Sneak Peek: Fender 2020 Winter NAMM Debuts

Each year, the Winter NAMM Show in Anaheim, Calif., features new and exiciting new gear that generates buzz among music fans and players around the world.

So it wouldn't shock anyone to learn that Fender has some special surprises in store for this edition of the annual event.

Not only are there a few updates to Fender's Artist Signature Series, but the Acoustasonic Stratocaster represents an innovative take on an acoustic/electric model, the Lead II and III call back a cult favorite and the the Parallel Universe Series sees a second iteration that combines design elements of several Fender classics.

Learn more about Fender's Winter NAMM slate below.

American Acoustasonic Stratocaster

Taking the Acoustasonic Telecaster to the next level, the American Acoustasonic Stratocaster features all-new tone woods and voices with even more electric possibilities. Along with three unique electric voices on the selector switch, the Acoustasonic Stratocaster also adds all-new acoustic options, including short scale and concert body with a slotted headstock.

Mustang GTX

The new Mustang GTX series represents everything that Mustang GT promised – great tone, presets, Wifi, Bluetooth, and a looper – while also offering stage-ready cosmetics, improved Celestion speakers and great-sounding cabinets. When paired with the new Fender Tone 3.0 app, the Mustang GTX becomes Fender’s flagship amp for players looking for a wide range of incredible-sounding tones in a flexible, roadworthy and affordable package. The Mustang GTX offers several new effects, amp models, presets, global EQ settings and 7-button footswitching.

New Signature Models: Tom Morello and Jim Root

Adding to Fender's illustrious list of signature artists, Tom Morello and Jim Root have new namesake models set to debut.

The Tom Morello “Soul Power” Stratocaster is based on the modified Designer Series Strat, which Morello used during his time in Audioslave. Featuring an alder slab body with binding, a recessed Floyd Rose locking tremolo system, Seymour Duncan Hot Rails bridge humbucker and two Fender Noiseless pickups, this Strat delivers powerful and unique effects from gentle rhythms to screaming feedback, chaotic stutters and more.

Both beautiful and beastly, the Jim Root Jazzmaster V4 is the fifth Fender artist signature model for Slipknot guitarist Jim Root; it features active humbucking pickups, a 12" radius, jumbo frets ideal for heavy playing styles, an ebony fingerboard, block inlays and striking white finish that makes the guitar stand out on stage.

Lead II + III

Fender created the Lead model in 1979, featuring a new solid-body design, hard-tail bridges and cool new wiring options. Paying homage, Fender is releasing the Player Lead Series for the unconventional, offbeat, and most importantly, undefined players. The series offers the choice of the Player Lead II (an homage to the late '70s models) and the Player Lead III (a tribute to the original 1982-only model), which both incorporate era-correct Lead Series specs with a blend of the modern Player Series specs offering style, power, and versatility in comfortable, easy-to-play models.

Parallel Universe Series: Volume 2

The Parallel Universe Series kicked off with great fanfare in 2018, and now there is a second edition that offering even more unique models that mine Fender's design DNA. These combinations of Fender design elements, body shapes and parts are for players looking for the most exciting and rare instruments Fender will come out with this year. Featuring rare body shape combinations and design elements, the latest installment of this left-of-the-dial series includes the Troublemaker Custom, Maverick Dorado and more.

These are just a few of the selections making their austere debut at the 2020 Winter NAMM Show. Shop all of Fender's NAMM offerings here.