Fender Musical Instruments Corporation (FMIC) launches the latest addition to its widely-acclaimed Mustang amplifier series, with the release of the Mustang Micro Plus.

Building on the success of The Mustang Micro, this latest iteration takes affordable personal guitar amplification to the next level, right in your pocket, with a wide selection of innovative tones, amp models and effects from the acclaimed Mustang Series amps.

Forming that latest part of the acclaimed Mustang amp series, the Mustang Micro Plus is Fender’s most versatile on-the-go amplifier. With over four hours of continuous play time, it can be plugged in directly into your favorite Fender guitar while connected to wired headphones, allowing you to play anywhere without disturbing others.

The Mustang Micro Plus takes everything players love about the Mustang Micro, to the next level. With 25 amp effects models straight from the Mustang Series of amps, it makes it quick and easy to get iconic Fender tones anywhere; players can effortlessly select from a variety of presets tailored to their musical style.

Boasting 100 fully editable preset slots with Fender Tone App support, the Mustang Micro Plus offers unparalleled customization. Featuring an integrated tuner and a clear display, this app ensures everything a player needs to jam is right at their fingertips. The built-in Bluetooth audio streaming lets you play along with your favorite songs or videos in real-time. As the ultimate personal guitar amplifier, the Mustang Micro Plus delivers high-quality sound anywhere, anytime without compromise.

“We’re incredibly excited to unveil the latest evolution of our widely-acclaimed Mustang amplifier series with the introduction of the Mustang Micro Plus,” said Justin Norvell, EVP Product at FMIC. “This new addition represents a significant leap forward in both technology and user experience, offering unparalleled versatility and tone in an incredibly portable package. 

The Mustang Micro Plus is designed to inspire musicians at every level, providing a powerful, intuitive, and accessible way to create and explore new sounds. We can’t wait to see how this innovative amp will ignite creativity and elevate performances around the world.”

Product Highlights Include:

25 AMP Models And 25 Effect Models: Extensive combinations allow players to experiment with versatility to tailor their sound for any genre or style, from smooth jazz cleans to aggressive metal distortion, enhancing creativity and expression.

100 Editable Presets: Musicians can see time and instantly recall their favorite amp and effect settings. This feature is particularly valuable for performers who need quick access to different sounds during a set, as well as those who want to experiment and perfect their tones.

Integrated Display With Onboard Tuner: The display makes it easy to navigate settings and presets, while the onboard tuner ensures that the guitar is always in tune, which is crucial for sound quality and not accuracy.

Compatible With Fender Tone: iOS and Android app as well as Bluetooth audio streaming with audio / video sync for playing along in real time, enhancing practice sessions.

2024 has already been a stellar year for Fender Musical Instruments Corporation (FMIC). The company not only celebrated 70 years of their iconic Stratocaster guitar, but also launched signature models from the likes of Blink 182’s Tom DeLonge, Clash legend Joe Strummer, and super-producer Raphael Saadiq, whilst continuing to cater to the everyday needs of seasoned guitarists and new players alike.

The guitar manufacturer announces a slate of new products that demonstrate the industry-leading innovation and craftsmanship the brand has been synonymous with for nearly eighty years. Key highlights include: expansion of the Squire Affinity Series, a new Antiqua colourway for California Vintage acoustics, and a range of trailblazing new accessories such as Telepath Wireless System, Bassman effects pedals and various Strat 70th memorabilia.

With ongoing dedication to innovate and expand their electric and acoustic guitars, alongside accessory offerings, FMIC continues to support and elevate players by providing them with all the tools they need to learn, create and hone their sound.

“2024 has already been an incredible year for innovation at Fender, and as you can see, we have no plans to slow down as we move into the second half of the year,” said Justin Norvell, Executive Vice President, Product at FMIC. 

“With our 70th Anniversary Stratocaster collection, we wanted to strike a balance between honoring tradition and catering to the needs of current players of all abilities and the same is true with these latest product introductions. Our new Antique California Vintage guitars, for example, are a nod to the past and caters to vintage aficionados as well as to players with modern sensibilities, whilst the Telepath Wireless System demonstrates that Fender is still at the cutting edge of development and craftsmanship, as it was in 1954.”

