Here it is: the long-awaited Gilmour Signature Strat.
It has the same maple neck, black pickguard, shortened tremolo arm and custom electronics as the original and comes presented in a black case with centre pocket, snazzy green lining and Fender Custom Shop embroidery.
First, the good news.
It will be released on 22 September. That’s September this year.
Now, the bad news.
‘Live in GdaĹ„sk’ will be pushed back a week for a same-date release.
However, the three-disc version (live double CD, plus concert DVD) will be stuffed into said centre pocket.
The hardback edition of Phil Taylor’s ‘The Black Strat: A History of David Gilmour’s Black Fender Stratocaster’ will also be released on 22 September, a signed, softback copy of which will also be found inside the guitar case.
A set of GHS strings will also be included, as well as an Evidence Audio cable, as used by David. You even get a deluxe Fender strap and a David Gilmour plectrum thrown in.
And, before you ask… No, I don’t know how much it will cost, but hope that a firm date and photo will be enough to deter the doubters.
Please click the image for a closer look and, if you think you can take it, see Latest News for more excitement.
Comments (151)
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I was beginning to think it was never going to come out. I’ll be looking forward to the final details.
Given that it’s obviously a Custom Shop model it’s going to be a while before one gets added to my guitar rack.
-K
Looks like a nice guitar, but it probably won’t be cheap. Is that Astoria?
FEd, do you write the Latest News?
[1. No, it won't be cheap. 2. Yes, it sure is. 3. No, I don't. - FEd]
I thought it was imminent considering David played one at Atom Heart Mother last month.
Nice photo taken on Astoria’s deck too.
damn, i didn’t expect to be that tempted after all. most excellent news.
Hey FEd,
great news! I liked the comment “Attention guitar obsessives: in a world where you can get a Fender Baja Tele or a Gibson SG Special, you don’t need the David Gilmour Signature Stratocaster.”
If I can afford, I’ll take a ‘New Old Stock’…
No problem to wait a week longer for the live album (I will be on vacation, off-line and near an island those days, so I’d had to wait anyway. ;-)
Again, thanks for the great news, FEd!!
Taki
Bavaria
Great news Fed!
I want one, but I am very concerned about the price – I really hope it sells for around $1,500 (U.S.) – around the same price of the regular Eric Clapton “blackie” model. I used to sell guitars for a living in a major U.S. retail store, so I am fairly well-versed in retail pricing…
I am curious as to what Gilmour means as “affordable”!!!!
Thanks, Fed!
Sweet!
Ahhhhhhhh, scream……..
Well, I never thought they (Fender that is) would pull it off. A real tribute to David that it should now sit within their Custom Shop series. I hope he’s as happy with it as I’m sure we will be when we get our mits on it!
Nice picture of the guitar shot onboard Astoria (I think). Will it be sold from there FEd? Shall we have a pilgrimage to Astoria bloggers to collect our guitars? Just a thought. :-))
Looking forward to September.
Paul
[That'd be good. I wonder if the cases would float all the way over to the other side of the river. Could make a game of it. - FEd]
Great news Fed, what a great package.
I was a going to ask about the cost. I have a feeling it may well be still out of my reach however much David has influenced the pricing of this great guitar.
Anyway I’m not sure my playing would do it justice.
Welcome my son, welcome to the new DG sound machine.
Where have you been? It’s alright we know where you’ve been.
You’ve been in the Blog, filling in time,
provided with toys and scouting for woyds.
You’ll buy a guitar and punish your ma,
Practice everyday you could end up a bright star.
So welcome to the new DG sound machine.
Welcome my son, welcome to the new custom Black Strat sound machine.
What did you dream? It’s alright we told you what to dream.
You dreamed of a big star, he played a mean guitar,
He always raised the bar. He loved to jam in the barn.
So welcome to the new DG sound machine.
So start saving up all of your green for the new DG sound machine.
Thank you for the news!
You got me drooling all over the photo – not that I can play nor need one – but I want one! – although probably I will not be able to afford one.
A beauty with nice set of add-ons!
Judged by the background, this photo looks as if it was taken aboard the Astoria.
Could that be true?
