The guitar world’s “worst-kept secret” is finally out. After months of feverish speculation and gear-sleuthing by fans, virtuoso Mateus Asato has officially confirmed he is joining the Fender artist roster.
The announcement marks a seismic shift in the guitar industry, following Asato’s high-profile departure from Suhr Guitars earlier this year after a successful 12-year partnership.
The Road to Fender: From Speculation to Confirmation
When Asato announced his exit from Suhr in January, the rumor mill immediately went into overdrive. Given that his previous signature models were heavily inspired by the Stratocaster and Telecaster blueprints, Fender was always the logical destination.
Asato didn’t exactly hide his tracks, either. Between hosting clinics at Fender Japan and releasing a cheeky video titled “Yes, I am Playing a Fender,” the writing was on the wall—even if he remained tight-lipped about the specifics until now.
The Official Announcement
Taking to Instagram to break the news, Asato expressed his excitement about joining the legendary brand:
“I am officially part of the Fender’s team now. In these past few months, I’ve been spending great amount of hours with their guitar in my hands, trying to capture the best ways to make the best out of this new chapter. It’s an honor to enter this journey alongside so many incredible names in history of music.”
First Look: Is a Mateus Asato Signature Fender on the Way?
While the official news is the partnership itself, the photos accompanying the announcement have gearheads talking about one thing: the guitar.
Asato shared images from the Fender Custom Shop, where he was pictured alongside Allen Abbassi (Director of Product). In his hands is a stunning, unique Stratocaster that many believe is the prototype for an upcoming signature model.
Potential Specs of the “Asato Strat”
Based on the social media reveals and recent performance footage, the mystery guitar features:
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Finish: A unique, muted green (possibly a custom Sage or Sherwood Green variant).
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Pickguard: Classic tortoiseshell.
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Hardware: Gold or aged chrome accents.
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Configuration: Traditional SSS or potentially a hidden humbucker, given Asato’s history of versatile electronics.
What’s Next for Asato and Fender?
While neither party has officially confirmed a “Mateus Asato Signature Stratocaster” for retail, the level of collaboration shown at the Custom Shop suggests a release is an inevitability. Whether it begins as a limited Custom Shop run or jumps straight to a Fender Stories or American Signature production model remains to be seen.
One thing is certain: Asato’s influence on the “Instagram era” of guitar playing makes him one of the most valuable ambassadors Fender has signed in years.
Follow Mateus Asato on Instagram for further updates on his gear and upcoming tour dates.
#Mateus Asato #Fender
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