The world was captivated by H.E.R.’s powerful rendition of the US national anthem at the Olympics. Still, the stunning custom Fender Stratocaster she wielded on stage truly stole the show for guitar enthusiasts.
Olympic Custom Fender Strat
Another Olympic guitar following on from Joe Duplantier’s stunning all-silver ESP at the opening ceremony in Paris.
Crafted by renowned luthier Brian Thrasher, the guitar is a masterpiece in its own right. Known for his work on one-off Starcasters for Blink-182’s Tom DeLonge, Thrasher delivered another exceptional instrument for H.E.R.
Super Bowl LVIII Custom Strat
Earlier this year, she played another ‘one-off’ custom red Stratocaster built by Thrasher. That was for the halftime show of Super Bowl LVIII, which took place on 11 February at Allegiant Stadium.
A Guitar Fit for a Star
Here’s a breakdown of the guitar’s impressive specs:
- Finish: Arctic Pearl White
- Body: Alder with sculpted rear contours
- Neck: Maple with a Modern “D” shape
- Fingerboard: 10”-14” compound radius, 22 medium jumbo frets
- Pickups: Ultra Noiseless Vintage single-coil
- Hardware: Mirrored gold pickguard and matching hardware
Ultra Noiseless Vintage
Fender’s Ultra range inspired the guitar’s comfortable sculpted body, designed to enhance playability. The Modern D neck profile and compound radius fingerboard offer smooth action and a versatile playing experience. The Ultra Noiseless Vintage pickups deliver crisp, clear tones, perfect for H.E.R.’s signature sound. The mirrored gold hardware adds a touch of elegance to the overall aesthetic.
A Night to Remember
H.E.R. shared her excitement about the performance on Instagram, admitting to feeling both nervous and exhilarated. The musician also expressed her awe at witnessing Tom Cruise’s daring entrance into the stadium.
This custom Fender Stratocaster is undoubtedly a guitar for the ages, and it’s a testament to H.E.R.’s talent and the craftsmanship of Brian Thrasher.
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