Worldwide at Last: The Richie Kotzen Stratocaster

For years, the Richie Kotzen Stratocaster was a cult favorite—available only in Japan and coveted by players worldwide. Now, Fender has brought this show-stopping signature model to a global audience, and it’s every bit the powerhouse you’d expect from one of rock’s most dynamic and expressive guitarists.

Richie Kotzen’s playing career is a masterclass in versatility and firepower. From his early days in Poison and Mr. Big to his soulful solo work and boundary-pushing projects like The Winery Dogs and Smith/Kotzen with Iron Maiden’s Adrian Smith, Kotzen has built a reputation for tone, touch, and sheer musicality. His Stratocaster reflects all of that—combining custom specs, luxury aesthetics, and stage-ready performance into a single, unforgettable instrument.

This isn’t just another Strat. A beautifully figured flame maple top comes finished in your choice of Transparent White Burst or Transparent Red Burst—both offering striking depth and visual appeal. Beneath that lies a contoured ash body for natural resonance and comfort. The thick “C”-shaped maple neck with a 12" radius fingerboard and 22 jumbo frets offers fast, effortless playability—ideal for wide bends, fluid legato runs, and rich chord voicings. Add gold hardware, pearloid accents, and abalone inlays, and you’ve got a guitar that’s just as stunning to look at as it is to play.

But the heart of this signature model lies in its tone. A trio of custom-voiced DiMarzio® pickups in an SSS configuration delivers clear, expressive sound with the versatility to go from glassy cleans to gritty blues and searing lead tones. Whether you’re recording in the studio or lighting up the stage, this Strat keeps up with every nuance of your playing.

After years of whispers and workarounds, the Richie Kotzen Stratocaster is finally here for everyone—and it’s absolutely worth the wait.