The multitalented songstress H.E.R., norm Gabriella Wilson, is making history as the first Black female artist to launch her own Fender Signature Guitar in the company’s 74-year history, Consequence of Sound reports.
The two-time Grammy award winner revealed her new guitar during her 2020 Primetime Emmy Awards, covering the iconic Prince classic, “Nothing Compares 2 U.” The H.E.R. signature Stratocaster comes complete in an iridescent “Chrome Glow” color featuring an alder body and an updated oval “C” neck shape ideal for most hand sizes. The instrument is equipped with Fender’s Vintage Noiseless pickups for a more defined tone and the neck plate is emblazoned with artwork from H.E.R.
In an interview on Fender Signature Session, H.E.R. performed a four-song set with the custom guitar, speaking about the importance of the guitar throughout her career and how it has become an extension of her own personal expression.
“My father taught me how to play my first blues scale on a mini black-and-white Strat, so it’s absolutely surreal I have partnered with Fender to design my own Signature Stratocaster. As an artist, I find that my most personal thoughts make the most relatable music. By designing a Stratocaster with a color, shape and sound that is one-hundred-percent my own, my hope is that other young women and players from all backgrounds feel inspired to pick up this guitar, tap into their thoughts, and create amazing music,” H.E.R. said.
The budding icon has been in heavy rotation all year, performing on Lebron James’ “Graduate Together” special, at The Roots virtual picnic hosted by Forever First Lady Michelle Obama, the 2020 Grammy Awards, and on Fallon, performing her A Boogie Wit da Hoodie collab, “Me and My Guitar.”
The H.E.R. signature Stratocaster can be purchased online via Reverb for a cool $1,099.
Good luck getting yours! Maybe we can get one signed!
Congratulations H.E.R.!
Photo Courtesy of Fender