H.E.R. has just launched another signature Fender Stratocaster. The launch comes as a continuation of her long-standing collaboration with the brand, following the launch of the first Limited H.E.R Strat back in 2020. The original launch established H.E.R. as the first Black female artist in Fender’s 77-year history to launch a signature guitar.
The musician’s new Blue Marlin Stratocaster is limited to production in 2023 only.
The new Blue Marlin model features the personalised specs she prefers in a Stratocaster, with the body boasting a striking blue, iridescent finish that shifts under light which is said to be a tribute to H.E.R.’s father.
In a special video feature shared alongside the guitar’s launch, H.E.R. spoke about the need for more female musicians to get behind instruments and mixing desks.
“I hope I’ve contributed to this in some way – that it’s cool to be in a band and it’s cool to play an instrument,” she said. “It’s cool to pick up an instrument and be melodic or come up with a really dope chord progression alongside songwriting.
“I’m seeing a lot of women playing guitar and killing it and I absolutely love to see that. I think we need more women who are producing, more women on the drums, more women on the bass, more women on the guitar. I think we’re now shedding light on those women and I hope that I continue to inspire.”
In a press release, H.E.R. said of the launch: “I distinctly remember my father teaching me how to play my first blues scale on a Fender mini black-and-white Stratocaster. Filming this interview with him, reflecting on my musical journey, and the development of my second signature Fender guitar has been a surreal ‘pinch me’ moment.”
She continued, “I designed my Limited Edition Stratocaster guitar with a colour, shape and sound that is 100% my own so that young women and players from all backgrounds feel inspired to pick up this guitar, tap into their thoughts and create amazing music.”
The H.E.R. Blue Marlin Stratocaster will cost £1,199 and features a one-piece Maple Neck with mid-60s ‘C’ shape, Fender Vintage Noiseless Stratocaster pickups, and a custom neck plate engraved with the musician’s artwork.
