Fender and Paul Smith unveil a Japan-built striped Telecaster
Fender’s new collaboration puts Paul Smith’s Signature Stripes on a Japan-built Telecaster with modified pickups and locking tuners.
Fender has announced a limited-edition Made in Japan Paul Smith Telecaster, bringing the British designer’s Signature Stripe pattern to an alder-bodied electric guitar.
The collaboration was announced on October 21, 2026. Beyond the finish, the guitar combines familiar Telecaster hardware with a four-position pickup switch—and regional launch information now gives buyers a clearer picture of the price.
What changes beneath the stripes?
The specification pairs a maple Modern “C” neck with a rosewood fingerboard. Fender says the neck and bridge pickups were specially modified for this collaboration, without explaining their construction changes in detail.
Fender’s product listing identifies both as Paul Smith single-coil Tele pickups. The four-position blade switch selects the bridge pickup, both pickups in parallel, the neck pickup, or both in series. That additional series combination is a practical distinction worth noting beyond the striped finish.
The neck has a 9.5-inch fingerboard radius and 22 narrow-tall frets. A vintage-style bridge with three brass barrel saddles sits alongside vintage-style locking tuners. The package includes a custom neck plate, a hard case and a certificate.
Price, Japan launch and the numbered first batch
Fender’s Japanese announcement lists the guitar at ¥440,000 including tax, with domestic sales beginning October 21 through specified Paul Smith stores and online channels, Fender Flagship Tokyo and Fender’s Japanese online store.
That announcement says the initial production batch receives serial numbers No.01–80. It does not establish that worldwide production is permanently limited to 80 guitars.
Fender’s US product page lists a price of $2,580. Regional prices and launch dates do not guarantee local stock; buyers should confirm current availability with the relevant store.
The guitar, not just the wardrobe
The wider collection also includes a Japan-made striped strap and a set of 12 heavy-gauge picks in a steel tin. These are separate accessories, not items listed as included with the guitar.
Sources: Fender’s announcement, official guitar specifications and US price, and Fender Music Japan’s launch announcement.
Image: Legss in the Fender and Paul Smith campaign. Press photo supplied by Fender / Paul Smith via PR TIMES.