Fender Tom Morello Stratocaster, Black

Full Description

A prophet of rage

Tom Morello is widely regarded as one of the most influential guitarists of his generation - and for good reason, too. He completely revolutionised the instrument with his creative use of feedback, picking technique, and multiple effects, putting his unique modern twist on the guitar as we know it. It's this distinctive sound that contributed heavily to the huge success of his heavy rock band, Rage Against The Machine. From the futuristic-sounding solo on "Killing in the Name Of", to the exotic, glitch effects used in "Bullet In The Head" – everyone recognises the genius of Morello when they hear it. But if you think that means he can't unleash a fat, punching riff every once in a while, you'd be mistaken. You only have to listen to his work with Audioslave and the likes of "Bombtrack" to appreciate his hard-hitting licks.

Killing in the name of tone

This is no ordinary Stratocaster. Morello, being the creative he is, made his own adjustments to achieve that sweet, aggressive crunch. So it goes without saying that his signature guitar features the same powerful tonal qualities of the man himself. The secret is in the bridge Hot Rails pickup. Unlike most Strat pickups, this sizzling Seymour Duncan is a high-output beast with bags of midrange harmonics. Its small size may be deceptive, but it is a humbucker – and you'll know as soon as you hear it. Chords are gigantic and powerful, while your lead-playing will shatter through the mix with ease. This is the pickup that makes it Morello.

As for the middle and neck pickups, it's much more straightforward. A pair of vintage single-coils give you a wider sonic palette, for when you want to dial back the heat and give your sound more of that classic Strat twang. But don't worry, they're noiseless. So you can still crank up the gain to 10 and maintain expert clarity and note definition throughout your playing, without the infamous 60-cycle hum. Topped off with the traditional 5-way selector and volume and tone controls, the Tom Morello Strat gives players plenty of scope to explore his one-of-a-kind sound right at their fingertips.

Rage against the extreme

One of Morello's most used techniques is the legendary "killswitch". This effect is capable of giving you some of the most exotic and extreme sounds a guitar can perform, by simply 'killing' the signal and turning it back on again. When performed quickly, you get a unique stuttering sound that can be used to achieve a percussive, rhythmic effect. And, when combined with multiple effects pedals, players can really push their guitar sound to its limit.

Now, normally, you'd need to use a guitar with two volume controls to create a "killswitch" effect. However, the Tom Morello Stratocaster features an additional switch dedicated to this function. So, you needn't worry about messing around with pickup volumes and modifications, therefore making it even simpler to mimic iconic solos such as "Bulls on Parade". It's one of the most creative additions the Stratocaster has ever seen. And it's for one of the most creative guitarists the world has ever seen.

Trem-Morello

It wouldn't be a Morello signature without a tremolo bridge. How else could you incorporate those daring dive bombs into your solos? But, here's the best part: Fender have equipped it with a locking Floyd Rose bridge, meaning you can go as wild or as reserved as you like with the whammy bar. No one should be restricted on stage. And, since your guitar will return to its original tuning every time you use the tremolo, you never will be. Because this an instrument that was born to challenge the norm. And you can trust us when we say – it excels at it!

Show me how to riff

You'd expect an experienced performer like Tom Morello to use a guitar with an impeccable feel. So, naturally, Fender have ensured that his signature Strat is almost addictive to play. A sleek rosewood fingerboard means you can transition from fat, low-end riffs to screeching high-end solos in effortless fashion.

It's layered onto a satin-finished maple neck, sculpted into a modern "C" profile for maximum performing comfort and total control of even the most complex of riffs. And, for absolute precision, the compound radius maintains accuracy in your playing throughout the whole of the scale length. Each aspect is designed to the specs of Morello. And, if it's good enough for him, then you're guaranteed a playing experience of the highest calibre.

Specifications

Body

• Model Name: Fender Tom Morello Stratocaster RW, Black
• Model Code: 0140350706
• Series: Artist
• Body Material: Alder
• Body Shape: Stratocaster
• Body Finish: Gloss Polyester
• Body Colour: Black

Neck

• Neck Material: Maple
• Neck Shape: Modern "C"
• Neck Finish: Satin Urethane
• Scale Length: 25.5" (648 mm)
• Fingerboard Radius: 9.5" to 14" Compound Radius (241 - 355.6 mm)
• Fingerboard: Rosewood
• Number of Frets: 22
• Nut: Floyd Rose® FRT 02000 Locking
• Nut Width: 1.675" (42.5 mm)
• Position Inlays: White Pearloid Dot

Hardware & Electronics

• Bridge Pickup: Seymour Duncan® Hot Rails® Strat® SHR-1B
• Middle Pickup: Vintage Noiseless™ Single-Coil Strat®
• Neck Pickup: Vintage Noiseless™ Single-Coil Strat®
• Controls: Master Volume, Tone 1. (Neck Pickup), Tone 2. (Middle Pickup)
• Pickup Switching: 5-Position Blade: Position 1. Bridge Pickup Position 2. Bridge and Middle Pickup Position 3. Middle Pickup Position 4. Middle and Neck Pickup Position 5. Neck Pickup
• Auxillary Switching: 2-Position Toggle "Kill Switch"
• Bridge: Floyd Rose® FRT-O2000 Double-Locking Tremolo (Recessed)
• Tuning Machines: Deluxe Cast/Sealed Locking
• Control knobs: Knurled Dome
• Strings: Fender® USA 250R Nickel Plated Steel (.010-.046 Gauges)
• Pickguard: 1-Ply Mirrored Chrome
• Case: Deluxe Black Hardshell Case
• Other: 'Soul Power' Decal included for customisation