Fender Musical Instruments Corporation (FMIC) nnounces the launch of the Richie Kotzen Stratocaster®, honoring the distinctive singer, songwriter and guitarist whose technical prowess spans a storied five-decade-long career.
With more than 20 solo album releases now under his belt, Richie Kotzen first picked up guitar at age seven and released his debut solo album by the time he was in his teenage years. With Kotzen’s dazzling playing style fueling his rise to prominence, the rock virtuoso took on lead guitarist duties in glam metal legends Poison in 1991 before joining hard rock outfit Mr. Big in 1999. That same year Kotzen teamed up with Jazz Legends Stanley Clarke and Lenny White to form the fusion supergroup Vertu. As an accomplished guitar player, songwriter and singer, Kotzen fronted supergroup The Winery Dogs alongside Mike Portnoy and Billy Sheehan, as well as collaborating with Iron Maiden guitarist Adrian Smith as one half of musical duo Smith/Kotzen. Well-known for his searing riffs and lyrical phrasing, his exceptional versatility has seen his work span a multitude of genres from blues rock and jazz fusion to soul and R&B.
Previously available exclusively in Japan, this comfortably contoured ash body guitar is geared towards high-performance with a thick “C”-shaped maple neck and 22 Super Jumbo frets that support highly technical playing. Delivering a sweet, punchy tone, the Richie Kotzen Stratocaster® is equipped with an array of custom DiMarzio® pickups and distinctive gold hardware alongside Gotoh® tuners with pearl buttons, offering a premium, sophisticated look. Perfect for both stage and studio, the guitar is stylishly enhanced with a flame maple top in exclusive Trans-Burst finishes that perfectly encapsulates Richie’s iconic flair and influential musical voice.
“I love the shape of a Strat, because when you hold a guitar it feels like you’re connected to it,”said Richie Kotzen. “It feels like part of your body… the most important thing is to be true to yourself so that, when you play, it sounds like you.”
Fender first worked with Kotzen in 1995 to release his debut signature Telecaster® and Stratocaster® models. With today’s worldwide launch of the Richie Kotzen Stratocaster® showing no signs of slowing this decade spanning collaborative relationship down. The newly available model pays homage to the guitar prodigy’s passion and skillful experimentation across genres which perfectly matches the Stratocaster® guitars versatility and ability to inspire musicians across the world.
“Previously available only in Japan, we are pleased to finally bring the Richie Kotzen Stratocaster® to players across the world. An iconic guitarist whose captivating playing style has inspired audiences globally, the growing demand for a worldwide release is a testament to his skill,” said Justin Norvell, EVP of Product and Sales at Fender. “With its characteristic gold hardware, contoured body, and super jumbo frets offering exceptional versatility, Fender is proud to continue honouring Kotzen’s impressive legacy.”
In true tradition, the Fender Artist Signature Series honors iconic musicians through product progression and storytelling, creating instruments and gear inspired by the unique specifications of the world’s greatest guitarists and bassists. Watch Richie Kotzen demo his Signature Stratocaster®.