“At Fender, our commitment as always is to empower an ever-growing community of players and creators, wherever they are on their guitar-playing journey,” shared Tammy Van Donk, Executive Vice President FMIC Sales. “With that in mind, we’re very excited to announce this diverse range of new products, which we’re confident will provide our esteemed global dealer network with the catalog they need to cater to musicians of all kinds and across all genres.”

2024 New Product Introductions – Fender Electrics – Limited Edition American Performer Timber

Limited Edition American Performer Timber Stratocaster ($1499.99 USD)

Born in Corona, California, the Limited Edition American Performer Timber Stratocaster delivers the exceptional tone and feel you expect from an authentic Fender. This guitar features a trio of YosemiteTM single-coil pickups, designed for rich, expressive, tones. 

With flat-staggered pole pieces to increase output and a shellac coating that lets the coil breathe while controlling feedback, Yosemite pickups produce dynamic sounds ideal for any musical situation. A push-pull tone control adds the neck pickup in any switch position, unlocking new, musically useful tones.

The “Modern C” shaped neck sports a 9.5” -radius fingerboard that’s comfortable for almost any playing stride, along with 22 jumbo frets for effortless and accurate bending. 

The Limited Edition American Performer Timber Stratocaster is available in three beautiful tonewood options. Choose Sassafras with a satin Mocha finish, Sugar Pine with a satin 2-Color Sunburst finish, or Spruce with a satin Honey Burst finish.

Limited Edition American Performer Timber Telecaster ($1499.99 USD)

Born in Corona, California, the Limited Edition Performer Timber Telecaster combines exceptional Fender tone and authentic feel with modern materials and player-oriented features designed to inspire while propelling your playing to new heights. 

This guitar features a set of YosemiteTM single-coil pickups, designed for rich, expressive tones. With flat-staggered pole pieces to increase output and coatings that let the coil breathe while controlling feedback – a shellac coating for the neck pickup and wax potting for the bride pickup — Yosemite pickups produce dynamic sounds ideal for any musical situation.

The American Performer Telecaster also features GreasbucketTM tone circuitry to shape the highs without adding bass, preserving your sound. The “Modern C”-shaped neck sport a 9.5 radius fingerboard that’s comfortable for almost any playing style, along with 22 jumbo frets for effortless and accurate ending. 

The Limited Edition American Performer Timber Telecaster is available in three beautiful tonewood options. Chose Sassafras with a satin Mocha finish, Sugar Pine with a satin 2-Color Sunburst finish, or Spruce with a satin Honey Burst finish.

Available July 2024.

Jackson launches the Adam Blackstone “Gladys” Pro Series Signature Concert Bass playing tribute to the Emmy-award-winning musical director and GRAMMY-nominated multi-instrumentalist, Adam Blackstone. To honor a player like Blackstone is to honor the expansive and broad stylistic choices that have defined his career and this bass guitar is designed with that sonic exploration in mind.

An updated take on the iconic Jackson Concert bass shape, the “Gladys” is optimized for pure sonic domination — every inch is optimized for playability, comfort, speed and precision. Named in honor of Blackstone’s beloved grandmother Mrs. Gladys Jackson, this signature concert bass guitar is about more than just honoring the man who inspired and designed it — its a tool crafted to help guide and inspire the next generation of players to be as fearless, driven, and ambitious as Blackstone himself.

Blackstone’s relationship with Fender and its portfolio of FMIC brands started in 2018 when he received a custom-wrapped Fender Jazz Deluxe Bass featuring designs inspired by his son — also a pivotal part of his performance backing Justin Timberlake during The Super Bowl LII Halftime Show in 2018.

He was later introduced to the Jackson brand and could be seen sporting custom David Ellefson CMBX-V Concert Bass Guitars on the Super Bowl Halftime stage in 2022 with Dr. Dre and Snoop Dogg, as well as in 2023 on stage with Rihanna. Now, Blackstone takes his partnership with the brand to new heights as his very own signature model which combines elements mined from his rich personal and professional history with cutting-edge features.

