FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
HOLLYWOOD, Calif. (March 14, 2024) — Today, Fender Musical Instruments Corporation (FMIC) announces the launch of a new signature Telecaster® guitar honoring Raphael Saadiq, a multi-award-winning artist, songwriter, film & television composer, producer, and one of R&B’s foremost innovators. The Limited Edition Raphael Saadiq Telecaster® pays homage to an artist whose credits include collaborations with Beyonce, D’Angelo, Stevie Wonder, Whitney Houston, Adele, and a litany of others. A perfect confluence of modernized features and timeless retro design, the signature Telecaster guitar is the ideal instrument for any player looking to break down artistic boundaries with effortless style and timeless tonality. A comfortable ‘59 “C”-shape neck and resonant ash body make this signature instrument as approachable as it is sonically powerful.
Gifted with musical talent from a young age, Saadiq’s journey began at the age of six, grooving on a bass. Throughout middle and high school, he played in various bands with school friends, transitioning from basement rehearsals to the grand stage. Shortly before turning eighteen, Saadiq seized a significant opportunity, landing a role as a bass player for Sheila E’s backing band during Prince’s Parade Tour. This catapulted his career, performing in sold-out stadiums alongside his childhood hero. Two years later, Saadiq returned to Oakland with a renewed sense of purpose. Swiftly taking action, he formed his musical outfit, Tony! Toni! Toné!, with his brother and cousin. The band achieved massive success throughout the ‘90s, reaching #2 on the Billboard R&B charts. Saadiq continued to solidify his name among music’s finest, collaborating with icons like Tupac Shakur, Whitney Houston, Mary J. Blige, A Tribe Called Quest, and many more.
While known for his multifaceted roles in the studio and on stage, Saadiq’s emotive and precise guitar playing has become a distinctive hallmark. Combining early soul and funk influences with his unique contemporary style, Raphael Saadiq stands as a one-of-a-kind player. He deserves a signature instrument that not only reflects his artistry but also embodies his fearless approach to playing—a tool that can empower any musician aspiring to make their artistic mark on the world.
“Fender truly went hard in the paint with my signature Tele. It goes beyond the richness and snap I love to play with. Thanks to mentors like the incomparable Tony Maiden, Prince, and Ray Parker Jr., Eric Gales, Rob Fonksta Bacon, I’ve learned to play the Telecaster to amplify sound like no other. Collaborating with the iconic Fender brand to introduce my own signature Telecaster is a great honor. I’m excited for young musicians to pick up this guitar, write with it, and take the stage with confidence,” said Raphael Saadiq
This Telecaster® is timeless to the bone yet irrefutably cutting edge. Vintage tall frets, black body binding, and old school ’59 “C” shaped neck will keep the purists plenty happy while more contemporary players will have to pick their jaws up off the floor after catching sight of this Telecaster® guitar’s striking Dark Red Metallic finish and psychedelic custom-tooled pickguard, inspired by his timeless album, Instant Vintage. A set of chrome hardware and painted black headstock ensure that this axe will turn heads even from the nosebleeds. But don’t be fooled; this instrument is far more than just something pretty to look at—a set of Custom Raphael Saadiq pickups provide a dynamic range that will arm players with clarity, sustain, and precision across any number of genres. Introducing the Limited-Edition Raphael Saadiq Telecaster. Renowned guitarist, producer, and Grammy winner Raphael Saadiq brings his vision to life with this timeless model. It features an ash body, vintage-tall frets, flash paint job, and custom Raphael Saadiq Single-Coil Tele pickups for sweet vintage tones.
“Fender proudly unveils our latest masterpiece—a Telecaster® collaboration with the incredible multi-instrumentalist Raphael Saadiq. This guitar is a blend of tradition and innovation, vintage charm meets modern brilliance,” said Justin Norvell, EVP Product at FMIC “The vintage-style ‘tall’ frets, black body binding, and a classic ‘59 “C”-shaped neck pay homage to our roots, while the Dark Red Metallic finish, custom pickguard, and chrome hardware reflect Saadiq’s unique style. Fender, alongside Saadiq, invites fans and players alike to embark on a new chapter in music and artistry.”
