FENDER HONORS GEORGE HARRISON’s DARK HORSE LEGACY

Although George Harrison’s 1974 Dark Horse concert tour received mixed reactions, the record label he launched alongside his fifth album has left a lasting impression. To honor Harrison’s musical influence and creative vision, Fender Japan has partnered with the label to release a special collection featuring a Dark Horse Records Stratocaster guitar, a custom ukulele designed for his son Dhani, and various accessories.

Having taken the helm of Dark Horse Records in 2020, Dhani Harrison is also spotlighted in this release. His new signature ukulele (¥75,900 / approx. $480) mirrors his personal take on design and music while furthering his family’s artistic partnership with Fender. Complementing the instruments is an array of themed accessories, including a custom-designed guitar strap packed in a luxury gift box (¥10,450 / approx. $66) and a 12-piece decorative pick set (¥3,850 / approx. $24).

The flagship model—the George Harrison Dark Horse Records Stratocaster—retails for ¥198,000 (roughly $1,250).

It sports custom label graphics, an engraved neckplate, and gold hardware. Available in Olympic White, Orange, and Black to reflect the record company’s visual identity, it retains classic Stratocaster tonewoods: an alder body coupled with a modern C-shaped maple neck, plus a 9.5”-radius rosewood fingerboard equipped with 22 medium-jumbo frets.

This special lineup includes the themed Stratocaster, Dhani Harrison‘s signature ukulele, and various accessories.

Over the decades, Dark Horse Records has built an impressive roster, issuing works by major artists ranging from Billy Idol and Cat Stevens to Deep Purple keyboardist Jon Lord, as well as Harrison’s legendary supergroup, The Traveling Wilburys.

For fans looking to update their wardrobe, Fender has also unveiled the Made-in-Japan Dark Horse Records Capsule Collection, priced up to ¥77,000 (around $487). This 15-piece apparel lineup—featuring sweatshirts, shirts, denim, and T-shirts—draws design inspiration from Harrison’s iconic personal style and the record label’s heritage.

Regarding availability, the Black finish Stratocaster is sold exclusively at Fender’s flagship store in Tokyo, whereas the other finishes are open for pre-order via select retailers.

In terms of electronics and hardware, the guitar features three Player Series Alnico 5 single-coil pickups paired with standard five-way switching, along with Fender ClassicGear tuning machines and a two-point synchronized tremolo bridge fitted with bent-steel saddles.

This new collaboration between Fender Japan and the Harrison estate celebrates the creative legacy of the record label.

Although George Harrison’s 1974 Dark Horse tour stands out as one of his most polarizing concert runs, the record label launched alongside his fifth solo album has gone on to forge a far more celebrated history.

Images: Fender Japan

……………………………………………………

🟠Would you like to support the page with a donation? Enter HERE