“I feel incredibly blessed to have worked with the Jackson team on bringing this model to life. When the team came to me with the idea to make a signature bass I knew I wanted to make something that was accessible, looked good, and sounded great. I think we pulled that off and more with this bass. I’ve always loved the vintage look of a dolphin headstock so I knew I wanted that shape to be incorporated into the design. I think the gold finishes tie everything together and are a great complement to the black sparkle finish.”

The pickups we created work for any style of music and give me that clarity and punch I’m always searching for when I pick up a bass. Whether it be Saturday Night Live or the GRAMMYS — this bass has held its own on every stage. I’m thrilled to introduce this model to a new generation of Jackson players and hope they love playing it as much as I do,” said Adam Blackstone.

The Adam Blackstone “Gladys” Pro Series Signature Concert Bass is a unique instrument in its ability to appeal to just about any player regardless of skill level or genre. This is a bass guitar that is made to be played, full stop.

Thanks to a custom neck profile, 9”-16” compound radius maple fingerboard, and twenty-two jumbo frets this instrument totes impressive levels of comfort and playability. The engine that drives this groove machine is the custom Jackson BBE J-Style pickups that are voiced to Blackstone’s personal specifications.

Paired with an onboard 3-band EQ circuit, any player would be hard pressed to find a bass tone that is out of the Gladys’ reach. The “Gladys” Pro Series Signature Concert Bass originated in conjunction with Jackson’s world class design and production teams to capture the iconic artist’s signature sounds.

Fender Music Corporation Japan (FMCJ) and Fender Custom Shop unveils the Kiyoshiro Imawano 1963 Esquire Journeyman Relic — a meticulously crafted recreation of the beloved Fender Esquire that helped Imawano take over the airwaves and make an indelible impact on Japanese culture. The product will be made to order and will be available for order from March 5 to September 5, 2024 and will be delivered in 2025, on the 55th anniversary of Imawano’s debut.

Kiyoshiro Imawano has helped shape Japanese rock music with his raw musicianship, vibrant personality, and singular energy that he brings to every live performance and record. Influenced by a melange if different genres Imawano’s playing is a love letter to the music that helped shape him as a player— equal parts blues, rock ’n’ roll, and folk. This electric style coupled with his stunning live performances has captured the hearts of an ever-growing fanbase.

One of the most iconic guitars that Imawano owned was was a 1963 Esquire guitar. It is said that Hirofumi Kasuga acquired this guitar in Los Angeles and gave it to Imawano, and later, Reichi “CHABO” Nakaido, who joined Imawano in the influential rock band RC Succession, also played this legendary guitar for a time.

“I’ve worked on many of Kiyoshiro’s electric guitars over the years, but this Esquire remained his primary instrument until the very end” said Kiyoshi Yamamoto, who served as Imawano’s guitar technician for many years.

“The critical aspect of this reproduction lies in the neck grip. The nuanced feel of the grip has been faithfully recreated, evoking vivid memories of that era. This guitar truly deserves the titled of ‘Kiyoshiro Imawano’s signature model.’ I anticipate this guitar to gain scratches and change in color the more you play it, becoming a companion that matures alongside the player. It is a guitar that will resonate with Kiyoshiro’s fans. You can certainly feel close to Kiyoshiro playing this and my hope is that ten years from now, those who acquire this guitar will gather to share stories of each guitar’s journey after a decade of being played and cherished.”

The Kiyoshiro Imawano 1963 Esquire Journeyman Relic is a staggeringly faithful reproduction of Imawano’s iconic Esquire guitar – from the pick guard, painted pink by Imawano using a water-based pen, to the body’s striking natural color. Every detail – from the soap bar pickups to the guitar’s electronics have been replicated with the utmost care using Fender Custom Shop’s expert techniques.

This model is aged to perfection with Journeyman Relic finish, which is inspired by the condition of the guitar when Imawano first acquired it. This Esquire is as gorgeously designed as it sonically powerful, and as such is the perfect ode to an artist as influential and enduring as Kiyoshiro Imawano.

Kiyoshiro Imawano 1963 Esquire Journeyman Relic will be available at Fender Flagship Tokyo (Harajuku), FENDER SHOP in MIKI GAKKI AMERICAMURA (Osaka) and Fender Custom Shop dealers in Japan. * This product is made to order. Delivery times may vary depending on the production status. Please inquire with each retailer regarding the delivery schedule.

