Fender Unleashes Ritchie Blackmore Signature Stratocaster: A Tribute to a Guitar Icon

Fender has officially released the Ritchie Blackmore Signature Stratocaster, celebrating the legendary guitarist’s enduring legacy in rock music. Blackmore, famed for his work with Deep Purple and Rainbow, is known for his aggressive yet melodic style that helped define classic rock and early heavy metal. This new signature model captures his trademark sound and look, giving players access to a guitar tailored to his unique preferences.

The guitar features an alder body and a maple neck with a thick “U” shape profile, mimicking Blackmore’s original 1970s Stratocaster. Most striking is the scalloped rosewood fingerboard—a distinctive modification that allows for enhanced string control and expression, a technique Blackmore popularized. The electronics are minimal by design: two Seymour Duncan Quarter Pound single-coil pickups in the neck and bridge positions, paired with a dummy middle pickup, true to Blackmore’s original setup.

The three-way selector switch simplifies tone choices, while the vintage-style synchronized tremolo offers the expressive range required for Blackmore’s signature bends and dives. Its large headstock and bullet truss rod complete the vintage-inspired aesthetic.

Fender’s attention to detail has resulted in an instrument that not only looks the part but delivers the power and clarity expected from a rock guitar legend. For collectors and musicians alike, the Ritchie Blackmore Signature Stratocaster is more than just a tribute—it’s a playable piece of history.

With this model, Fender honors a guitarist whose influence has spanned generations. Whether fans want to emulate the soaring leads of “Highway Star” or the haunting intro of “Stargazer,” this guitar offers the perfect foundation. As Blackmore continues his musical journey with Blackmore’s Night, his Stratocaster remains an enduring symbol of rock’s golden era.

Would you like a comparison between this model and his earlier tribute guitars?