
New for 2022, Fender releases the Prestige series made by Master Builders, plus a series of limited-edition guitars showcasing the latest in guitar innovation.
Greg Fessler: Prestige Ghost Town Tele, Relic, Artwork by Dave Newman
Greg Fessler found inspiration in Fellow Master Builder Dale Wilson, who travels the Southwest, including many Ghost Towns. Artist Dave Newman, who Fessler has worked with for years, is a Southwest native. Dave's work is stimulated by what he sees around the Southwest, creating an organic segway to the partnership. Innovative specs include Josefina Campos Hand-Wound pickups along with Merle Haggard electronics. Beneath Newman’s artwork lies pre-distressed ash, lending the guitar an authentic finish. This model is ideal for guitar enthusiasts or collectors with respect and affinity for Southwestern art. $17,500.00 USD.
CS 2022Showcase Fender CUSTOM GHOST TOWN TELE® R112802 9216095039
Dennis Galuszka: Prestige Moto Jazzmaster, Bronze Sunburst
Motivated by all things pearloid and with an eagerness to work with founding Fender Custom Shop Master Builder, Fred Stuart, the duo created the Prestige Moto Jazzmaster, Bronze Sunburst. Highlights include a 2-piece select ash body with Moto covering by Fred Stuart and a roasted quartersawn maple neck with '62 style Jazzmaster back-shape. Finish includes Jay Nelson paintwork. $15,000.00 USD.
CS 2022Showcase Fender CUSTOM MOTO JAZZMASTER® CZ556872 9216095043
Todd Krause: Prestige Jazzmaster, Olympic White
Influenced by a modern version of this classic model, Todd Krause’s Prestige Jazzmaster includes simple rear routed electronics and small pickguard and roasted neck - the most notable features giving the Prestige Jazzmaster a very unique appearance. Suitable for a collector or enthusiast craving an instrument that defies tradition and steps outside of predictable boundaries, this is a must-have guitar. $11,250.00 USD.
CS 2022Showcase Fender CUSTOM JAZZMASTER® CZ556894 9216095021
Kyle McMillin: Prestige Thinline Telecaster, Tobacco Sunburst
This Telecaster is inspired by a gorgeous abalone shell pickguard that Kyle McMillin has cherished for years. A deeper review of the shell presented McMillin the perfect combination of specs this guitar needed: a custom abalone veneered pickguard, complemented with abalone side dots and abalone Fender logo in the headstock, a satin tobacco burst finish and Tasmanian blackwood Thinline body with black top binding. The Prestige Thinline Telecaster is equipped with Josefina Campos Hand-Wound original blackguard (bridge) and twisted Tele (neck) pickups, possessing a traditional Fender sound with a unique and elegant look. $11,000.00 USD.
CS 2022Showcase Fender CUSTOM THINLINE TELECASTER® KM1054 9216095035
Yuriy Shishkov: Prestige Quilted '60s Stratocaster
Inspired by an exquisite deep purple finish, Yuriy Shishkov sought to create a High Garde Quilt Maple top for his prestige collection. The Prestige Quilted ‘60s Stratocaster includes: NOS urethane finish with gold hardware, select roasted ash body with 4A quilted maple top and Josefina Campos Hand-Wound '60s Strat pickups. The Prestige Quilted '60s Stratocaster is an ideal guitar for enthusiasts and collectors craving a one-of-a-kind Custom Shop creation. $9,500.00 USD.
CS 2022Showcase Fender CUSTOM QUILTED '60s STRATOCASTER® YS2948 9216095041
Jason Smith: Prestige Electric Sea Gems Esquire
Jason Smith, frontman for band Echovox, commissioned Minnesota based artist Laura Bennett to create his band’s album cover art, and from there the inspiration for the Electric Sea Gems was born. The Prestige Electric Sea Gems Esquire features include: a 2-piece select alder body, quartersawn maple neck with '60 style oval "C" back shape, and a flat-lam rosewood fingerboard with white pearloid block inlay. This single pickup Esquire includes heavily rolled edges on the neck, giving the guitar a comfortable, vintage feel. The Electric Sea Gems Esquire captivates art collectors and guitar enthusiasts alike. $13,000.00 USD.
