First-year 2003 Fender Mark Knopfler Signature Stratocaster, Hot Rod Red, serial SE03627. From the personal collection of Texas blues artist Omar Kent Dykes, offered with a signed Certificate of Authenticity and a photo of Omar with this specific guitar.

Omar wasn't looking for it. He was browsing at Ray Henning's Heart of Texas Music in Austin when Ray pulled a case out from behind the counter, set it down, and opened it. In his own words:

“I looked down at the guitar and I started drooling. I said, this is the guitar for me.” Ray told him it was a Mark Knopfler signature model. “I love Dire Straits,” Omar said. “Knopfler got a great sound out of a Strat. Sultans of Swing.”

Watch Omar tell the full story himself in the video above.

Signature Series Fenders like this one were built in limited numbers each year. First-year examples with a real, documented owner behind them, not just a nice player-grade guitar with no history, are what collectors specifically look for. This one comes with both: first-year production and a direct, traceable story from Omar himself.

The Guitar

Full specs below. Complete with original Fender/G&G hardshell case and full case candy, including hang tags, cable, strap, and cleaning kit. Please review all photographs carefully, they are part of the description.

Specifications

•Make / Model: Fender Mark Knopfler Signature Stratocaster

•Year: 2003 (first-year production)

•Serial Number: SE03627

•Country of Origin: USA

•Body: Ash, comfort-contoured '57-style

•Neck: Vintage-tinted '62 C-shape maple

•Fretboard: Rosewood, 7.25-inch radius, pearl dot inlays

•Frets: 21 medium jumbo

•Finish: Hot Rod Red, nitrocellulose lacquer

•Pickguard: 3-ply, 11-hole, mint green

•Pickups: Three Texas Special single coils

•Controls: Master volume, two tone controls, five-way switch

•Bridge: American Vintage synchronized tremolo

•Tuners: Fender/Gotoh vintage style

•Hardware: Chrome

•Case: Original Fender/G&G hardshell case, full case candy included

•Weight: 8 lb 12 oz

Condition

Very good, with one small ding as shown in photos.

Provenance Included

•Certificate of Authenticity signed by Omar Kent Dykes

•1 recent photograph of Omar holding this specific guitar, provided for authentication purposes

•Omar tells the full story of this guitar himself in a video, watch it above

•Purchased from Ray Henning at Heart of Texas Music in Austin

•Played by Omar occasionally in the studio, never taken on the road

•Serial number documentation: SE03627

About Howlers Vault

This instrument is being offered directly from Omar Kent Dykes' personal collection through Howlers Vault, a project dedicated to preserving and placing significant instruments and memorabilia from Omar's career with collectors, fans, and musicians who appreciate Texas blues history.

All photography for this listing by Mojo Lens Photography, original guitar and live music photography.

Shipping

Ships fully insured with signature required. Buyer pays actual shipping, insurance, and applicable taxes. Howlers Vault does not profit from shipping charges.

This instrument is fully exempt from CITES permitting requirements under Annotation 15 (effective 2019), which covers finished musical instruments containing non-Brazilian rosewood. No export or import permit is required. International buyers are responsible for any customs duties, import taxes, or fees assessed by their country.

Returns

All sales final. Exceptions made only for damage confirmed to have occurred in shipping. Damage claims must be reported within 48 hours of delivery with photos of both the item and the packaging. All shipments are insured, and any transit damage claim will be handled through the carrier/insurance process.