[Absolutely true. - FEd]
Damn! This is great indeed. I will be saving every penny for this one definitely.
This is the best news by far… I have been waiting for this guitar for over 2 years now. I’ll buy it but I really hope it isn’t more than $2,000/-
I’m a huge Gilmour fan… I’ve been playing his solos for over 10 years. I already bought extra Fender DG signature strings for the signature Strat.
[You should take one pack back and ask for a refund. - FEd]
The David Gilmour signature Strat + the three-disc version of ‘Live in Gdansk’ + Phil Taylor’s ‘The Black Strat’ book + a set of GHS strings + an audio cable + a Fender strap + a DG plectrum, all together in the case ?
Wow! Can I suggest a big ‘Strat Party’ here, on the blog (+ in the chatroom) on 22 September, to celebrate?
Champagne for everyone! Ok?
Michèle
Hi! I’ve been reading the blog for a while and finally decided to post. Hopefully I’ll do it often.
It is surely a nice set, and a good move by Fender (let’s hope the price doesn’t push it back). I need to find out when I can see the guitar in my country, if ever, to give it, at least, a closer look.
And just wait for another week for the album…well, I think I can do that.
AgustĂn.
From Argentina.
[Nice to meet you, AgustĂn. Thank you for contributing. - FEd]
Excellent stuff! I’d love to have one, but I think funding university might be slightly more important at this moment in time…
Do you know if this set is to be produced for years to come FEd, or is this limited?
[You know as much as I do, sorry. - FEd]
Ah, a thing of beauty! If only I could get a little (well, a lot) more money on my student loan to afford one!
Shame it’s pushing back the Gdansk release though – a little longer for me to wait – but I’m sure it’ll be worth me conquering my impatience!
Hope everyone is enjoying the summer,
Nick
I don’t know how to play guitar (yet) but this is definitely something I will be saving my money for. A big thanks to David for making sure it is of the hightest quality before releasing it to the masses.
I know that the price listing hasn’t been released but I’m willing to bet that this I’m going to have to get at least up to $2,000 (U.S.) better start saving my spare change.
Thank you very much indeed, good night to you.
Wow, with all those “goodies” included, it could be enough to persuade someone like me, who can’t play guitar and wouldn’t know which end to blow, just to rush out and bid for one.
Common sense will prevail. Don’t you just common sense?
Ian
[Thank God for common sense, I say. There is some of it still out there. It's like coal. - FEd]
Hello everybody,
maybe this guitar would help me to get over the worst days of my life.unfortunately my girlfriend’s mother died last night,still young,with that f….n’ cancer,and my aunt is seriously ill,not much luck,a awful week.Listening to David’s music is my only consolation and one of the few things that makes me feel better.I have to say thanks to David once again.
Hope you’re all doing well,though.Last monday was my birthday,24 years old now,I’ll be waiting for “Live in Gdansk” to be released to buy my personal gift.
Hope you’re well Fed! The guitar is wonderful,it will have great success all over the world!
Have a nice weekend
Piero
[I'm so sorry, Piero. My condolences. - FEd]
The guitar looks very nice but I’ll have to learn to play my Squier Strat before even thinking about buying one of these. On saying that, with falling house prices in the UK hindering the last hurdle of our emigration to Canada, my Squier Strat might have to be sold anyway.
Regarding the Live in Gdansk CD/DVD. Are there any plans to broadcast any of the concert footage on the TV to coincide with the release date (along the lines of what was done for the RTN release)?
[Nothing's confirmed, but I'd imagine that there will be something on TV (if only because, as you might have thought, it's a well-used strategy and there's not much originality around). - FEd]
Doesn’t that picture look like the guitar is sat there on Astoria talking to David ?
Of course David does make guitars talk.
ash X
My Guitar Center sales rep contacted Fender today to try and order one for me (the N.O.S. version)…and Fender told him that no contract has been finalized, and no info on this guitar is available….
How can this be if this guitar is going to be out in less than 2 months?
I am very concerned…..I want to order one ASAP!
Thanks, Fed!
[Welcome to my world. Fun, isn't it? - FEd]
Now that’s GREAT news, can’t wait for news on the pricing!
