Fender & H.E.R.’s Signature Stratocaster

H.E.R. Makes History as First Black Female Artist to Have Fender Artist Signature Guitar

Fender Musical Instruments Corporation (FMIC) today released the new H.E.R. Signature Stratocaster® in collaboration with the multiple Grammy®-Award-winning R&B singer-songwriter. She has long played Fender guitars to attain her signature sound on projects, such as her debut album H.E.R., which was certified RIAA Platinum® this year. A project more than a year in the making, the all-new H.E.R. Signature Stratocaster® has been designed to the artist’s specifications with a distinctive look and exceptional tone; it features Fender Vintage Noiseless™ pickups, a 1-ply anodized aluminum pickguard and an alder body fini

“Fender was the reason I began playing guitar,” said H.E.R. “My father taught me how to play my first blues scale on a mini black-and-white Strat®, so it’s absolutely surreal I have partnered with Fender to design my own Signature Stratocaster®. As an artist, I find that my most personal thoughts make the most relatable music. By designing a Stratocaster® with a color, shape and sound that is one-hundred-percent my own, my hope is that other young women and players from all backgrounds feel inspired to pick up this guitar, tap into their thoughts and create amazing music.”

“This is the culmination of a years-long relationship between Fender and H.E.R., and a testament to everything

This is the latest installment of a longstanding partnership between H.E.R. and Fender. Stratocaster® guitars have been a part of several breakout moments for the artist, including a performance of “Hard Place” at the 2019 Grammy® Awards with a clear acrylic Stratocaster® and then a custom black Stratocaster® in a Big Game Pepsi® commercial in 2020 with Missy Elliot. This new Signature Strat® is designed to enable the next generation of guitar players — of which H.E.R. is a major influencer — to access her trademark look and soulful sound. As part of Fender’s continuing commitment to recognize the diversity of its longtime players and new guitarists, H.E.R. is now the first Black female artist to be honored with a Fender Artist Signature model.

“We are honored that H.E.R. has chosen to work with Fender on her debut artist signature model,” said Evan Jones, CMO, Fender. “She is an incredible, Grammy Award-winning artist whose future in the music industry is bright, and we are proud of the authentic relationship we have built with H.E.R. over these last several years. As we look to the future of guitar, we believe it’s our responsibility to support the increasing diversity and adoption of the instrument across all genres, and it’s also our belief that investing in more signature projects and collaborations with more Black, Latinx and female artists is an important next step toward expanding the cultural relevance of guitar and the Fender brand.”

“It’s important for young aspiring players to see themselves in the heroes they look up to, and we know who we amplify with our brand can help make that impact,” Jones added. 

The H.E.R. Signature Stratocaster® features an alder body with a traditional tonewood fini

In true tradition, Fender’s Artist Signature Series honors iconic musicians through product progression and storytelling, creating instruments inspired by the unique specifications of the world’s greatest guitarists and bassists. H.E.R. also discusses her playing style, technique and her new signature guitar in an episode of Fender’s serialized social video series, Fender Sessions. Fender Sessions takes a deep, personalized dive into some of Fender’s beloved artists and in turn gives the brand a chance to elevate and support its talented base of global players by giving them a platform to showcase their passion. At its core, the series is about amplifying the voice of the artist, giving them a way to fully articulate their vision and mastery of their craft.  Each video is intimate, candid, personal and most importantly – raw.

Fender discusses the all-new H.E.R. Signature Stratocaster® specs and all details in an episode of Fender’s serialized social video series: Fender Demos here. Fender Demos is an educational video series focused on providing a deep dive into Fender’s newest products. The series focuses on showcasing not only the key features and benefits, but also the sonic quality of Fender’s instruments, amplifiers and pedals. In addition to product demos, the series also provides valuable beginner, intermediate and advanced tone tips, set-up and maintenance guides and insights to getting the most out of your Fender gear.