# Fender Honors Raphael Saadiq

- Link: https://exclusiveaccess.net/fender-honors-raphael-saadiq/
- Published: 2024-03-14T20:22:39-04:00
- Author: EAN

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Today, [Fender Musical Instruments Corporation (FMIC)](https://n9op784ab.cc.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=001ExdFy5K7mpUWjR5hrshc79aeijXyqq_oyCipC3-3aa5QqS6v_DnVj8tbj7p9pFo9EhGh6MVhouwAe4EHA_eoTsnmoeFyP2G3jhgGPed6c3p0VzLa8d3ykqfP2EjW336Je34c8h8uGK7S-Y-Q1RFD6g==&c=JvxtYUsIbgW3ZUWCZuucfQ7a0hfmxcA3UNjR36Lhk4jwmQGHcELwMg==&ch=sVxR86JZp0KKp4sFuz7i2CeczcDwSDRQ0cmKiaWONutHEDlOrh6dyA==)
announces the launch of a new signature Telecaster® guitar honoring Raphael Saadiq,
a multi-award-winning artist, songwriter, film & television composer, producer, 
and one of R&B’s foremost innovators. The Limited Edition Raphael Saadiq Telecaster
® pays homage to an artist whose credits include collaborations with Beyonce, D’Angelo,
Stevie Wonder, Whitney Houston, Adele, and a litany of others. A perfect confluence
of modernized features and timeless retro design, the signature Telecaster guitar
is the ideal instrument for any player looking to break down artistic boundaries
with effortless style and timeless tonality. A comfortable ‘59 “C”-shape neck and
resonant ash body make this signature instrument as approachable as it is sonically
powerful.

Gifted with musical talent from a young age, Saadiq’s journey began at the age of
six, grooving on a bass. Throughout middle and high school, he played in various
bands with school friends, transitioning from basement rehearsals to the grand stage.
Shortly before turning eighteen, Saadiq seized a significant opportunity, landing
a role as a bass player for Sheila E’s backing band during Prince’s Parade Tour.
This catapulted his career, performing in sold-out stadiums alongside his childhood
hero. Two years later, Saadiq returned to Oakland with a renewed sense of purpose.
Swiftly taking action, he formed his musical outfit, Tony! Toni! Toné!, with his
brother and cousin. The band achieved massive success throughout the ‘90s, reaching#
2 on the Billboard R&B charts. Saadiq continued to solidify his name among music’s
finest, collaborating with icons like Tupac Shakur, Whitney Houston, Mary J. Blige,
A Tribe Called Quest, and many more.

While known for his multifaceted roles in the studio and on stage, Saadiq’s emotive
and precise guitar playing has become a distinctive hallmark. Combining early soul
and funk influences with his unique contemporary style, Raphael Saadiq stands as
a one-of-a-kind player. He deserves a signature instrument that not only reflects
his artistry but also embodies his fearless approach to playing—a tool that can 
empower any musician aspiring to make their artistic mark on the world.

“Fender truly went hard in the paint with my signature Tele. It goes beyond the 
richness and snap I love to play with. Thanks to mentors like the incomparable Tony
Maiden, Prince, and Ray Parker Jr., Eric Gales, Rob Fonksta Bacon, I’ve learned 
to play the Telecaster to amplify sound like no other. Collaborating with the iconic
Fender brand to introduce my own signature Telecaster is a great honor. I’m excited
for young musicians to pick up this guitar, write with it, and take the stage with
confidence,” said Raphael Saadiq

