Following last week's release of a new Flea Signature Jazz Bass, Fender has announced the introduction of a limited edition Custom Shop Stratocaster designed in collaboration with Pete Townshend of the Who.
The guitar is based on a number of modded Eric Clapton Signature Stratocasters Townshend has used on tour since the late '80s. What makes Townshend's special is the addition of a piezo pickup element -- in this case a Fishman Powerbridge system -- to add more acoustic sounds to the instrument. Townshend's originals and the new tribute model include a fourth control knob on the body to blend the acoustic and electric signals.
Like the Clapton Signature it's built around, the new Townshend model includes a triple set of Lace Sensor Gold single-coil pickups, and struts a standard set of Strat specs like a soft V neck profile and maple fretboard.
The Strat, of course, is not the first signature instrument to bear Townshend's name. Gibson has produced multiple guitars including an SJ-200 and a variety of Custom Shop Les Pauls and SGs.
Update: These guitars will be released in a limited run of 75 units with a price of $6,500.
Fender Stratocasters