Sniff, sniff… Is that a Black Strat giveaway contest I smell in the air Fed?
[Well, at the risk of upsetting DG Management, I was told that there'd be one, but that was before EMI fell on its arse. - FEd]
That is a thing of total beauty. **looks around to see if any thing(s) currently owned can be sold for the thing of total beauty**
Of course I don’t play well enough to justify owning it. But now I’ll channel my inner consumerist and decide that doesn’t matter. It’s just so beautiful and what a great package of goodies with it. **sulking now**
Beautiful! Just beautiful! Even the filled-in spot under the bridge, which I’m assuming is only on the “Relic” version.
Any idea how many prototypes Fender made before David said “Yes, this is perfect!”?
Bill C
[One or two. - FEd]
I was a doubter. I didn’t think we’d ever see this guitar.
It looks and sounds very nice, but I’ll reserve judgement until I see the price tag.
[Quite right, too. - FEd]
Wow… it looks like mine!
Hello FEd.
Very elegant looking guitar. Will there be a left handed model? I kind of doubt that but thought that I would ask.
Happy almost Friday.
James
[I don't expect so, James. - FEd]
[Of course I don't play well enough to justify owning it. - Jill]
Who cares as long as you have fun with it… It seems to be a good instrument (or DG wouldn’t give his name for it, IMHO) and would help you improve your skills. I recently bought a Strat VG and was suprised what progress I made, just by upgrading my guitar.
It’s more fun with playing a fine instrument. :-D
Regards,
Taki
Bavaria
[Attention guitar obsessives: in a world where you can get a Fender Baja Tele or a Gibson SG Special, you don't need the David Gilmour Signature Stratocaster. But if you want one, and are desperate to study the special features... - Latest News]
LOL! I knew that couldn’t be our FEd!
[You had to reach the end? Come on, Ben. - FEd]
I wonder if that’s the same guitar David used at Cadogan Hall? Now wouldn’t that make a nice competition prize?
As for the cases FEd, well yes, I guess they would float. Why not go the “whole hog” and play Pooh Sticks with their necks!
Which makes me think….. I hope they don’t have all those extra dots on their fingerboard!!
Best wishes to Piero.
Paul_C
[I should hope that everyone's learned how to count since 'Remember That Night'. - FEd]
The whole package looks really good…price tag will determine as to when I get mine, probably the NOS version..thanks again for the info Fed.
Best wishes to Piero…chin up mate!!!!
What bad manners I have…
My best wishes to your girlfriend and you, Piero. Life can be really hard sometimes.
Taki
Bavaria
Great news, the guitar looks great and the extras thrown in are a really nice touch.
Ooooh, this is exciting news!! Just in time for my bday. This is a sign from the Floyd God.
John, if you weren’t sure what to get me… :-)
[You had to reach the end? Come on, Ben. - FEd]
The end of the news headline. LOL!
My condolences to Piero and his girlfriend.
Without wanting to interfere in the blog policy or anything like it, I just want to say, Fender custom shop doesn’t necessarily mean it’s going to be unaffordable. I only very recently purchased an Eric Johnson Signature Strat, custom shop. sold for 2000.-, euros that is. It’s a lot of cash, of course, but a perfect, most adorable instrument, and for that a reasonable price. Couldn’t be better, not for double the cash, not for any hardware or the care in the finish.
I trust in David, if Fender pulled off that EJ signature model, I am certain they will manage a DG Strat for not more than 2000.- to 2700.- euros, 3000.- at the most.
all the best, bernhard
Me along many other guitar players have waited for this guitar a looong time, but no doubt it will be worth every day waiting!
Last days have been difficult to me as my grandfather has been very sick, and today he finally passed away. David’s music, especially his latest album On an Island has helped me very much through the grieving process as a therapy.
Thank you David, your music gives me strength!
[I'm so sorry to hear about your grandfather, Thomas. My condolences to your family. - FEd]
[Well, at the risk of upsetting DG Management, I was told that there'd be one, but that was before EMI fell on its arse. - FEd
Keeping my fingers so crossed I'm having a hard time typing! I will most likely not be able to afford it so I'm keeping my hopes up!
