This week, we check out the latest Fender release, the Japan-Inspired Stratocaster Collection, which celebrates Japanese culture. Next, we check out the Manson Guitars and ZVex limited-run Fuzz Factory. Finally, Japanese punk band Otoboke Beaver injured a fan and has publicly apologized after a guitar was launched into the audience.
Guitar Journal
Japan-Inspired Stratocaster
This Japan-Inspired Stratocaster Collection is a Fender Japan exclusive featuring five Strat models in various finishes, all with matching painted headstocks: Kyoto Orange, Indigo Denim, Matcha Green, Katana Silver, and Ninja Black.
These all have an alder body, a modern C-profile maple neck, and a 9.5-inch radius rosewood fretboard with 22 medium jumbo frets.
Japanese Culture
Each guitar is inspired by various parts of Japanese culture, including Kyoto, samurai, and local delicacies. This collection also stands out with some bold, martial-arts-inspired designs. For example, the Katana Silver model features rhombus-shaped white acrylic pearl inlays on the neck that resemble traditional sword handles, while the Ninja Black model incorporates sharp, shuriken-style star inlays.
Hybrid II Custom-Voiced
They all come with the same Hybrid II Custom-Voiced pickup set and a two-point synchronized tremolo, paired with vintage-style tuners.
They are exclusive to Japan and priced at ¥275,000 each. From 21 August, they will be available in the Fender Flagship store in Tokyo.
Muse Fuzz Factory
Unfortunately, this limited-run version of the ZVex Fuzz Factory sold out almost instantly! It celebrated 30 years of the pedal and 25 years of Matt Bellamy of Muse using it on Plug In Baby from the Origin of Symmetry album.
Hand-Painted
They made only 100 pedals in total, with 20 hand-painted by artist Lisa McGrath and 80 screen-printed versions. Priced at £499 and £399 respectively, they both feature a rendition of the album artwork emblazoned across them, come with the original Z-Vex Mark II germanium transistors, and have a certificate signed by Zachary Vex.
Fuzz Factory Vexter
If you still want a Fuzz Factory and don’t require a limited-run graphic, then the standard Vexter edition is available at Thomann. They are a lot of fun to play with, and the five knobs offer a wealth of filthy fuzz tones, so great for experimenting with.
Otoboke Beaver Guitar Stunt Injures Fan
Japanese punk band Otoboke Beaver have issued a public apology after guitarist Yoyoyoshie threw a guitar into the crowd at an Osaka concert at the Umeda Club Quattro in April, injuring a fan. I would guess that throwing guitars at your audience may be a bad idea and could possibly lead to legal action, so maybe a dumb move?
Fan Injured
The audience member was hospitalised with a forehead laceration requiring seven stitches and a cervical sprain. The band acknowledged their delay in handling the situation, stating they caused the accident and expressing deep regret for the fan’s physical injuries and distress.
On Instagram, the band stated they “wish the injured person a full recovery” and that “we caused this accident.” They sound truly sorry for the incident, and the news about this gig has been circulating online all weekend since they released the official statement.
Maybe stand well away from the stage if you decide to go to see them play live, or wear a hard hat just in case they decide to fling any more guitars.
You can watch the Japanese punk band in action below, during a KEXP performance.
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