Take care :)

[@DaringDan]

kenny wayne shepherd is two years younger than me(he's 43)talking about buddy guy signature guitars being in shops when he was a kid and that's cool. i just remember being super into mustangs and jags and jazzmasters in the early to mid 90's because those were just the cool guitars of the time.

[@keithadams812]

Finally nice inlays on a Fender stratocaster neck... what took so long... I will definitely be picking one of those up on the used market for sure... I'm not a big fan of artist models.. But I would buy a KWS model

[@robinmorris5416]

Sumbitch! Talk about the, " I gotta have one of these!" That's the best looking strat I've ever seen, and just that it's a kws model, the bound neck, matching headstock, block inlays, fender has just knocked this one out of the park! I have a 94 american standard, that I added graph tech saddles, and a duncan humbucker in the bridge and it's served me well in countless bar, and festival gigs for the last 25 years, and I'd like one of these to carry me for a few more years!

[@mannyfragoza9652]

i love the block inlays it really makes that Strat pop

[@mannyfragoza9652]

one thing i noticed id never be able to reach the upper frets with my sausage fingers

[@JC-11111]

Shreveport's finest blues artist! ❤️ Ya, Kenny Wayne! Can't wait til you come home and do a show here!

[@earlyraybonneville1762]

Maybe, maybe not...but in any case, he is no Tab Benoit

[@xtraucox]

Absolutely love it, congratulations for those whose gonna own it. What a beauty

[@MrRickPanick]

Loved everything about it except the fretboard radius! I have Fender’s very first attempt at making a vintage reissue. 62 Stratocaster fiesta red. Made in 1981... 7 1/4 fret radius?! Drives me crazy! I love it, but It’s just not my ‘cup of tea’.. (that being said, I’ll never get rid of that guitar) but this KWS STRAT is one beautiful guitar!

[@thehound2161]

The neck is the thing here for sure. Bound, blocks, matching headstock, satin finish. At least they stayed away from the fret-nibs. Chambered ash, and one of my favorite finishes from Fender. Very nice. Way out of my price range however.

[@mma1st105]

What the hell is a fret nib? Might be a stupid question but let me know if you have the time.

[@georgiandme]

This guitar just arrived at my doorstep

[@casperjakobsen423]

that is the most beautiful strat ive seen in a long time. they have to make more with binding and block inlays. im not even a fan of his but if i had the money i would buy it just for that neck.

[@tw8454]

love KWS

[@georgeli5392]

This man, his Voodoo Child performance blowed my mind.

[@Bartockamus]

I think it's the best I've ever seen besides Jimi himself, and in some ways better than Jimi,because of modern gear.

[@robbieandkimberly]

I believe him, the guitar delivers

[@MrPedromuriel]

love this one. Love bound necks and block inlays on fenders :)

[@Annunaki_0517]

In terms of appearance, those two features and a matching headstock are the holy trinity of “gotta have that guitar”, for me.

[@bonedale]

not sure if it is my style, but I do appreciate the design and thought in this sig model.

[@johannatucker3387]

Gorgeous! In every way! Bravo KWS & Fender

[@realgoodmind]

About time we get another. He is a major killer. Now get some more modern players like Josh Smith or Dan Patlansky

[@jerrylake6825]

Its amazing...love the bound neck with the big inlays...

[@coachschmiede]

A really, really nice Strat. Impressive. I am loving it 🎸

[@Mshakya1]

What a beautiful Stratocaster.

[@fender]

Thanks for the compliment, Manel! Do you own any Strats? 🎸

[@Mshakya1]

I do. A big fan of fender. I do own a recently bought American professional strat in natural. It is actually my first Strat and she plays like a bird ☺️ and would love to have the entire collection.

[@pappsco54]

Man that strat is beautiful......✌🏻

[@myst_or_sea]

Wait... the bottom tone goes to the bridge pickup? That's badass.

[@shakesquire84]

TheWhiteCrow same thing on EJ strats.

[@Juno58]

A Strat with a block inlays fretboard looks really great!

[@masjuhairimaskun4618]

Dude, it's totally gorgeous!!

[@JamesWalshBristolKids]

I like the block inlays on this Fender KWS Strat Guitar. The only change I might make would be to install Fender locking tuners as a slight upgrade. Everything else is great. I use Graphtech saddles on my Telecaster. Good tip on the string breakage - problem solver.

