Fender and Paul Smith mark twin 80th milestones with a striped Telecaster
Fender Japan is releasing a limited-edition Telecaster created with Paul Smith, scheduled to ship in 2027. The guitar marks the 80th birthday of Sir Paul Smith and the 80th anniversary of Fender, and features the designer’s Signature Stripe, a tortoiseshell pickguard, modified pickups and a numbered hard case. It is priced at £1,999.
The instrument is a Made in Japan model built around an alder body, with the designer’s stripe motif applied to both faces and a tortoiseshell pickguard. Its maple neck uses a shallow C profile and carries a rosewood fingerboard.
Fender has modified the two pickups and added a brass barrel bridge, plus a neckplate with Paul Smith’s logo. Each guitar is numbered and supplied in a dedicated hard case. A matching £150 striped strap, made in Japan, is offered alongside a 16-piece capsule range.
The release may appeal to guitar collectors, design enthusiasts and fans of both brands, potentially strengthening crossover between musical instruments and fashion. Because it is limited and relatively costly, its direct social effect is likely narrow; however, it could draw new attention to Made in Japan instruments and to collaborative design in consumer goods. Resale interest and accessory sales may also grow, though the guitar’s price and 2027 delivery could limit uptake among casual players.