Wow. I would so love to own that guitar. But I’ve only been playing for about 7 months so its a tad above me.
Maybe if I start saving now by the time I am a great guitarist I’ll be able to afford it.
Nice extras thrown in too! Is there a limit on how many that will be made?
-mondo
[I don't have an exact figure, but presumably Fender will see how the demand is and produce more accordingly. If such a detail ever comes to light, I'll let you know. - FEd]
It’s a thing of beauty, that’s for sure.
If money was no object I’d have one … what the hell, if money was no object I’d have three, one for each yacht.
As a guitarist for 31 years now I share the excitement with others in seeing David getting some recognition with a Signature Model. It’s also nice to read that David was particularly picky on the final product. Kudos to him for that!
It’s doubtful that I’ll purchase one… I prefer Rosewood necks and have a Strat that I bought in 1995 that is just perfect for me… but it’s still a great day to see this guitar released!
I would love one – but only because it would give me that extra delusion needed to make me think that I could make it sound like David does! Which my air Strat, serial #000000, does rather well.
I can hear the polyphonic symphony (cacaphony?) of piggy banks being gleefully smashed open all around the DG blogosphere today. I think a number of Arthurs have just found their Excaliburs…
This is making me wish I was a musician. If I was, I would be a guitar player and study David’s technique, and then I would take the “imitation is flattery” route to its extreme by getting this fine instrument.
The “New Old Stock” version would be my preference, since it seems kind of silly to replicate the wear-and-tear of a specific guitar. After thirty-odd years of heavy use, my guitar would gather its OWN wear and tear!
Yes finally!
I’m glad that I know my local music stores guitar salesman. I only hope I can afford it.
Thanks David for getting it to us this year.
I’ll have to wait a little longer for my father’s day present, but who cares. It’s really nice to see all this happening in September and can you imagine all the reviews we’ll get on the blog.
I hope the weather is fine on the other side of the world as it is wet and cold here (what we consider cold anyway).
When I was in Indonesia last week I bought myself a miniature PF black Strat, and it looks pretty much like the photo which is good, but I would love to see my son playing a real one.
Fed, I don’t suppose you know if they will be available over here in Australia?
Have a good weekend everyone and let’s look forward to all the news next week.
Wilko
[I expect the usual bias towards North America and Europe will apply, but, if Fender want your money - and I'm sure they do - then they should be able to get one shipped to any part of the world. You might have to wait longer than the end of September, that's all. - FEd]
Well, if there is a name to this guitar it’s gotta be the Fender Astoria. Makes sense.
Knowing myself, I’ll try one out at the music shop when released just to get a feel for it. Hope it does well.
[Yes, please do try them out and let us know how they feel. - FEd]
i would buy one but why when you can build one of your own for less than an american strat?
SORRY, I DON’T HAVE MUCH TO SAY BUT “MINE”
It’s about time…
[You should take one pack back and ask for a refund. - FEd]
are you suggesting we should save every penny or is it something else?
[No, just knowing that people will already have a set of strings, and maybe Phil Taylor's book, it's easy to imagine that some might not want more than they need. It would be easy to take the strings back. - FEd]
Excellent! Now, how do I get the thing shipped to India?
Well, it certainly looks the dog’s… doo dah’s, and sounded great at Cadogan Hall (if this was the proto DG played).
Don’t suppose it will be made for us lefthanders out here though, will it? (sob, sob)
I just got home from the airport and figured I would check out what is going on since I was not accessing the internet for the last few days. Low and behold I come home to this. Very cool indeed. Certainly looking forward to more details.
Do you think this would make a nice gift for my 20th wedding anniversary which comes up in October?? My luck I would just get a set of DG strings, lol.
Thanks.
Andrew
Dammit… I was already struggling to get enough money for the Deluxe version of Live in Gdansk… and now another temptation.
And I just bought my Epiphone Les Paul in May. I hope it isn’t a limited edition cause that is definitely going to be my next guitar.
As far as the Gdansk delay… I live in Mexico, so I’m used to getting stuff like this late, as a matter of fact I just got my Blu-ray copy of Remember That Night a couple days ago… after a YEAR!
