Fender Musical Instruments Corporation (FMIC) announces the launch of a new signature Telecaster® guitar honoring Raphael Saadiq, a multi-award-winning artist, songwriter, film & television composer, producer, and one of R&B’s foremost innovators. The Limited Edition Raphael Saadiq Telecaster® pays homage to an artist whose credits include collaborations with Beyoncé, D’Angelo, Stevie Wonder, Whitney Houston, Adele, and a litany of others. A perfect confluence of modernized features and timeless retro design, the signature Telecaster guitar is the ideal instrument for any player looking to break down artistic boundaries with effortless style and timeless tonality. A comfortable ‘59 “C”-shape neck and resonant ash body make this signature instrument as approachable as it is sonically powerful.
Gifted with musical talent from a young age, Saadiq’s journey began at the age of six, grooving on a bass. Throughout middle and high school, he played in various bands with school friends, transitioning from basement rehearsals to the grand stage. Shortly before turning eighteen, Saadiq seized a significant opportunity, landing a role as a bass player for Sheila E’s backing band during Prince’s Parade Tour. This catapulted his career, performing in sold-out stadiums alongside his childhood hero. Two years later, Saadiq returned to Oakland with a renewed sense of purpose. Swiftly taking action, he formed his musical outfit, Tony! Toni! Toné!, with his brother and cousin. The band achieved massive success throughout the ‘90s, reaching #2 on the Billboard R&B charts. Saadiq continued to solidify his name among music’s finest, collaborating with icons like Tupac Shakur, Whitney Houston, Mary J. Blige, A Tribe Called Quest, and many more.
While known for his multifaceted roles in the studio and on stage, Saadiq’s emotive and precise guitar playing has become a distinctive hallmark. Combining early soul and funk influences with his unique contemporary style, Raphael Saadiq stands as a one-of-a-kind player. He deserves a signature instrument that not only reflects his artistry but also embodies his fearless approach to playing—a tool that can empower any musician aspiring to make their artistic mark on the world.
“Fender truly went hard in the paint with my signature Tele. Its goes beyond the richness and snap I love to play with. Thanks to mentors like the incomparable Tony Maiden, Prince, and Ray Parker Jr., Eric Gales, Rob Fuksta Bacon, I’ve learned to play the Telecaster to amplify sound like no other. Collaborating with the iconic Fender brand to introduce my own signature Telecaster is a great honor. I’m excited for young musicians to pick up this guitar, write with it, and take the stage with confidence,” said Raphael Saadiq.
This Telecaster® is timeless to the bone yet irrefutably cutting edge. Vintage tall frets, black body binding and old school ’59 “C” shaped neck will keep the purists plenty happy while more contemporary players will have to pick their jaws up off the floor after catching sight of this Telecaster® guitar’s striking Dark Red Metallic finish and psychedelic custom-tooled pickguard, inspired by his timeless album, Instant Vintage. A set of chrome hardware and painted black headstock ensure that this axe will turn heads even from the nosebleeds. But don’t be fooled, this instrument is far more than just something pretty to look at—a set of Custom Rafael Saadiq pickups provide dynamic range that will arm players with clarity, sustain and precision across any number of genres. Introducing the Limited-Edition Raphael Saadiq Telecaster. Renowned guitarist, producer, and Grammy winner Raphael Saadiq brings his vision to life with this timeless model. It features an ash body, vintage-tall frets, flash paint job and custom Raphael Saadiq Single-Coil Tele pickups for sweet vintage tones.
“Fender proudly unveils our latest masterpiece—a Telecaster® collaboration with the incredible multi-instrumentalist, Raphael Saadiq. This guitar is a blend of tradition and innovation, vintage charm meets modern brilliance,” said Justin Norvell, EVP Product at FMIC “The vintage-style ‘tall’ frets, black body binding, and a classic ‘59 “C”-shaped neck pay homage to our roots, while the Dark Red Metallic finish, custom pickguard, and chrome hardware reflect Saadiq’s unique style. Fender, alongside Saadiq, invites fans and players alike to embark on a new chapter in music and artistry.”
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.
