Fender Japan Richie Kotzen Stratocaster STR-RK Transparent Red Burst 2011
Fender Ritchie Kotzen Strat, red burst, made in Japan 2010-11. Ritchie Kotzen spent time playing for Mr Big and Poison, and his more recent work with Winery Dogs is also super fun. He's a shredmaster, but with a certain gregarious sense of humour and tenacity baked into his style; basically, he is boss. He has a long-running pair of signature models by Fender Japan, a Tele and a Strat, and they're both high end offerings blessed with plenty of bling. You get gold tuners with white pearl buttons, abalone inlays, gold hardware, pearl guard and a fancy flame top with a subtle red burst around the edges. It looks great, there's a lot going on, but it's awesome. The neck is a big fat C shape, notably fatter than a typical Japan ST57, which won't suit everyone, but is definitely comfy in it's own way. The pickups are fairly hot passive singles by Dimarzio, which deliver the goods. It cleans up pretty nicely, but it's definitely happiest into a Marshall or some other dirty amp wailing for it's supper. Very good, all in all.
Model: Fender Japan Richie Kotzen Stratocaster STR-RK
Made: Japan, 2010-11, Dyna Gakki factory
Serial: U002677
Finish: Transparent Red Burst (catalog code SRS)
Body: ash, flame maple veneer top
Neck: maple, maple fretboard, 25.5" scale, 12" radius, super jumbo frets, 42mm nut, deep C profile
Weight: 3.595kg
Mods: none
Pickups: Dimarzio Custom single coil x3
Accessories: trem arm, basic docs, basic non-original gig bag
Cosmetic condition notes: minor finish wear. The headstock has min0r scuffs on the end and bottom edge. The neck is clean and smooth in the hands, minor rub wear only. The back has minor scuffs near the neck plate and back edge and some dimples in the elbow area. The sides have minor dimples near the jack. The front has minor dimples near the jack and some play wear on the guard and horns.
Overall: excellent condition (9/10)
Playing condition notes: Action is low, neck is straight, intonation is good, truss rod works. All electronics tested and working properly. Wearing fresh 10/46 strings.
Fret life: 9/10, minor wear only