CS 2022Showcase Fender CUSTOM ELECTRIC SEA GEMS ESQUIRE® JS0605 9216090056
Ron Thorn: Prestige Hawaiian Dream Resonator, Natural
Koa, a wood revered for its beauty, tone and symbolism is only grown in one place on earth: Hawaii. Ron Thorn built this Koa resonator in celebration of Hawaii’s “rich musical heritage and love of slide and steel guitars.” The extra thick Koa hollow body allows for additional volume and projection from the hand-spun resonator cone. The Koa set-neck’s fretboard is adorned with various Hawaiian flower position marker inlays in a selection of pearl, abalone and semi-precious stone materials. Thornhand-engraved the bronze-plated brass top in a floral motif with bird of paradise sound holes, which are also found on the body’s curly Koa back. An active preamp allows blending of the neck pickup and the piezo biscuit bridge for endless electric/acoustic resonator tones when plugged in. $36,500.00 USD.
CS 2022Showcase Fender CUSTOM HAWAIIAN DREAM RESONATOR Hawaiian Dream 9216095042
Vincent Van Trigt Peacock Precision Bass
After creating the Flamingo Telecaster last year with Ian Ward, a prolific parrot breeder and aviary enthusiast, Vincent Van Trigt sought out the opportunity to work with Ward again, inspired by his illustrations of birds. Vincent Van Trigt notes, “historically peacocks are a symbol of transformation, restoration and rejuvenation, which is what music is. It’s transformative, it takes people on a journey and rejuvenates their souls.” The 1952 Peacock Precision Bass is adorned with Ward's artwork and inlays that match beautifully as well as Josefina Campos Hand-Wound special design pickups with custom mounting rings. The pickup ring with 2 ‘51 pickups is wired in series while the reversed headstock is a nod to Dusty Hill. The 1952 Peacock Precision Bass is perfect for a bass player looking for a classic Fender instrument with some modern twists and gorgeous artwork. $22,500.00 USD.
CS 2022Showcase Fender CUSTOM '52 PEACOCK PRECISION BASS® XN3467 9216095311
Paul Waller: Prestige Saint John's Skeleton Telecaster, Black Over Graffiti Yellow With Artwork By David Kassan
Paul Waller partnered with artist David Kassan, an oil/canvas painter, to create hand-painted art inspired by a skeleton of the Saint John the Divine Cathedral in New York City. The Prestige Saint John’s Skeleton Telecaster is painted on top of a relic finish with black over graffiti yellow, a different finish than Fender’s typical gloss finish on art guitars. While the artwork appears to be a picture at first glance, it becomes individual brushstrokes of oil colors. David Hassan notes of this artwork, “this has the profound potential to wake us up and breathe more life into our lives. A painting surface holds all of the thoughts of the artist that paints on it. In this case, the Telecaster is the ossuary for all of my decisions to create this work. It embodies/absorbed all of my success as well as my failures in painting it. $21,500.00 USD.
CS 2022Showcase Fender CUSTOM SAINT JOHN'S SKELETON TELECASTER® PW486 9216095036
Limited Edition Dual P90 Telecaster Relic
Available finishes include Pink Paisley, Black Paisley and Blue Floral. $5,450.00 USD.
Limited Edition Roasted '61 Strat Super Heavy Relic
Available finishes include Aged 3-color sunburst, Aged Natural, Aged Sherwood Green Over 3-Color Sunburst and Aged Black Over 3-Color Sunburst. $5,600.00 USD.
Limited Edition Fat '50s Strat Relic
Available finishes include India Ivory, Wide-Fade Chocolate 2-Color Sunburst and Super Faded Aged Seafoam Green. $4,750.00 USD.