[@JeighNeither]

Beautiful guitar; I'm in the minority that LOVES matching headstocks on Fenders. I couldn't roll with that radius tho, despite how beautiful the neck is, w/the inlays & binding, that don't always work on a Strat, but work perfectly here. EDIT: First time around I poked-fun at the ridiculous marketing pitch; that you can track where you're at on the neck from inlays, & that I'd expect a player of his level to always knows where they're at on the neck by ear. I'd never seen he play tho, & he's probably telling the truth because he looks at the neck A LOT. Strange how players can be so far apart on that practice.

[@zororosario]

I got to get one of these. The moment I saw this guitar I knew.

[@danielphillipsmusic9145]

Great looking strat! Nice to see a model with a vintage radius. Y'all don't seem to make them much anymore. Keeps a lot of customers away.

[@cjaquilino]

Beautiful sounding Strat.

[@kuyaemil2077]

Not only is he a great player, he knows how to sell this strat. When he talks about the specs, its almost like he built the guitar himself.

[@dustincobean3874]

Dax Shepard looks great with long hair

[@daves.2111]

I am in lust with this guitar!

[@DigitalDevil]

Fender should make more strats with binding and rectangle inlays. COME ON!!

[@kevinalfrey2633]

I love it !, maybe one day 😢

[@ccgamer-in2vd]

I love guitars 🎸

[@fredgammon8542]

I love my KWS mim cross Strat, but I now want these pickups! 😁

[@youssefkasim7556]

The most speced out strat.

[@eljefeguapobarbon]

Great job on the design! Continued success! Love the block inlays!

[@barbiferrari1786]

Nice Guy! And a convincing salesman.

[@jaysonmakesmusic]

YES, FENDER!!! This is the best signature model after the Mayer strat!

[@fender]

We're glad you're loving it! 🤘🎸

[@charlesbolton8471]

Best signature Strat for sure. Personally, I love my Brad Paisley Signature Tele, and I’ll have the new Brad Paisley Signature Esquire as soon as my local Fender dealer (Concert Musical Supply in Murfreesboro, TN) can get one for me.

[@cemsarioglu5947]

Best looking Strat alongside with Kotzen’s signature white Strat imho.

[@charlieniner1552]

awesome - both the guitar and the player

[@frankenstein4106]

Like the looks of the guitar and that it has Graphtech saddles. Not big on the idea of a chambered Stratocaster body and Alnico 3 pickups always seem to sound thin.

[@shaunw9270]

Beautiful guitar ! Lovely playing & tone 👌

[@leoalves7622]

Hello guys the love Strats. It's amazing. Unfortunately could be expansive to Brazilian musicians.

[@leoalves7622]

@ThatsRaidillonActually $2000 ? Price of one Squier in Brazil.

[@mma1st105]

@@leoalves7622 are you serious? I'd send the parts to you and just put the thing together. Lol

[@leoalves7622]

@@mma1st105 That's a idea.

[@megapunchjj9979]

Omg. This is super georgous.🤘🤘🔥🔥

[@petersindo6981]

Getting mine tomorrow from Empire Music....thanks to Joe!....Fender.com.... just got some in the other day..Nate told me he had 7 of them...these might be hard to get?? I think they will make many more of these

[@MikeGuitar35]

Exelente !! Sonido de la guitarra 🎸🎸🎸🎼🎼🎵🎵🎶

[@RickMcCargar]

Love it. What are the approximate neck thickness measurements at the 1st and 12th frets? I like thicker necks. Is the binding on the neck rounded? Those two are "must haves" for me to pay for a higher end guitar. I've been considering the American Original 60s strat but would hold off for this one if the neck is thick and the binding rounded. Thanks.

[@SamFreres]

It's modeled after his '61 strat, so no thick neck here. Go for the EJ strat if you like big necks.

[@RickMcCargar]

@@SamFreres I located a dealer who has one that measures .84" at the first fret and .94" at the 12th so it's not super small at the 12th, but also not large. Thought I'd add that here for anyone who stumbled onto this thread.

[@erickraueldallasskywatcher8262]

@@RickMcCargar yeah, Kenny always liked jumbo frets cuz of Stevie.