[Gosh, that's a long wait. - FEd]
2 Grand Sterling I reckon for the cheaper NOS one !
Though you would think the Relic version would be cheaper than the NOS model if there are bits worn and missing !
FED – Got to be a few signed ones gonna be kicking around for a cheeky comp or two !
[I hope so. - FEd]
[FED - Got to be a few signed ones gonna be kicking around for a cheeky comp or two! - Timbo]
Signed in black marker pen?
[Great idea, Graham! - FEd]
i can’t say how p*ssed off i am about the live album being put back a week all because of some guitar that most of us won’t be able to afford anyway.
SOLD!!! One classic for me, please!!! :^))
I was wondering if anyone knows….
Does Fender make left hand versions of their guitar too with every new model that comes out? Or one should contact them to manufacture a special one for himself?
[can't say how p*ssed off i am about the live album being put back a week all because of some guitar that most of us won't be able to afford anyway. - david]
CHEER UP!!!!!!!!!!!
[i can't say how p*ssed off i am about the live album being put back a week... - david]
Oh! yes! moaning all week can make it look very long, that’s for sure…
Michèle
Another thing that concerns me is the amount of goodies that are being thrown in…
I have a feeling that these “goodies” are going to up the price of the guitar! Granted they are cool, but the “Live in Gdansk” album would probably add another $20-$30 dollars. The strap is another $40-$50. The book is also another $30.00, and these types of cables sell for about $75.00!
All I just want the guitar at the cheapest price possible – these goodies could easily add an extra $100.00-$200.00 to the selling price of the guitar.
I will be buying the “Live in Gdansk” deluxe edition, anyway, so now I will have 2 copies when I buy the guitar!
Don’t get me wrong, I love extras and stuff like that, but I feel like this will only adversely affect the selling price of this guitar – I hope David realizes that…..
Any thoughts, FED? Thanks!
[Lots. I'm not going to lie, I feel the same way. At least the guitar, album and book (although the book that comes with the guitar will be the first edition, which has been on sale for a while now) will be released on the same day, so people shouldn't feel that they're being conned into buying multiple copies because they can't wait for them all to be available together. (As long as they can get the guitar and its assorted extras in their part of the world without having to wait several weeks for it, that is.) That said, the hardback copy will have more pages, so some people might want that as well. And the three-disc version obviously doesn't contain as much as the four- and five-disc sets... So yes, maybe fans are entitled to feel conned; I know that I would if I wanted this guitar. There will be a lot of surplus being flogged on eBay in October, I expect. - FEd]
Trust me Fed, I don’t feel conned (it’s not like David is forcing me to buy this guitar) – I have been waiting for about 20 years to see this guitar finally being made.
Now I am not a rich guy, I’m your average middle-class American, but with the way the economy is these days, $2,000 – $3,000 (what I expect the N.O.S. guitar to cost) – is a lot of money to spend on a luxury item for me. It’s just that I take my David Gilmour/Floyd/guitar playing VERY SERIOUSLY – and I must own this guitar! I just hope that it will cost $1,999.99 (U.S. dollars).
Thanks for all your input, FED – greatly appreciated! I now have 2 major U.S. guitar stores on the lookout for this guitar for me – whoever contacts me first with the ordering info will get my business!
I’m still very curious as to what Gilmour means as “affordable”….
Thanks FED – you are a king among men….
[You said it all in your opening line, Johnnie: no one has to buy it. I do hope it falls within your price range. - FEd]
Well it’s certainly a good looking guitar, that’s for sure. I just wish I could afford one. I know that a price hasn’t been set yet but I know I won’t be able to afford it.
It seems a bit odd to me that a release date has been confirmed but the price hasn’t. September isn’t that far away now so you’d have thought it would already have been agreed, but maybe the two parties can’t agree on what ‘reasonable’ price means. Let’s face it, if Fender had their way this guitar would probably be near the Eric Clapton custom guitar price range. It shows how thoughtful some musicians can be of their fans and how un-thoughtful others can be.
As for the release date being pushed back so long we’ve known about the project for quite some time now so what difference does a week make when we’ve been waiting for months? So long as I can find it in the shops I don’t mind too much.
Hope everyone has a good weekend and thanks for this morning’s chat Fed.