Limited Edition '50s Twisted Tele Custom Journeyman Relic
Available finishes include Chocolate 3-Color Sunburst, Aged Ocean Turquoise, and Aged Tahitian Coral. $4,800.00 USD.
Limited Edition Custom Jazz Bass Heavy Relic
Available finishes include Aged Natural, Aged Black and Faded Aged 3-Color Sunburst. $5,450.00 USD.
Limited Edition Cunife Tele Custom Journeyman Relic
Available finishes include Chocolate 3-Color Sunburst, Aged Ocean Turquoise and Aged Tahitian Coral. $4,800.00 USD.
Limited Edition '55 Bone Tone Strat Relic
Available finishes include Aged Honey Blonde, Aged Hle Gold, Wide Fade 2-Color Sunburst. $5,300.00 USD.
Limited Edition Caballo Tono Ligero Relic
Available finishes include Aged Black, Aged Gold Sparkle and Aged Magenta Sparkle. $5,400.00 - $5,900.00 USD.
Limited Edition Red Hot Strat Super Heavy Relic
Available finishes include Faded Aged Chocolate 3-Color Sunburst, Aged Dirty White Blonde and Super Faded Aged Lake Placid Blue. $5,950.00 USD.
Limited Edition HS Telecaster Custom Relic
Available finishes include Aged Charcoal Frost Metallic and 3-Color Sunburst. $5,950.00 USD.
Limited Edition P Bass Special Journeyman Relic
Available finishes include 3-Color Sunburst, Aged Dakota Red and Aged Sherwood Green Metallic. $5,250.00 USD.
Limited Edition Tomatillo Tele Journeyman Relic
Available finishes include Natural Blonde, Tomatillo Green and Super Faded Aged Tahitian Coral. $4,650.00 USD.
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Brent Mason is, of course, on of the most recorded guitarists in history, who helped define the sound of most ’90s country superstars. So, whether you know it or not, you’ve likely heard Mason’s playing.
Professional transcriber Levi Clay has done the deepest of dives into Brent Mason’s hotshot licks. At one point, he undertook the massive project of transcribing and sharing one of Mason’s solos every day for 85 or so days. Mason is, of course, on of the most recorded guitarists in history, who helped define the sound of most ’90s country superstars. So, whether you know it or not, you’ve likely heard Mason’s playing. Levi shares the insight he gleaned from digging deep, and he tells us what it was like when they shared a stage last year. Plus, Levi plays us some great examples of Mason’s playing.
For the first time ever, two guitar greats, John 5 and Richie Kotzen will be heading out on the road this year. The tour will launch October 16 and run through November, hitting markets across the U.S.
Find the full tour itinerary right plus a link for tickets & VIP, including additional dates featuring John 5 only. Reserved seating tickets will go on sale Friday May 16 though a fan presale will begin today at noon local time and fans are strongly encouraged to buy early to get the best seats.
Meet and Greets for both artists will be available. For John 5 please go to: https://john5store.com/collections/vip.
Today, John 5 also announces more details of his anticipated new album. Called The Ghost, it will be released October 10 and is led by the new track “Fiend,” featuring Kenny Aronoff.
John 5 continues running public tours this month for his Knights In Satan’s Service Museum of KISS Memorabilia in Los Angeles, California. Guided tours are open to the public for one month only (with a possible expansion). Current dates available are May 12-16, May 19-23 and May 27-30. Each will be led by John 5 himself who will provide tons of rich detail and answer any questions. Secure your place HERE.