[@timbrokkoli7386]

Quick question for the guys at fender - when he says you tried to recreate the neck of his old 61 strat can't you just copy the profile by scanning and what not, I mean I really don't know how this all works but that's something I'm very curious about. I don't know maybe I imagine the whole process way simpler than it actually is but can you tell me real quick what up with that? Awesome looking guitar BTW

[@Dnll88]

Awesome!

[@aussie_philosopher8079]

This seems like a really cool and interesting guitar, apart from the same thing every year and naming them differently.

[@bagel7080]

I think it's nice for fans or for people who don’t own a strat and are looking for something extra

[@conorfurlong]

That is a very , very pretty guitar.

[@zeljko4189]

Looks great,sounds great!

[@tonymurga9609]

Sounds and looks great,!

[@liorauf]

Awesome release!!!

[@christiandufour4152]

Beautiful !

[@richardlynch5632]

Beautiful guitar 👍😎 Not a fan of block inlays normally, but with the bound fretboard it looks good👍Always prefer vintage bridge over 2 point.👍 Paint with matching headstock rules👍 7.25 radius is OK as long as there's no fret out while bending. If PRS can achieve this with the Silver Sky, then Fender can do it!👍 G.A.S. 👍😎❤

[@alexandreanonimous7056]

Fantastic interview and great content to digest... I dig it

[@earlyraybonneville1762]

I am a Strat purest and not particularly a Kenny Wayne Shepherd fan but I like this expression of a Stratocaster...I love the binding and block inlay...the only draw back is I hate guitars with germ signatures...I am a player, not a fan...Mary Kay didn't sign the Mary Kay Strat...I love Jeff Beck ...really Love Jeff Beck..but won't purchase a Jeff Beck Strat either. I wonder if Joe Bonamassa would play a Kenny Wayne Shepherd Strat...enough said...these are fan commemorative guitars.

[@mma1st105]

I kinda feel the same way. I bought a Clapton signature Martin but it was only because of the crazy low price. Great guitar but I don't want anybody's name on my damn guitar. I'd rub the name off.

[@zachelmquist4932]

Kenny so smart

[@TheWarriorSongProject]

Kenny nailed this. A matching headstock is such a fucking no-brainer, I can not believe how many guitars dont have it. It just looks so janky as F when you have this amazing color guitar, and your eyes start traveling down the neck and WHA--- OH BARE WOOD HEADSTOCK THAT DOESNT MATCH A GODDAMN THING ANYWHERE ELSE ON THE GUITAR. Honestly, would it kill you people to have an iota of aesthetic once in a while? Thanks Kenny, this guitar is on my list....it sounds amazing AND looks like a well-designed work of art.

[@murky9554]

It seems weird to me that hotter pickups would be more dynamic. At least it is contradictory to my personal experience and what you hear across the community. Anyways, what a nice instrument! :)

[@simonandrews7171]

Stunning looking guitar. Well done 👍🏻

[@WarlockCore]

That's a pretty Strat

[@bazitube390]

Good guitar. Not a fan of the railway frets tho. wish it was 6105s but hey what do i know.

[@samiam9059]

Looks excellent

[@cduronm]

Great job KWS

[@robsondiem]

This instrument Impressively beautiful.

[@ericajohnson7535]

truss rod adjustment location... why?????

[@Jowls2024]

Sold me at 7:45!

[@thorstentrabold8398]

Wow 😱

[@varminttank]

Never clicked so fast

[@nicatquluzad8969]

He definitly want strat body with les paul neck 🤟🏼

[@hondacivic7793]

Its actually modeled after a jazzmaster neck, because fender put Jazzmaster necks on some Strats in the 60s(it could have been the 70s)

[@saxonsteve]

I WANT ONE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[@CowboyStag]

I liked it

[@jprado1989]

Pretty guitar!!! 😍🎸

[@fender]

We're stoked to hear that it's got your approval, Jean. 😎🤘

[@varminttank]

Nice Stratocaster.. nice price tag 🏷

[@colinparks619]

Did I tell you, I once met Stevie ray Vaughn, yes kenny, every video mate 😅 great player and guitar though:)

[@candyman3207]

Wish i could get one

[@RiXFortuna]

U know what a truly beautiful strat would be? Ultraburst with a neck with ebony fretboard, binding, inlays and black headstock. Dot inlays look so cheap.

[@chrisevers1682]

Is it neck heavy? Why not the oversized headstock?