What is the primary body wood of this guitar?

The guitar features an alder body, which is a traditional Fender choice known for its balanced tonal characteristics.

What pickups are used in the Tom Morello Stratocaster?

It is equipped with an EMG active pickup pairing, designed for high output and maximum clarity across different gain levels.

Does this guitar feature a standard Fender headstock?

No, it features a custom 'hockey stick' headstock, which is a departure from the traditional Stratocaster design.

What type of tremolo system is installed?

The guitar uses a recessed Gotoh double-locking tremolo system, allowing for stable tuning during extreme pitch changes.

What is the finish color of this model?

This signature model is finished in Blue Ice Metallic, which includes a painted neck to match.

Is the fingerboard radius flat or curved?

It features a compound radius of 9.5" to 14", meaning it is more curved near the nut and flattens out towards the higher frets.

Who is this guitar primarily designed for?

It is designed for guitarists who need a high-output instrument capable of percussive riffs and aggressive tremolo use, mirroring Tom Morello's style.

What makes this different from a standard Stratocaster?

Key differences include the active EMG pickups, the locking tremolo, the hockey stick headstock, and the lack of a traditional middle pickup.

What is the typical price range for this model?

The guitar is typically priced around £1,549 in the United Kingdom.

Does it have a rosewood or maple fingerboard?

This specific signature model comes with a rosewood (RW) fingerboard.

Is the neck finished or natural?

The maple neck is painted in the same Blue Ice Metallic finish as the body.

Can it handle high-gain distortion?

Yes, the active EMG electronics are specifically chosen to provide clarity and prevent feedback during high-gain usage.

Gear article

Fender Tom Morello Arm The Homeless Stratocaster

The Fender Tom Morello Arm The Homeless Stratocaster is a signature electric guitar designed to replicate the heavily modified instrument used by the Rage Against the Machine guitarist. It features a unique combination of an alder body, active EMG pickups, and a recessed Floyd Rose-style locking tremolo system, finished in a distinctive Blue Ice Metallic.

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Overview

The Fender Tom Morello Stratocaster is a production version of the highly customised guitar that served as Morello's primary tool throughout his career. Unlike a standard Stratocaster, this model is built for high-output performance and extreme vibrato use. It features an alder body finished in Blue Ice Metallic and a painted maple neck, topped with a rosewood fingerboard. The most striking visual element is the non-standard 'hockey stick' headstock, which differentiates it from traditional Fender silhouettes.

History and Design Philosophy

Tom Morello’s original 'Arm The Homeless' guitar was a custom-built instrument that underwent numerous modifications to meet his specific tonal and mechanical needs. This Fender signature model aims to capture that 'rebellious energy' by mirroring the specifications of the original. It represents a departure from traditional vintage-style guitars, focusing instead on the boundary-breaking creativity of modern rock and metal.

Electronics and Hardware

The guitar is equipped with a pair of active EMG pickups, specifically selected to provide the massive clarity and high output required for percussive riffs and explosive lead lines. To facilitate Morello's signature pitch-shifting techniques, the guitar includes a recessed Gotoh double-locking tremolo system. This allows for stable tuning even during aggressive dive bombs and heavy vibrato usage.

Sound and Playability

The combination of the alder body and EMG pickups delivers a crisp, articulate tone that remains clear even under high levels of distortion. The neck is designed for speed and comfort, featuring a compound radius rosewood fingerboard (9.5"-14") which allows for easy chording at the lower frets and choke-free bending at the higher frets. It is a 'road-ready' instrument designed for professional performance.

Market Position and Alternatives

Priced at approximately £1,549, this model sits in the premium range of Fender's artist series. Compared to other signature models like the Fender Eric Clapton Stratocaster or the Jim Root Telecaster, the Morello Stratocaster offers a specific focus on active electronics and locking tremolo systems. For players seeking a different aesthetic but similar high-output performance, the Fender Special Edition Custom Telecaster FMT HH is a notable alternative, while the Kurt Cobain Jaguar offers a different take on the modified 'artist-spec' guitar.

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Frequently asked questions

What is the primary body wood of this guitar?: The guitar features an alder body, which is a traditional Fender choice known for its balanced tonal characteristics.
What pickups are used in the Tom Morello Stratocaster?: It is equipped with an EMG active pickup pairing, designed for high output and maximum clarity across different gain levels.
Does this guitar feature a standard Fender headstock?: No, it features a custom 'hockey stick' headstock, which is a departure from the traditional Stratocaster design.
What type of tremolo system is installed?: The guitar uses a recessed Gotoh double-locking tremolo system, allowing for stable tuning during extreme pitch changes.
What is the finish color of this model?: This signature model is finished in Blue Ice Metallic, which includes a painted neck to match.
Is the fingerboard radius flat or curved?: It features a compound radius of 9.5" to 14", meaning it is more curved near the nut and flattens out towards the higher frets.
Who is this guitar primarily designed for?: It is designed for guitarists who need a high-output instrument capable of percussive riffs and aggressive tremolo use, mirroring Tom Morello's style.
What makes this different from a standard Stratocaster?: Key differences include the active EMG pickups, the locking tremolo, the hockey stick headstock, and the lack of a traditional middle pickup.
What is the typical price range for this model?: The guitar is typically priced around £1,549 in the United Kingdom.
Does it have a rosewood or maple fingerboard?: This specific signature model comes with a rosewood (RW) fingerboard.
Is the neck finished or natural?: The maple neck is painted in the same Blue Ice Metallic finish as the body.
Can it handle high-gain distortion?: Yes, the active EMG electronics are specifically chosen to provide clarity and prevent feedback during high-gain usage.