Why We Love It

The Fender Kenny Wayne Shepherd Signature Stratocaster is a masterclass in modern blues-rock optimization. Merging historical golden-era aesthetics with precision performance enhancements, this instrument is custom-built for players who demand maximum dynamic expression, effortless string bending, and a deep, resonant voice that cuts through any mix with authority.

Expert Note: The Chambered Ash & Vintage Radius Advantage

Unlike standard solidbody production models, this signature Strat features a premium chambered ash body. This design choice dramatically enhances the guitar’s natural acoustic resonance and airiness, while offering a comfortably lightweight gigging experience. Striking the perfect balance between vintage vibe and modern playability, Fender paired an early '60s "C"-shaped quartersawn maple neck with a historically accurate 7.25" radius bound rosewood fingerboard. Finished with stunning pearloid block inlays and a custom 12th-fret split block, it looks and plays like an elite custom build straight out of the Golden Age.

The Tone Profile

Sonically warm, exceptionally resonant, and highly articulate. The chambered body introduces a rounded sweetness to the traditional Stratocaster "spank." Loaded with a trio of custom-voiced KWS single-coil pickups, this guitar serves up a punchy, mid-forward presence heavily inspired by iconic Texas blues tones, while remaining dead quiet in positions 2 and 4 thanks to the reverse-wound/reverse-polarity middle pickup wiring.

Best For: Texas Blues; Modern Blues-Rock; Session Guitarists; Gigs requiring high-stamina comfort; Players seeking high-end Custom Shop appointments at a production price point.

Compared To: Provides a more open, resonant acoustic response than a standard solid ash Stratocaster. It offers a rounder, more vintage-correct chordal feel than a PRS Silver Sky or Fender American Ultra due to its 7.25" radius profile, while outperforming standard vintage reissues in tuning stability thanks to factory-installed Graph Tech saddles.

Stock Photos shown, individual color and grain will vary from guitar to guitar.

Body Wood: Chambered Ash

Body Finish: Gloss Nitrocellulose Lacquer

Color: Transparent Faded Sonic Blue (with matching painted headcap)

Neck Material: Quartersawn Maple (4-Bolt Standard)

Neck Profile: Early '60s "C" Shape

Neck Finish: Gloss Nitrocellulose Lacquer

Scale Length: 25.5" (648 mm)

Fingerboard Material: Rosewood with 1-Ply White Binding

Fingerboard Radius: 7.25" (184.1 mm)

Fret Size / Number: 21 Jumbo Frets

Nut Material & Width: Bone, 1.650" (42 mm)

Position Inlays: White Pearloid Blocks (Custom Split-Block at 12th Fret)

Bridge Pickup: Custom-Voiced Kenny Wayne Shepherd Single-Coil Strat®

Middle Pickup: Custom-Voiced Kenny Wayne Shepherd Single-Coil Strat® (RWRP)

Neck Pickup: Custom-Voiced Kenny Wayne Shepherd Single-Coil Strat®

Controls: Master Volume, Tone 1 (Neck/Middle), Tone 2 (Bridge), 5-Position Blade

Bridge Design: 6-Saddle Vintage-Style Synchronized Tremolo with Graph Tech® Saddles

Tuning Machines: Vintage-Style

Pickguard: 4-Ply White Pearloid

Hardware Finish: Nickel/Chrome

Case/Bag: Deluxe Hardshell Case Included