Description

😮‍💨 2023 Limited Edition Fender Rarities USA 50’s RI KOA Stratocaster with two Fender ‘59 single coils and a Tim Shaw Designed Humbucker. $2499 with OHSC!

The Fender Rarities Flame Koa Top Stratocaster is a limited-edition electric guitar that combines exotic tonewoods with premium components, offering a unique take on the classic Stratocaster design. Released as part of Fender’s Rarities Collection, this model is crafted to provide both visual appeal and exceptional playability.

Key Features

  • Body: Constructed with a two-piece ash body topped with a figured flame koa veneer, delivering a distinctive aesthetic and resonant tone.
  • Neck: Features a one-piece, quartersawn European maple neck with a modern “C” profile, providing comfortable playability.
  • Fingerboard: Equipped with a maple fingerboard featuring a 9.5-inch radius and 21 narrow-tall frets, facilitating smooth navigation across the fretboard.
  • Pickups: Outfitted with a Tim Shaw-designed humbucking bridge pickup with a Filter’Tron cover, and two overwound ’59 Strat single-coil pickups with gold foil covers in the middle and neck positions, offering a versatile range of tones.
  • Hardware: Includes a six-point synchronized tremolo bridge and Pure Vintage “Fender Deluxe” tuning machines, ensuring stable tuning and classic vibrato effects.
  • Controls: Utilizes a five-way pickup selector switch, master volume, and two tone controls for precise tonal shaping.
  • Finish: Showcases a natural gloss polyurethane finish that highlights the flame koa top’s intricate grain patterns.

Sound Profile

The combination of ash and flame koa in the body construction contributes to a balanced tonal foundation with pronounced midrange and clear highs. The Tim Shaw-designed humbucker in the bridge position delivers a powerful, articulate voice, while the overwound ’59 Strat single-coils in the middle and neck positions provide warmth and clarity. This pickup configuration allows for a wide array of sounds, from bright and chimey cleans to rich, overdriven tones.

Applications

This Stratocaster is well-suited for guitarists seeking a versatile instrument capable of handling various genres, including rock, blues, jazz, and pop. Its unique tonal palette and striking appearance make it an excellent choice for both live performances and studio recordings. The limited-edition status adds an element of exclusivity, appealing to collectors and players alike.

Build Quality and Aesthetic

Fender’s Rarities Collection is known for its high-quality craftsmanship, and the Flame Koa Top Stratocaster exemplifies this standard. The meticulous construction ensures durability and reliability, while the natural gloss finish accentuates the flame koa’s visual appeal. The combination of premium materials and attention to detail results in an instrument that is both aesthetically pleasing and highly functional.

Country of Manufacture

United States

Collectibility and Market Value

As a limited-edition model within Fender’s Rarities Collection, the Flame Koa Top Stratocaster holds significant appeal among collectors and enthusiasts. Its unique features and limited production run contribute to its desirability and potential for appreciation in value over time. The distinctive combination of exotic tonewoods and custom-designed pickups sets it apart from standard production models, enhancing its status as a collectible instrument.