In true tradition, the Fender Artist Signature Series honors iconic musicians through product progression and storytelling, creating instruments and gear inspired by the unique specifications of the world’s greatest guitarists and bassists.
For technical specs, additional information on new Fender products and to find a retail partner near you, visit www.fender.com. Join the conversation on social media by following @Fender.
# # #
Limited Edition Raphael Saadiq Telecaster® ($2,399.99 USD, £2,499.00 GBP, €2,849.00 EUR, $4199.00 AUD, 374,000 JPY)
Introducing the Limited-Edition Raphael Saadiq Telecaster® guitar. Guitarist, bassist, multi-platinum producer, and Grammy-winning artist Raphael Saadiq built his reputation on the keen vision and vintage timbres that power his potent productions – Like Raphael’s music, this timeless model seamlessly blends retro and contemporary elements to astounding effect.
Saadiq’s requisite appointments – ash body, maple neck, and slab rosewood fingerboard with clay dots, vintage-tall frets, and bone nut – keep the tone, look, and feel planted firmly in the Fender wheelhouse. The old-school ’59 “C”-shape neck and vintage-spec hardware harmonize with the flash paint job, distinctive black binding, custom-tooled graphic pickguard design, and flatter 9.5” fingerboard radius to give the Raphael Saadiq Telecaster® the best of both worlds. Custom Raphael Saadiq Single-Coil Tele® pickups up the ante for tones that will inspire, enchant, and transport you to your own instant vintage dimension. Deluxe hardshell case included.
ABOUT FENDER MUSICAL INSTRUMENTS CORPORATION:
Since 1946, Fender has revolutionized music and culture as one of the world’s leading musical instrument manufacturers, marketers, and distributors. Fender Musical Instruments Corporation (FMIC) – whose portfolio of owned and licensed brands includes Fender®, Squier®, Gretsch® guitars, Jackson®, EVH®, Charvel®, Bigsby®, and PreSonus® – follows a player-centric approach to crafting the highest-quality instruments and digital experiences across genres. Since 2015, Fender’s digital arm has introduced a new ecosystem of products and interactive experiences to accompany players at every stage of their musical journey. This includes innovative apps and learning platforms designed to complement Fender guitars, amplifiers, effects pedals, accessories, and pro-audio gear and inspire players through an immersive musical experience. FMIC is dedicated to unlocking the power of musical expression for all players, from beginners to history-making legends. In 2021, Fender celebrated 75 years of giving artists “wings to fly,” carrying on the vision of its founder, Leo Fender, and connecting players through a shared love of music.
ABOUT RAPHAEL SAADIQ:
For over 30 years, multi-instrumentalist, musician, songwriter, and producer Raphael Saadiq has influenced the ever-shifting landscape of pop/R&B music. Saadiq’s approach is shaped by his deep musicality and uncanny creative vision. His timeless fingerprint can be felt across his solo work, an impressive array of collaborations with the likes of Beyoncé, Solange Knowles, John Legend, Brent Faiyaz, and Mary J. Blige, and his trail-blazing time in the beloved R&B band Tony! Toni! Toné! Hailed for his effortless blend of classic flair and groundbreaking sensibilities, Saadiq prods at the rigidity of music to craft profoundly moving, kaleidoscopic sonic experiences. Saadiq’s influence is palpable in film and TV, earning him multiple award wins and nominations. Movies Mudbound (2018) and The United States vs. Billie Holiday (2021) both feature Saadiq’s songs, while his scoring and music supervision work can be heard in Insecure (HBO), Lovecraft Country (HBO), Genius: Aretha (NatGeo), Underground (WGN) and 61St Street (AMC). Saadiq also serves as the executive music producer on the critically acclaimed Disney animated series Marvel’s Moon Girl and the Devil Dinosaur.
|