Fender Musical Instruments Corporation (FMIC) announces the launch of My Bloody Valentine frontman, Kevin Shields, signature pedal, the Limited Edition Fender Shields Blender – Fender’s first-ever signature fuzz pedal.

Kevin Shields’ groundbreaking sound and his legendary pedalboard configurations have left an indelible mark on the music industry. Shields’ unique blend of distortion and feedback inspired countless musicians to experiment with new sonic textures. Now, four decades after My Bloody Valentine’s formation, Kevin Shields’ iconic sound has been captured in a new wild-but-versatile multi-fuzz octave pedal.

An innovator and pivotal influence on effect-laden guitar tones, Shields awakened iconic sonic walls of fuzz like the world had never heard as he defined the tone of alternative rock in the ‘80s and ‘90s inspiring the ‘shoegaze’ genre and beyond. His tool of choice for fuzz laden chaos: an original Fender Blender effect pedal, prized for its dynamic response and gripping fuzz splatter. Now, through over four years of co-development, Fender and Shields have resurrected this mythical 1970’s fuzz and injected a subversive feature set, creating the all-new Limited Edition Shields Blender Pedal.

“I really enjoyed the experience,” said Kevin Shields. “I’ve been using it a lot recently in the studio, and it’s been great, I’m looking forward to hearing how other people use it. It’s kind of pretty extreme but also very interesting when it’s set up in a subtle way.”

The new Shields Blender pedal is a two-channel beast featuring a hand-copied version of the original Blender circuit (of which Shields is a longtime user and fan) in channel one and a powerful octave blender in channel two. It also feature a footswitchable, reactive voltage sag circuit controlled by picking dynamics built to emulate a tube amp pushed to its limit. For those looking to get the lo-fi/hi-fi sound found on some of the band’s most iconic records like Loveless and m b v, explore the Shields Blender.

This special edition pedal is final assembled in the USA and comes accompanies with a limited print art box, a limited print hand signed collectors booklet telling the story of how this amazing collaboration came to be and a plaque bearing Shields’ signature.

“It is an absolute honor to collaborate with the legendary Kevin Shields on Fender’s inaugural signature fuzz pedal. Kevin’s unparalleled musicianship and visionary approach to guitar tones have redefined the boundaries of sonic exploration,” said Stan Cotey, Vice President of R&D at FMIC. “His creative genius and passion for pushing the limits perfectly align with Fender’s commitment to innovation and delivering exceptional musical experiences. Together, we embark on an extraordinary journey, crafting a pedal that captures the essence of Kevin’s groundbreaking sound with vintage-inspired fuzz, octave-up and sub-octave options, combined with a truly unique sag circuit to harness controlled chaos like not other fuzz pedal – the most revolutionary fuzz design that we have ever developed, and specifically for Kevin’s musical vision.”

Limited-Edition Shields Blender Pedal ($499.99 USD, £449.00 GBP, €549.00 EUR, $749.00 AUD, ¥ 77,000 JPY)

The limited-edition Fender Shields Blender marks Fender’s first ever signature fuzz pedal. A truly historic collaboration between Fender and My Bloody Valentine’s front man and effect pedal genus, Kevin Shields, this special edition pedal is final assembled in the USA and comes accompanied with a limited edition print art box, a limited print hand signed collector’s booklet telling the story of how this amazing collaboration came to be and a plaque bearing Shield’s signature.

Fender Musical Instruments Corporation (FMIC) announced the MonoNeon Jazz Bass V to honor the inventive bassist’s singular vision and empower players everywhere to approach the instrument with the same curious spirit that has fueled his vivid career. Known for his knack for funk and micro-tonal detail, creating a signature instrument that encapsulates MonoNeon’s spirit and ability is a tall order.

As the brand that brought forth the electric bass, Fender seeks to honor the biggest pioneers of the instrument across genres and MonoNeon is one of them. Mono’s fashion sense is on par with his playing, often adorned in fluorescent layers and accessories that would give any glow stick a run for its money. Thanks to this signature model’s eye-popping yellow and orange finish and pickguard, the optics on this bass keep up with the fashion sense of the man who inspired its creation. That being said, MonoNeon Jazz Bass V is far more than meets the eye.