JOHN 5 continues to tour with Mötley Crüe including an upcoming residency in Las Vegas in 2025.RICHIE KOTZEN &
JOHN 5 FALL 2025 TOUR
October 16 El Cajon, CA @ Magnolia
October 17 Riverside, CA @ Fox Performing Arts
October 18 Roseville, CA @ Goldfield Trading Post
October 19 San Jose, CA @ The Ritz
October 21 Phoenix, AZ @ Celebrity Theatre
October 22 Albuquerque, NM @ KiMo Theatre
October 24 Dallas, TX @ Granada Theater
October 25 Leander, TX @ The Haute Spot
October 27 New Orleans, LA @ House of Blues
October 28 Memphis, TN @ Minglewood Hall
October 29 Nashville, TN @ Fogg Street Lawn Club
October 30 Atlanta, GA @ Variety Playhouse
October 31 Orlando, FL @ House of Blues
November 1 Fort Lauderdale, FL @ Culture Room
November 2 Clearwater, FL @ Capitol Theatre
November 4 Richmond, VA @ The National
November 5 Leesburg, VA @ Tally Ho Theater
November 6 Patchogue, NY @ Patchogue Theatre
November 11 Glenside, PA @ Keswick Theatre
November 12 Derry, NH @ Tupelo Music Hall
November 13 Foxborough, MA @ Six String Grill & Stage
November 14 Stroudsburg, PA @ Sherman Theater
November 15 Lorain, OH @ Lorain Palace Theatre
November 16 Columbus, OH @ The King Of Clubs
November 17 Warrendale, PA @ Jergels
November 19 Wyandotte, MI @ District 142
November 20 Flint, MI @ The Machine Shop
November 21 Fort Wayne, IN @ Piere’s
November 22 St. Charles, IL @ Arcada Theatre
November 23 Belvidere, IL @ Apollo Theatre
November 25 Denver, CO @ Oriental Theater
November 29 Pioneertown, CA @ Pappy & Harriet's*
*John 5 only
AEROSMITH guitarist and songwriter JOE PERRY is set to return to the road for a series of August performances with THE JOE PERRY PROJECT. The 8-date run kicks off August 13 in Tampa, FL and wraps August 23 in Port Chester, New York, with an August 19 performance in PERRY’s Boston hometown (see the itinerary below). For the North American trek—which marks the first solo shows for PERRY this year—the legendary guitarist will be joined by his Aerosmith bandmates Brad Whitford (guitar) and Buck Johnson (keys), along with The Black Crowes’ Chris Robinson (vocals), and Stone Temple Pilots’ Robert DeLeo (bass), and Eric Kretz (drums).
“Well…it’s time to let the music do the talkin again,” PERRY says. “I’m really excited about the JPP line up this year!!!! Most of these guys played with me at The Roxy in L.A. at the debut event for my latest solo album [Sweetzerland Manifesto] in January 2018. They’re all busy as hell but thankfully they’re able to carve out some time for this run. And I’m not only lucky enough to have Brad Whitford onstage with me but Chris Robinson of The Black Crowes! [who sang ‘Fortunate One’ on Sweetzerland Manifesto MKII], Robert DeLeo and Eric Kretz from STP!!! and Buck Johnson who plays keys and sings with Aerosmith, the Hollywood Vampires, and is also a solo artist in his own right.”
For the shows, the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame inductee says “the set list is gonna include my fav JPP cuts, STP, Black Crowes, and with Brad we’ll be hitting the Aero hits and some deep cuts and then ya never know!!!! Gonna be a BLAST, and if you’ve ever been to one of my shows you know the words GARAGE BAND on STEROIDS come to mind! See you there!!!!”
DATE | LOCATION | VENUE |
Wednesday, August 13 | Tampa, FL | Seminole Hard Rock - Tampa |
Thursday, August 14 | Hollywood, FL | Seminole Hard Rock - Hollywood |
Saturday, August 16 | Toronto, ON | HISTORY |
Sunday, August 17 | Muskoka, ON | Kee to Bala |
Tuesday, August 19 | Boston, MA | Wang Theatre |
Wednesday, August 20 | Hampton Beach, NH | Hampton Beach Casino Ballroom |
Friday, August 22 | Mashantucket, CT | The Premier Theater at Foxwoods Resort Casino |
Saturday, August 23 | Port Chester, NY | Capitol Theatre |
A sample page from the author’s analog log.
