logo

Fender launches Custom Shop recreation of George Harrison’s Rocky Strat

It was first announced back at NAMM 2020.

George Harrison's Rocky Strat

Image: Fender

When you purchase through affiliate links on Guitar.com, you may contribute to our site through commissions. Learn more.

Fender Custom Shop has launched its Master Built recreation of George Harrison‘s iconic ‘Rocky’ Stratocaster, famous for appearing on such classic Beatles records as Help! and Sgt. Pepper’s Lonely Hearts Club Band, and in the Magical Mystery Tour film.

The guitar is the work of Master Builder Paul Waller, who studied the original instrument close up in order to ensure accuracy, and worked hand-in-hand with the Harrison estate to bring the recreation to life. The body, pickups, wiring and the rare, asymmetrical C neck shape of this Strat are as identical to the original instrument as possible – even Harrison’s DIY psychedelic paint job and the ‘Grimwoods’ decal are recreated.

Beyond this, every limited edition model comes complete with pickups hand-wound by Fender legend Abigail Ybarra. Fender has also released a new edition of its Dream Factory video series, which showcases the processes behind such a meticulous recreation – take a look below.

The Rocky Strat was bought for Harrison by the band’s roadie, Mal Evans, in early 1965. It first appeared on Help! – the first Stratocaster to feature in the band’s music – in its original Sonic Blue finish. Later on, it also starred in the Sgt. Pepper sessions, the iconic 1967 telecast of All You Need Is Love and the I Am The Walrus segment of the Magical Mystery Tour film.

The Fender Custom Shop Master Built George Harrison Rocky Stratocaster is available for £23,099/€26,549.

Find out more at fendercustomshop.com.

Related Brands

Related Tags

logo

The world’s leading authority and resource for all things guitar.

© 2024 Guitar.com is part of NME Networks.