“Getting my own artist signature bass with Fender is definitely a full circle experience happening right now,” said MonoNeon. “Seeing medal holding my bass is really crazy. He’s like my first musical hero. He’s a very funky player. I’d just practice to all of his records, try to find anything he played and just learn it. I wanted to be just like him and I still do.”

Accompanying the launch of the MonoNeon Jazz Bass V is “In Conversation with MonoNeon,” a video hosted by George Clinton, as he guides viewers through the “Monoverse.” The piece features a series of jam sessions, including the “Duo of Bullshit” with MonoNeon and Blaque Dynamite, as well as commentary from his mother, grandmother, and father, Dwayne Thomas Sr.

The MonoNeon Jazz Bass V makes a statement – equal parts swagger and serious business. It features an alder body finished in an eye-popping neon yellow urethane finish, complemented by a neon orange painted headstock and pick guard. “These are my two favorite colors, high-visibility orange and yellow, because I love how the construction workers look on the highway. You can see them from far away. It’s inspired by them.”

The 22-fret, one-piece roasted maple neck is C-shaped for comfort and has 10”-14” compound radius fingerboard and pearl block inlays. Custom Fireball 5-String Humbucking Bass pickups deliver luscious and robust low end with growl, while the 18-volt preamp provides extra headroom. Meanwhile, the 3-band active EQ gives players endless tonal capabilities and the Fender HiMass string-through-top-load bridge increases resonance, weight, and sustain. Each bass comes with a MonoNeon sticker pack and custom headstock Stance sock.

“MonoNeon is one of the most-inventive bass players of this generation, and to honor him with a Fender bass that encapsulates his unique style and vast talents is a privilege,” said Justin Norvell, EVP of Products at Fender Musical Instruments Corporation. “We worked closely with him to create a bass that not only visually represents the online persona we’ve come to know, but also embodies his funk-inspired, abstract and microtonal playing. From the eye-popping neon yellow and orange finish, to his Custom Fireball 5-String Humbucking Bass pickups and HiMass bridge, this bass gives players endless tonal capabilities and robust low end with a growl.”

In true tradition, the Fender Artist Signature Series honors iconic musicians through product progression and storytelling, creating instruments inspired by the unique specifications of the world’s greatest guitarists and bassists.

Fender Musical Instruments Corporation (FMIC) revealed a sampling of its new Fall 2022 product lineups, encompassing both player-driven guitar innovation and longstanding Fender craftsmanship. Designed to support Fender’s mission to give ‘artists wings to fly’, the new offerings cater to players looking to expand their sonic palette whether picking up for the first time, stage-ready performers or collectors adding a new piece to their arsenal.

Music continues to evolve as artists expand and diversify the space, redefining the role guitar plays in their creative process. Fender has long listened to this increasing demand for innovation from players and is continuously introducing new models to help fuel creative expression and a hunger for new sounds. New launches span compact yet bold amplifiers and most notably, All-Mahogany additions to the American Acoustasonic Series embodying the spirit of purposeful innovation that Fender was built on.

2022 New Product – Acoustics.- American Acoustasonic All-Mahogany

American Acoustasonic All-Mahogany Guitars embody the spirit of purposeful innovation that Fender was built on. From acoustic shape-shifting to electric rhythm tones, these powerful guitars use a revolutionary Fender and Fishman-designed Acoustic Engine to deliver new sonic expressions from the studio to stage hand. Handcrafted in Corona, California at the same factory that makes Fender’s iconic electric instruments, these guitars represent the next era in Fender craftsmanship and innovation – designed for fearless artists seeking an inspirational instrument with limitless new sounds and a great Fender feel.

American AcoustaSonic Telecaster All-Mahogany ($199,99 USD)
Elegantly simple, the Acoustasonic Telecaster was designed to inspire – mixing future technology with organic feel and playability as a way to connect artists to their music. The fully hollow body features an integrated harmonics. A smooth-playing mahogany neck and open-pore satin finish make this cutting edge guitar comfortable and easy to play, while the Solid Mahogany top gives new tonal characteristics with warmer meds and smooth lows.