Seasonal changes are tough on your acoustic. Here’s how you can take better care of your prized instrument.
As you read this, spring is in bloom in most of the US, or maybe it has been for some time. I’m timing this column specifically to ask acoustic guitarists, in this season of increasing humidity and comfortable conditions, to prepare for what’s coming. It’s never too soon, and time flies. Before you know it, we’ll be back to the maintenance phase and you might be blowing up the phones of your local guitar shops, luthiers, and techs. I’m here to encourage a decidedly old-school approach to preventative guitar maintenance, and yes, it starts now.
Why, you ask? Well, as the lead luthier at Acoustic Music Works, I can tell you that in my nearly 15 years in this position, this was the worst winter ever for preventable repairs on acoustic guitars. Fret sprout, bridge lifts, top sink, soundboard cracks, back cracks, loose binding, general malaise… These hit us very hard in the winter that spanned 2024 and 2025. Am I complaining? On the one hand, no. This is part of how we make our money. On the other hand, yes! Repair schedules related to dryness and humidity issues can stretch into weeks and even months, and nobody wants to be without their favorite instruments for that amount of time. With a little thoughtfulness, however, you might get through next winter (and every one thereafter) without hefty repair bills or time apart from your musical companion.
Our preparation is going to start with an unlikely but very important guitar accessory: the humble notebook. Plain, lined, grid, day planner… it doesn’t matter. We all need to actively participate in our instrument maintenance, and in my experience, fancy apps that track humidity via Bluetooth breed a kind of laziness, a feeling of safety that might prevent us from actually physically looking in on conditions. Better we keep an analog, well, log, so that we know where things stand, and I suggest checking in daily.
“This was the worst winter ever for preventable repairs on acoustic guitars.”
Track your relative humidity, both in the case and in the room where your instruments mostly reside, but also take notes on your action height, top deflection (StewMac has some great tips for measuring this) and anything related to playability that you believe you can observe empirically.
Dryness is the root cause of most guitar issues that manifest in the fall and winter months. Symptoms of dryness include sharp fret ends, falling action and dead frets, sunken top around the sound hole, and cracks and bridge lifts. With your trusty notebook, you’ll get a feel for the sensitivity level of your instrument, and that knowledge is power!
A few other basic implements will not only assist you in your observations, but may also satisfy your need to buy guitar-related things (at least for a minute). Getting quick and comfortable with a fret rocker is a great skill to have, and is invaluable in diagnosing buzzes due to high frets or frets that have come unseated due to dryness. A well-calibrated relief gauge might seem luxurious, but it can prevent you from making unnecessary or extreme truss rod adjustments. A string action gauge, or even a simple machinist’s rule or set of feeler gauges, will help you keep track of your action. Get a three-pack of hygrometers so you can average their readings, rather than depending on one.
Lest we forget: A guitar can not only be too dry, it can also be too wet. By beginning your maintenance diligence in the spring/summer, you’ll also be able to tell if your instrument is the victim of a too-humid environment. The signs of over-humidification are subtle: Your action may rise from a puffed-up top, and in extreme cases, glue joints could begin to fail. In my experience, an over-humidified guitar will suffer from dulled tone, almost like a sock in the sound hole. If you’re sensing a lack of clarity in your guitar all of a sudden, start with new strings. If it persists, it might be due to over-humidification, and you may want to introduce a desiccant to the case for a time. The more lightly built your guitar is, the more sensitive it will be to seasonal changes.
By getting into these habits early, you’ll be empowered by knowing your instrument more intimately. You’ll understand when and why changes in tone and playability might have occurred, and you’ll hopefully save on repair bills year-round. Feel free to reach out with any questions. Who knows? I might just send you a notebook with an AMW sticker on the cover!