Guitar Journal: Fender Japan Deals Limited Strats
Fender Japan Deck O’ Cards Stratocaster
2,6 / 5,0 | 
This week, we look at the latest Fender Japan limited Custom Shop Deck O’ Cards Stratocaster release. Then we check out Wolfgang Van Halen’s “The End” Mammoth video, which is full of fast tapping, vampires, and Van Halen easter eggs! Finally, we look at the new ToneWoodAmp2 effects for your acoustic guitar.
Guitar Journal
Fender Japan Deals Limited Strats
Crafted by the Fender Custom Shop’s Masterbuilders, this Fender Japan exclusive release is called the Deck O’ Cards Stratocaster collection. It contains four highly detailed paint jobs based on a set of playing cards.
Apart from being a very limited release, they are also expensive, with each Strat retailing for 22,000,000 Japanese Yen (roughly USD $152,500).
Deck O’ Cards Stratocaster
Even with their stunning looks, these four Fender Custom Shop Stratocasters don’t compromise on what truly matters. The elaborate artwork, featuring striking red and black against the white, coupled with the painted neck, makes these limited-run Strats something very unique.
You’ll still find premium features like the resonant two-piece alder bodies, the player-friendly V-shaped necks, and those sought-after hand-wound Josefina Campos ’69 single-coil pickups delivering that iconic Strat sound. Plus, the dependable six-point vintage-style synchronized tremolo ensures smooth whammy action.
Master Builders
Leading this ambitious endeavor was Senior Masterbuilder Paul Weller, who conceived it as a distinctive collaborative introduction for three of the Custom Shop’s newest Masterbuilder talents: David Brown, Austin MacNutt, and Andy Hicks.
These Fender Japan exclusive models may require that you win some games of Poker before you can stump up for one!
Mammoth Drops Thrilling “The End” Video
Mammoth has unleashed the music video for their new track, “The End,” a cinematic blend of retro horror and rock spectacle directed by Greg Nicotero and Robert Rodriguez.
The video, reminiscent of “From Dusk Till Dawn,” features a cameo by Slash and sees the band, led by Wolfgang Van Halen, performing in a club whose patrons transform into a monstrous horde. Myles Kennedy also makes an appearance, joining the undead chaos.
A Tapping Extravaganza!
The song itself kicks off with a blistering two-handed tapping intro, a clear homage to Wolfgang’s father, Eddie Van Halen. The video subtly nods to the late guitar legend, including a moment where Wolfgang’s direct gaze into the camera during a solo mirrors his father’s iconic “Hot For Teacher” performance.
Wolf unleashes his tapped riff on his signature EVH SA-126 guitar.
Halloween Touring
Mammoth’s tour in support of “The End” will begin on Halloween in the US and conclude on December 7th, with locations to be announced.
ToneWoodAmp Unveils Next-Gen Acoustic Effects Device
Honz Technologies has now officially launched the ToneWoodAmp2, a redesigned accessory bringing a range of effects directly to acoustic guitars without external amplification.
We covered its announcement back in February, and now it is ready to order.
Four Effects
Smaller, lighter, and now rechargeable with over 10 hours of battery life, the new device boasts a powerful DSP, enabling up to four simultaneous effects.
ToneWoodAmp2 is available for $300, which adds a lot of useful tools and effects to your acoustic guitar.
Smartphone App
A key upgrade is the accompanying smartphone app, offering intuitive control, preset management, and real-time adjustments via Bluetooth. Beyond effects, the ToneWoodAmp2 functions as a professional preamp, featuring a comprehensive EQ, compressor, and feedback control tools.
Retaining the innovative magnetic X-brace attachment, a new LiftKit ensures compatibility with all acoustic guitars, including those with curved backs.
These could be a lot of fun for acoustic guitar players and perfect for songwriting when you need some inspiration.
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