[Thank you for popping in. - FEd]
[can't say how p*ssed off i am about the live album being put back a week all because of some guitar that most of us won't be able to afford anyway. - david]
I agree with this statement. But like FEd says, it’s better that the album and Black Strat come out at the same time because the fans won’t feel that they have to buy two copies of the album just because they don’t want to wait for the one that’s free with the guitar.
I think guitar players would prefer to find a hardback book with new chapters than another copy of the one they’ve already got though.
You’re very honest, FEd. You seem more sincere than what I was laughing about yesterday.
[That's probably because I'm a simple fan, I pay for things myself and don't get a slice of the pie when such deals are being cut. - FEd]
Have a nice weekend all!!!
David, go out and have a drink!!
Cheers
Paul
[David, go out and have a drink!! - Paul Sexton]
… or stay in and still have one. :-D
Have a nice weekend FEd and fellow bloggers!
Taki
Bavaria
I just now took the liberty to call Fender myself, and not to my surprise, they know nothing about the new Gilmour guitar…
The rep told me directly, that no contracts have been signed and that no ordering information is available.
They are sure making it difficult for me to spend a few thousand dollars! What is going on?
On second thought, I think I’ll get the “New Old Stock” model… Who wants a “replica” that’s been beaten-up by some guy on an assembly line… There is only “1″ real Black Strat…
Will the guitar motivate you to take up the “habit”, FEd??? You could probably get a pew pointers from, David… :^))
[No, I'm with Tim (see above) on this one. - FEd]
Nice, it’s released precisely on my birthday!
This is great news.
Unfortunately I bought a black ‘57 reissue this January so I’m not in the market for a Strat anymore.
The Fender Custom shop is top notch and these guitars will be worth every penny. The Custom shop does do custom work as well, so you leftys out there can always have one built. I’m going to contact them about getting a black pickguard with the DG custom wound pickups.
Here’s a bit from the Fender Custom Shop website:
“Fender Custom Shop instruments have been crafted for and with the input of the world’s finest players—names like Clapton, Beck, Burton, Cray, Gilmour, Townshend and Vaughan, to name just a few. One could be yours.”
Hi FED,
I have a $500.00 dollar Mexican Strat and like the way it feels and is nice to play. However, an American Strat sells for over $2000.00 US I think. If I’m wrong someone will let me know.
Anyway as for the price of David’s replica Strat; I’d say between $3000.00 – $3500.00 US.
As for buying one, definitely.
Have a great weekend everyone.
Now, that is really great news FEd!
…I just did upgrade my red Strat with a set of EMG DG-20 pups.
… I am having a holiday in the Algarve (Portugal) and running out of money. :-(
I have to talk to my wife and start begging.
Wow…..The Strat looks beautiful. I have new desktop wallpaper!
Can’t wait to try it out (especially with the shorter trem arm, that sounds interesting!)
No more sarnie van at work for me…I’ll be making my own lunch at home and saving the pennies for a while I reckon. I just hope Fender see sense and make it around (or under) a grand – or I’ll have to make my own (it will turn out a relic!). Can’t see it happening though with all those extras and the huge demand that they’re bound to have!
Have a good weekend everyone – keep dreaming!
Emma
Seriously, can anyone really get excited about a CD launch being delayed by a week?
I mean, I’m as keen as the next man to hear it but I have this thing called “a life” that happens to me between meals.
The guitar is beautiful. I love the fact of the custom pickups!!
I hope to get one, maybe next year…
What perfect timing to hear about this guitar. I swear, I felt this coming on. I have been looking for inspiration to get me back into playing the guitar.
What is the bigger headline? The Chicago Cubs could break their 100 year world series drought, Obama could break the biggest glass ceiling in the world or David Gilmour is ‘giving’ us his ‘guitar’? I could not be happier. Who knows what the world will deliver, but I know that on the 23rd of Sept., and in the words of Wayne from ‘Wayne’s World’: “Oh yes, it will be mine.”
Waiting a week longer, wippdee frickin’ doo (Dr. Evil). I have been dreaming of this day for 15 years ever since the ‘Delicate Sound of Thunder’ video showed David wailing away. Just watch David’s other DVD and pretend it was filmed in Poland for a week.
