This week on Guitar Gear Gems, we look at the new Fender Japan limited-run Esquire models and the Fender Japan Urushi Stratocaster, a very special black Strat. Finally, we check out the re-released G&L Rampage 24, a guitar initially made famous by Alice in Chains’ Jerry Cantrell.
Fender Japan
The Fender Japan Flagship Store in Tokyo is celebrating its first anniversary by releasing limited-rum models, including these Hokusai Esquires. Each guitar has the artwork of Katsushika Hokusai, a world-renowned ukiyo-e artist, on a white satin-finished body. They include the Great Wave Off off Kanagawa and Hokusai’s Thunderstorm Beneath The Summit and Tama River In Musashi Province.
Hokusai Esquire
They are fitted with an American Vintage ‘58 single-coil bridge pickup. The wiring is the standard Esquire three-way switch with a single volume and tone control. They are priced at 198,000 yen each.
Urushi Stratocaster
Fender Japan has released a special edition Stratocaster to commemorate the first anniversary of its Tokyo flagship store. The Urushi Stratocaster features a unique “Tsui-koku” finish, a traditional Japanese lacquer technique that creates a deep, jet-black finish with a mottled matte character.
This exclusive guitar boasts the craftsmanship of renowned lacquer artist Yuji Iwahara and combines Fender’s classic design with Japanese heritage. Underneath the stunning finish, the Urushi Stratocaster stays true to Fender’s legacy with classic 60s-style pickups. All the hardware for this model is gold, including the Synchronised tremolo system.
Due to its limited production and intricate design, the Urushi Stratocaster is only available through a lottery system on the Fender Japan website. Winners will be contacted on June 26th.
This exclusive Strat costs 495,000 yen.
G&L Rampage 24
G&L Guitars brings back the legendary Rampage electric guitar with the Rampage 24. Released in 1985, the Rampage became a grunge icon thanks to guitarists like Jerry Cantrell of Alice in Chains.
The Rampage 24 keeps the original’s stripped-down look while offering upgrades for today’s players.
However, the most significant change is the extended 24-fret neck, perfect for shredding. A sculpted neck improves upper-fret access for effortless playing. This new version now comes with a Floyd Rose locking bridge (the originals fitted with a Kahler) and Sperzel tuners to ensure rock-solid tuning stability.
Available in Ivory and Jet Black finishes, the Rampage 24 boasts a comfortable mid-weight alder body and a hard rock maple neck. It can be ordered with either a 12-inch radius maple or an ebony fretboard.
The G&L Rampage 24 is available, priced at USD 2299
