Fender Japan is once again captivating guitar enthusiasts with its latest limited-run release: the Blue Flower Collection. This vibrant new series harks back to the iconic Summer of Love in 1967, featuring three distinct models: the classic Stratocaster, the timeless Telecaster, and a modern twist with the Acoustasonic Telecaster. Prepare for a surge of retro-inspired style combined with Fender’s renowned craftsmanship.
The Blue Flower Revival: Stratocaster and Telecaster
Fender Japan consistently delivers highly anticipated releases, and the Blue Flower Collection is set to be a huge hit, especially for fans of Fender’s beloved Sixties designs.
The traditional Blue Flower Stratocaster and Blue Flower Telecaster models draw direct inspiration from the rare and highly collectible original 1967 Blue Flower Telecaster.
Vintage & Rare
These vintage-inspired guitars mirror the era of the equally iconic Paisley models, famously collected by artists like Brad Paisley, who recently announced his own Blue Paisley Custom Shop run in May.
Both electric guitars in the collection boast alder bodies for classic tone. The Blue Flower Stratocaster features a comfortable 1969-era U-profile maple neck, while the Blue Flower Telecaster sports a ’60s C-shape maple neck.
Both models are equipped with maple fretboards, a vintage-style 7.25″ radius, and 21 vintage-style frets, ensuring an authentic playing feel.
Vintage-Voiced Pickups and Hardware
The late 60s-inspired Blue Flower Strat comes loaded with three period-sensitive, vintage-voiced single-coil pickups. It features the classic Strat control layout: one volume, two tone knobs, and a five-way switch.
Hardware includes a vintage-style six-saddle synchronized tremolo and Fender-made Kluson-style tuners, offering reliable performance and period-correct aesthetics.
The Blue Flower Telecaster is fitted with vintage-voiced Tele pickups, a single volume and tone dial, and a three-way switch. This model features a three-saddle string-through-body Telecaster bridge with chrome barrel saddles and the same vintage F-stamped tuners found on the Strat.
Both the Blue Flower Strat and Blue Flower Tele are competitively priced at ¥159,500 each.
Modern Innovation Meets Retro Style: The Acoustasonic Telecaster
Adding a contemporary touch to this retro collection is the Blue Flower Acoustasonic Telecaster.
While this cutting-edge hybrid didn’t exist in the late 1960s, its inclusion in the collection offers a unique ‘in the style of’ experience. It maintains the usual high specifications of Acoustasonic models, including a mahogany back and sides with a distinctive T-shape design, Transverse bracing, and a striking two-ring black and white rosette.
Acoustic Engine
Designed for optimal comfort and playability, the Acoustasonic’s body is contoured for easy handling. This ergonomic design extends to the satin urethane mahogany neck, which boasts a modern, deep-C profile and a 12″ radius.
It’s finished with a 22-fret ebony fingerboard and a Graph Tech TUSQ nut, ensuring smooth playability and excellent tone.
At its heart, this guitar utilizes Fender’s new Acoustic Engine, a noiseless pickup system developed in collaboration with Fishman, providing a versatile array of acoustic and electric tones.
Players also benefit from Fender’s patented Stringed Instruments Resonance System (SIRS), which guarantees powerful, natural sound and vibrant overtones suitable for any musical genre.
Priced at ¥341,000, the Blue Flower Acoustasonic Telecaster represents the premium offering in this exciting collection.
Collectibles and Availability
Beyond the guitars, the Blue Flower Collection extends to unique merchandise, including a pint glass (¥2640), guitar picks in a tin (¥2640), and a drawstring bag (¥4400), all adorned with the signature Blue Flower design.
While these Japanese-made guitars offer a far more affordable alternative to their rare vintage counterparts, it remains to be seen if they will be available outside of Japan or if they will remain an exclusive offering for the Japanese market, a common occurrence for these highly sought-after releases.
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