On stage, the Acoustasonic Telecaster eliminates many of the challenges associated with playing an acoustic guitar live by cutting out feedback, making it easy to access the sounds you need without switching instruments. The Acoustasonic Telecaster is powered by the Fender and Fishman-designed Acoustic Engine – a proprietary blend of classic analog and future technologies that optimize the guitar’s natural sound – modifying the resonance to deliver a curated collection of voices.

American AcoustaSonic Jazzmaster All-Mahogany ($1,999.99 USD)
Elegantly simple, the Acoustasonic Jazzmaster was designed to inspire – mixing future technology with organic feel and playability as a way to connect artists to their music. The fully hollow body features an integrated harmonics. A smooth-playing mahogany neck and open-pore satin finish makes this cutting edge guitar comfortable and easy to play, while the Solid Mahogany top gives tonal characteristics with warmer meds and smooth lows.

On stage, the Acoustasonic Jazzmaster eliminates the challenges associated with playing an acoustic guitar live by cutting out feedback, making it easy to access the sounds you need without switching instruments. The Acoustasonic Jazzmaster is powered by the Fender and Fishman-designed Acoustic Engine – a proprietary blend of classic analog and electric voices can be played solo or blended via the Mod Knob to create new sounds. They can also be used simultaneously, courtesy of the Fender Acoustasonic Noiseless magnetic pickup. Available in Natural or Bourbon Burst.

Visit the Fender press release to find out more about Fender’s California Coast Series Ukuleles, and Fender’s Amplifiers.

Fender Musical Instruments Corporation (FMIC) announced the global launch of the Limited Edition Terry Kath Telecaster, honoring the legendary “Chicago” guitar player’s legacy with a collectible, limited run guitar created by the esteemed Fender Custom Shop.

The ‘Shop’ is distinctly honored to pay tribute to such an acclaimed pioneer by recreating Kath’s custom Telecaster guitar – which was played throughout his live performances with Chicago and truly embodied the notion of “custom” long before the Fender Custom Shop was founded. Master Builder Dennis Galuzka has replicated the guitar in exacting, every scratch-for-scratch detail, from the Pignose stickers to the gaff-tape-sealed rear body route and every other custom element. With up to 50 units made worldwide, the Limited Edition Terry Kath Telecaster is a guitar for the ages, and a meticulously crafted homage to one of the true guitar greats of our time.

The late Terry Kath has been praised by fans and guitar greats alike for his brilliance as an absolute playing powerhouse. Kath, who Jimi Hendrix once cited as his favorite guitarist, fused sophisticated songwriting ability with his soulful vocals to launch Chicago Transit Authority in 1967. The band shortened its name to Chicago in 1969, achieving worldwide success and 2016 induction into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame. A consummate innovator, Kath created mind-blowing, never-before-heard guitar tones by experimenting with unorthodox guitar/amp configurations. His instinctive command of his completely original tone is heard on memorable tracks such as “25 or 6-to-4”, “Free Form Guitar”, “Introduction” and others.

His main axe – the one with which he is most identified, and which accompanied him on the journey to cult-status – is a most unusual 1966 Telecaster guitar, completely customized and plastered with stickers. Kath was so attached to the guitar that he’d buy a seat just for the instrument when traveling by air, rather than entrusting it to airline baggage handlers or even Chicago’s road crew.

The Tele guitar was an amalgamation of highly personalized modifications, including a synchronized Strat guitar tremelo with a sawed-off Tele guitar bridge plate, a humbucking neck pickup, custom body routes, a reverse control plate, custom tuning machines and three “wing” string trees. Adorned with Pignose stickers and other intricately placed regalia, the guitar has become legendary in of itself and is synonymous with Kath and his enduring musical legacy.

“This moment has been a long time coming,” said Michele Kath Sinclair, Terry’s daughter. “When we were making the documentary about my dad (Chicago: The Terry Kath Experience), we didn’t know where the guitar was, so the film almost became a hunt for this Telecaster guitar. We finally found it at my grandpa’s house; he labeled all of the guitar cases and this one said “Terry’s Favorite”. Finding this guitar meant everything to me because it feels like I have a piece of him with me that’s so iconic.”

The Limited Edition Terry Kath Telecaster is offered in Aged Vintage White with a lacquer finish and custom elements, like Pignose stickers and other intricately placed regalia.