Fender Japan has just dropped its most massive collaboration yet, partnering with the legendary Godzilla to launch a gargantuan line of new gear, including three electrifying Stratocaster models. Unveiled today in Tokyo, the collection celebrates the King of the Monsters’ 70th anniversary in 2024 and the Stratocaster’s own septuagenarian status, creating a truly titanic union of pop culture and guitar history.
The launch features a highly exclusive, hand-built Limited Edition Masterbuilt Godzilla Stratocaster, crafted by Fender Custom Shop Master Builder Andy Hicks, alongside two stunning Made-in-Japan models: the Godzilla Stratocaster Blue and Godzilla Stratocaster Black.
The $36,000 Roar: Masterbuilt Godzilla Stratocaster
The crown jewel of the collection is the Masterbuilt Godzilla Stratocaster, a passion project for Master Builder Andy Hicks, who described it as “the most fun guitar I’ve done” and his “dream Godzilla guitar.” P
riced at a colossal ¥5,500,000 (approximately $36,000), only one currently exists, though Hicks will take up to four more custom orders.
This instrument is packed with Fender firsts, the most striking of which is an onboard sound effect. A tiny green button near the volume knob unleashes Godzilla’s iconic roar right through the amplifier, a feature Hicks called a “true union between the King of Monsters and the ‘King of Guitars.'”
Developing this signal-interrupting sound effect was reportedly the most challenging part of the build, requiring a completely new R&D solution.
Godzilla Minus One
The body features bespoke artwork from illustrator and devoted fan Tom Neely. The front showcases a black-and-white Godzilla with a blue blast, inspired by the Heisei-era films. The back, celebrating the monster’s seven-decade history, features a montage of seven Godzillas (from the 1954 original to Godzilla Minus One) rendered in neon paint that glows under black light.
Other unique details include a blue Godzilla inlay in Katakana at the 12th fret and a custom neckplate. Specs are kept simple to highlight the art, featuring a single, tweaked Sonic Pickups Cult Leader humbucker and a solitary volume control.
Illuminated Mayhem: Made in Japan Godzilla Strats
For players without Masterbuilt-sized budgets, the Made in Japan Godzilla Stratocaster Blue and Black models offer their own impressive innovations, retailing at a more accessible ¥495,000 (approximately $3,250). Both feature an alder body capped with myrtlewood.
G.L.O
These guitars boast the collection’s other major Fender first: a patent-pending circuit called ‘G.L.O – Gain-Linked Optics.’ By pushing the Tone 2 knob, an onboard distortion circuit is engaged, causing a Godzilla outline on the pickguard to illuminate, recreating the monster’s signature heat ray effect. The brightness dynamically changes with the gain level.
Custom Godzilla humbucker
These Japan-exclusive models include a Custom Godzilla humbucker “for a uniquely heavy tone,” the striking Godzilla 12th-fret inlay, a special-edition neck plate, a custom hard case, and a certificate of authenticity.
Fender Flagship Tokyo Exclusive
The Blue model is available from authorized Japanese dealers, while the Black is exclusive to Fender Flagship Tokyo and Fender Japan’s official online store. Guitar legend Marty Friedman, a surprise guest at the launch, gave his seal of approval, praising the stylish execution of the collaboration.
Monster Gear: Distortion Pedal, Picks, and a Latte
Fender’s Godzilla worship extends beyond the guitars with a range of other Japan-exclusive items that Western fans are clamoring for. These include a Godzilla distortion pedal that promises an “earth-shakingly powerful tone,” a 12-piece pick set, and a series of F is for Fender T-shirts and caps.
Most intriguingly, the Fender Cafe in Tokyo is serving a limited-time Godzilla Charcoal Latte.
While the current guitar models remain exclusive to Japan, the collaboration—especially the inclusion of Fender Custom Shop Master Builder Andy Hicks—demonstrates a growing synergy between the US and Japan operations, hinting at a potential future where more Japanese-exclusive gear crosses the Pacific. Guitar fans worldwide will be on the lookout for the first illuminated dorsal fins emerging from the waves.
What do you think of Fender putting a sound effect and illuminated distortion circuit into a Stratocaster? Would you love to see the Godzilla Stratocaster models released in the West?
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