Fender Ritchie Kotzen Stratocaster

Richie Kotzen is a guitarist that through his many years of incredible work with different bands has forged his own unique blend of soul, funk, pop, rock and metal. This special style of playing requires a special guitar to go with it hence why for a long time in Japan you have been able to buy the incredible Richie Kotzen Stratocaster signature model. Available for a limited time this guitar is never normally available outside of Japan.

The Build

Richie puts comfort while playing above pretty much anything else. At the end of the day he wants his guitars to remain in tune and stay out of the way so his hands are free to move. That is why it uses a lightweight Ash body with strong body curves and topped with laminated flame maple for a killer look.

The neck is the really interesting part however as Richie actually prefers a very thick neck. In fact this is probably the largest neck Fender produce for any of their production guitars. Even with its massive size though it is still incredibly comfortable to play even with regular sized hands.

The Hardware

When building this guitar they tried out many different pickups but none really hit the right note. So in the end they went to DiMarzio and got a set of custom single coils made and they sound incredible. Enough heat to cary you through hard rock and metal tunes but articulate enough to sound great with pop, and soul styles as well.

Specifications

General

Model Name: Richie Kotzen Stratocaster, Maple Fingerboard
Model Number: 5258090928
Series: Japan Exclusive

Body

Body Shape: Stratocaster
Body Material: Ash with Flame Maple Laminated Top
Body Finish: Polyester
Neck

Neck Material: Maple
Neck Shape: Thick "C"
Scale Length: 25.5" (648 mm)
Fingerboard Radius: 12" (305 mm)
Number of Frets: 22
Fret Size: Super Jumbo
String Nut: Synthetic Bone
Nut Width: 1.650" (42 mm)
Neck Plate: 4-Bolt
Neck Finish: Satin Polyurethane
Fingerboard: Maple
Position Inlays: Abalone Dot
Electronics

Bridge Pickup: DiMarzio Custom Single Coil
Middle Pickup: DiMarzio Custom Single Coil
Neck Pickup: DiMarzio Custom Single Coil
Controls: Master Volume, Tone 1. (Neck Pickup), Tone 2. (Bridge/Middle Pickup)
Pickup Switching: 5-Position Blade: Position 1. Bridge Pickup, Position 2. Bridge and Middle Pickup, Position 3. Middle Pickup, Position 4. Middle and Neck Pickup, Position 5. Neck Pickup
Pickup Configuration: SSS
Hardware

Bridge: Vintage-Style Synchronized Tremolo
Tuning Machines: Gotoh with Pearl Buttons
Orientation: Right-Hand
Pickguard: 3-Ply Pearloid
Control Knobs: White Plastic
Miscellaneous

Strings: NPS, .009-.042 Gauges