Get inspired and learn to play. Playing his stuff is the next and biggest step to take. Be happy for people who dare to dream big.
Thanks David. If you were any cooler, you’d be frozen. Schwing!
I know a decent amount about his trusty red Strat and the custom electronics he uses in that model. Does anyone know how the electronics in the black Strat are customised?
I’m very excited but I doubt I’ll be able to afford it right away.
Thank You,
db
I was hoping that this would be put off for a while, just to give me time to save up for it. It looks bloody lovely, though.
The weekend just got better.
Kev
I just bought a Fender Deluxe American Telecaster for about $1,300. But I don’t care, I’ll definitely be putting this one on eBay soon, and buying the DG replica.
I was skeptical about the release of this guitar, but I’m very glad it’s being made.
Now I just cannot wait to see this guitar in the guitar shops in Brum. I will have to have a jam and see how it feels.
I will have to pray for a miracle to purchase the said guitar though. What with everything go up except my salary, I don’t know how I will be able to afford it.
On a different note, Wales was absolutely fantastic. We are going again next year. I am contemplating learning the Welsh language too. We camped about 12 miles south of Aberystwyth by a beach.
I like the Welsh folk music too.
Anyway, I will dream about owning the the DG signature Strat and have a few jams on it but hey, I am satisfied with my Eugene the Second too.
Hmmm, should I sell my self-restored to concourse standard 1955 Triumph Thunderbird motorbike to obtain the guitar or not?
Have a lovely weekend everyone.
Best regards.
Julie.
[Good to hear that you enjoyed, Julie. - FEd]
Gotta have this guitar.
Do you want me to wash your car Mr, or how about mow your lawn? I will do any odd jobs, gotta get the money together some how.
Bet Fender are so happy they can hardly count.
Anthony
Well, I’m sure the DG Strat will cost between $2,100 and $3,000 given the fact that it is not a Signature Model, but a Custom Shop Artist Series. Basically, any hope of getting this bad-boy for less than $2,000 is a pipe-dream.
It would just be awesome if an artist could thank his biggest fans by dictating a final selling price that’s fair for all involved.
Fender should consider two things:
1) The American economy is in the shitter.
2) Only a DG fan would buy this.
Now, there are a lot of fans out there, and a great many of them play, but how many can afford a luxury item such as this? Many players, like myself, have already built or modified a Strat to sound and/or look like this Strat.
I am not a fan of Fender. I had an Eric Clapton Strat, and after about 8 years the “skunk-strip” started to peel out of the neck. Fender told me “tough-luck”.
I will, however, try my damnedest to get one of these. Maybe I’ll sell my 85-year-old Gibson mandolin.
I also hope that Fender doesn’t try to recoup the expense it’s put into this guitar. Delayed releases. Prototypes. R&D. It all adds up to a hefty price tag in the end.
I sure hope David has the ability to put his foot down for all the fans who gave him the 40 years of fame that allowed a demand for a DG Strat in the first place.
[Well said. Management doesn't like it when I say things like that (because, of course, they like to think that their sterling efforts provided all the good stuff), so I'm glad that you did. - FEd]
I’ll buy one for sure.
Well, that is a very nice axe but I bet it’s way too pricey for me.
The Slash Les Paul is around $4500 USD so I bet this one is at least $2500-3000.
My mate, who is a guitar boff, says it won’t be less than ÂŁ2k. How many fans can afford that?
I think it should be available without all the extras. That would bring the price down.
[Well, at the risk of upsetting DG Management, I was told that there'd be one, but that was before EMI fell on its arse. - FEd]
And I read that now the Rolling Stones have left EMI as well. That is just the latest of many other bands that departed the label. Hope they are treating David fairly or another great may move on.
Thanks.
Andrew
[I sure hope David has the ability to put his foot down for all the fans who gave him the 40 years of fame that allowed a demand for a DG Strat in the first place. - Randall]
I am so tired of the complaints. Not enough tours, can’t wait for the music, we want the guitar now but at a price we want to set, we need new music..bla bla bla.