This Telecaster® is timeless to the bone yet irrefutably cutting edge. Vintage tall
frets, black body binding, and old school ’59 “C” shaped neck will keep the purists
plenty happy while more contemporary players will have to pick their jaws up off
the floor after catching sight of this Telecaster® guitar’s striking Dark Red Metallic
finish and psychedelic custom-tooled pickguard, inspired by his timeless album, 
Instant Vintage. A set of chrome hardware and painted black headstock ensure that
this axe will turn heads even from the nosebleeds. But don’t be fooled; this instrument
is far more than just something pretty to look at—a set of Custom Raphael Saadiq
pickups provide a dynamic range that will arm players with clarity, sustain, and
precision across any number of genres. [Introducing the Limited-Edition Raphael Saadiq Telecaster. Renowned guitarist, producer, and Grammy winner Raphael Saadiq brings his vision to life with this timeless model. It features an ash body, vintage-tall frets, flash paint job, and custom Raphael Saadiq Single-Coil Tele pickups for sweet vintage tones.](https://n9op784ab.cc.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=001ExdFy5K7mpUWjR5hrshc79aeijXyqq_oyCipC3-3aa5QqS6v_DnVj8tbj7p9pFo9dqSzghvKreRBCFrvRFGYNdbqXyA0T65Y1wbidaK5_8vbd1sq2CSFrvXEP624t70Y5h2s4vPFDI07xM-7z0j6-hySYqfHYmYX&c=JvxtYUsIbgW3ZUWCZuucfQ7a0hfmxcA3UNjR36Lhk4jwmQGHcELwMg==&ch=sVxR86JZp0KKp4sFuz7i2CeczcDwSDRQ0cmKiaWONutHEDlOrh6dyA==)

“Fender proudly unveils our latest masterpiece—a Telecaster® collaboration with 
the incredible multi-instrumentalist Raphael Saadiq. This guitar is a blend of tradition
and innovation, vintage charm meets modern brilliance,” said Justin Norvell, EVP
Product at FMIC “The vintage-style ‘tall’ frets, black body binding, and a classic‘
59 “C”-shaped neck pay homage to our roots, while the Dark Red Metallic finish, 
custom pickguard, and chrome hardware reflect Saadiq’s unique style. Fender, alongside
Saadiq, invites fans and players alike to embark on a new chapter in music and artistry.”

In true tradition, the Fender Artist Signature Series honors iconic musicians through
product progression and storytelling, creating instruments and gear inspired by 
the unique specifications of the world’s greatest guitarists and bassists.

High-resolution artist, lifestyle, and product images of the Limited Edition Raphael
Saadiq Telecaster can be found [HERE](https://n9op784ab.cc.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=001ExdFy5K7mpUWjR5hrshc79aeijXyqq_oyCipC3-3aa5QqS6v_DnVj8tbj7p9pFo9q0278sONre8g9Zai6WPuR_jluAmJqdI6_iVTJnRBAQbprw3S6qYpSAvQAcQwoBoorV-mR76Q2RhIq11_cwNLf4kEPq8sLnAnMSY1BNlx3pTdOmEezdth6t8rYwNXIw5BEa-zfcXx6rae0HTo_WXWr_U8tnkWfVxZU7xG2-J0D0a2_9ZiuOUiCYdqf3B_i778&c=JvxtYUsIbgW3ZUWCZuucfQ7a0hfmxcA3UNjR36Lhk4jwmQGHcELwMg==&ch=sVxR86JZp0KKp4sFuz7i2CeczcDwSDRQ0cmKiaWONutHEDlOrh6dyA==).
Full product descriptions and specifications can also be found [HERE](https://n9op784ab.cc.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=001ExdFy5K7mpUWjR5hrshc79aeijXyqq_oyCipC3-3aa5QqS6v_DnVj8tbj7p9pFo9xgLgsufHc1FROnh57irubUh2eZUQHU1st2XAj22IQnabm7aaI2YDknxkBYvNEmTKSbdk9taGvPA8LexfVac0ZpCJgKisaeGCvIb9H4cQ4z__f86_PoEDPX8xRUy4rnd-qvHVbMmxGpQephbTihMj2Qj4ogQ9DyqO33OJU_4xhvflwH9KqQj-nrJfMVvOjhb9&c=JvxtYUsIbgW3ZUWCZuucfQ7a0hfmxcA3UNjR36Lhk4jwmQGHcELwMg==&ch=sVxR86JZp0KKp4sFuz7i2CeczcDwSDRQ0cmKiaWONutHEDlOrh6dyA==).