Rock ‘n’ Roll Hall of Famer Tom Morello didn’t just play the guitar in Rage Against the Machine; he redefined it. His earth-shaking, boundary-pushing techniques—from DJ-scratching solos to radical, funk-infused riffs—have made him one of the most influential guitarists of his generation. And at the heart of this sonic revolution for over 35 years has been a single, heavily modified instrument: the legendary “Arm the Homeless” guitar.
Now, fans and gear aficionados can get their hands on a piece of rock history. Fender has recreated this iconic instrument in stunning detail, allowing guitarists to harness the power behind Morello’s signature sound and revolutionary spirit.
A Weapon of Sound: Features That Define the Renegade
The “Arm the Homeless” guitar is more than just a striking piece of art; it’s an engineering marvel built for uncompromising performance and sonic versatility.
The Attitude: Iconic Finish and Activism
The guitar’s finish is pure attitude. It features a striking Blue Ice Metallic backdrop emblazoned with the provocative “Arm the Homeless” slogan and Morello’s own hand-drawn hippopotamus design.
This artwork embodies his lifelong commitment to activism. In a powerful move, Morello and Fender have pledged donations from the release of this signature guitar to support organizations fighting homelessness.
The Power: Custom EMG Pickup Configuration
To capture Morello’s clear, hard-hitting, and versatile tone, the signature model features his custom active electronics setup:
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Neck Pickup: An EMG H single-coil (housed in a humbucker casing).
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Bridge Pickup: An EMG 85 humbucker.
This versatile combo ensures you can seamlessly transition between delicate melodies, ferocious riffs, and punchy single-note leads, allowing you to cut through any mix.
The Control: Custom Specs for Performance Art
Every detail has been designed for the stage-ready, genre-hopping demands of Morello’s style:
| Feature | Detail & Impact |
| Killswitch Effect | A 3-way pickup selector switch facilitates the signature stuttering “killswitch” effect. By rolling down the volume on one pickup and rapidly toggling the switch, players can recreate Morello’s famous chopped-up, DJ-style sounds. |
| Rock-Solid Stability | The stage-ready Gotoh double-locking tremolo system ensures superior tuning stability, no matter how aggressively you divebomb, flutter, or execute wild whammy bar tricks. |
| Speed & Comfort | A flat “C” Maple neck profile paired with a 15″ Rosewood fingerboard and medium jumbo frets offers a fast, comfortable playing experience perfect for both bending and shredding. |
| Vibe | The unmistakable “Hockey Stick” headstock adds that instant, rebellious Morello aesthetic. |
Price & Availability
The guitar is completed with a deluxe black hardshell case, ensuring this iconic instrument is protected wherever your revolution takes you.
Ready to channel the renegade funk of Tom Morello? This Fender signature model is not just a guitar—it’s a statement.
Available at Andertons, priced £1699
Available at Sweetwater, priced $1699.99
Available at Thomann, priced €1799
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#Tom Morello
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