Some of you need to step back. Those who could afford multiple concerts on the tour, trips to the European venues etc. Please think of those who could not see even one.
From this blog we have learned of signature guitars that cost in the tens of thousands. David is trying to ensure that the fans will have a quality item that has his name on it. He does not fix the price.
Also, to suggest that the fans ‘gave him 40 years of fame’? Does the musician have any part in this? You make it sound as if it is all the fans’ doing and that is just so far from it.
Jan
[The music is, undoubtedly, the most important thing, Jan. By far. However, unless people like it enough to buy it and to support an artist and his art by continually buying, you don't get a 40-year career out of it. I think that's all Randall was saying. But good points. - FEd]
SRVs signature #1 Strat copy cost $25,000 and EC’s Brownie copy (which he created by purchasing 5 Strats here in Nashville from Shobud geetars) was $25,000 and EC’s other Strat is $1500.
There is your range people. A Strat regular relic is @ $2500 btw. My friend who works for Fender said the relic will be at least $4,000…who knows about the cheapie! Buy it or don’t.
Saw a great concert here in Nashville about 9 days ago…Robert Plant with Alison Krause and T Bone Burnett. Oh my god, was it sick. Plant still has it…girlfriend was freaking and Krause sings like an angel, filled the whole auditorium …T Bone is just the coolest cat ever. ‘Battle of Evermore’ was one of the encores. The backing band was unbelievable and the fiddle was hooked up to a distortion pedal during the ‘Black Dog’ solo. TONE FROM HELL!
What do you think about that Dave?
Blake in Nashville
Well, I hope there is a competition to win the guitar on this site. I’m sure David could use his influence to make that happen?!
One thing… If there is a comp, then I hope whoever wins the guitar is someone who will treasure the guitar for life and not just some idiot who’ll flog it on eBay!
Seems like a beautiful guitar, though not affordable for me at this point. Will get the album for sure… followed with a trip to Halfords for some black paint, a hacksaw and some sandpaper!
I’ve been trying to get my hands on that black pickguard for years. Fender makes the black one with the white stripe along the edge and Gilmour’s is all solid black.
I hope you can buy it separate because I already have a black Strat with a maple fretboard.
I’m anxious to know how much one will cost.
[My friend who works for Fender said the relic will be at least $4,000...who knows about the cheapie! Buy it or don't... - Blake From Nashville]
Hmmmm….is this the same Blake from Nashville who emphatically stressed a few months ago that the DG Strat is dead and will not be coming out??
Guess you can’t listen to those rumors that brew around out there?
Thanks.
Andrew
Black 1-ply pickguards are regularly for sale on eBay and can be bought from guitar parts shops online for a reasonable amount. Just Google it and you’ll find somewhere.
Not quite ready to repaint my Strat… In fact I like the colour (Midnight Wine), but I did want ‘that’ sound. I found Seymour Duncan SSL-1’s to be a good choice. I believe that’s what’s in the bridge position on David’s Strat, albeit a custom wound one.
Chris,
Just take a black permanent marker and go over the white strip…it works perfectly!
Here is a photo (click my name) I have of the late and great Bo Diddley and me, on a visit to jam with us here in Folsom, California at the Historic Power House Pub. I had the honor of catering to the man himself for 2 days along with his famous “The Twang Machine”. Very cool experience indeed and the man had his arm in a cast but roared with awesome electric sounds that could transcend you.
Bo Diddley’s trademark instrument was the rectangular-bodied Gretsch, nicknamed “The Twang Machine.” Although he had other similar-shaped guitars custom-made for him by other manufacturers, he fashioned this guitar himself around 1958 and wielded it in thousands of concerts over the years.
I could not help but to recall that Pink Floyd and David Gilmour had been influenced by Bo Diddley. I asked him if he had known about David Gilmour and the band and he replied “they sound familiar”.
I wonder where that special guitar may be today?
[Nice snap, James. - FEd]
Very tasty indeed.
I’ve just added an item to my Xmas wish list for the first time in years.
Is this a limited edition?
[No, it's not. - FEd]
I understand David played a prototype when he did AHM performance. Was it a prototype of the Relic or the new one? Do you know?
Thanks.
Andrew
[No, sorry. - FEd]