The 2022 Fender Richie Kotzen Stratocaster in Transparent White Burst is a distinctive Made in Japan Artist Signature model designed around Kotzen’s preference for substantial necks, powerful yet articulate single-coils and premium hardware.

Its ash body with flame-maple laminated top gives the Transparent White Burst finish extra visual depth, complemented by a pearloid pickguard and gold hardware. The one-piece-style maple neck feel is very different from the slim profiles found on many modern performance guitars, using a substantial Thick “C” profile, flat 12" radius and 22 Super Jumbo frets.

Three custom DiMarzio single-coil pickups retain the clarity and switching versatility of an SSS Stratocaster while being voiced specifically for Kotzen’s playing requirements.

Serial JD22090119 identifies this example as 2022 Japanese production. It is offered in Excellent condition and includes a hardcase.

At A Glance

Pre-Owned Condition Report

Excellent Condition

This 2022 Fender Richie Kotzen Stratocaster is offered in Excellent condition.

Excellent condition reflects a carefully owned Pre-Owned instrument showing only very light evidence of previous use while remaining particularly well presented and ready for regular stage, studio, rehearsal or home playing.

No faults, repairs or modifications have been supplied for this listing.

What’s Included?

✔ 2022 Fender Richie Kotzen Stratocaster
✔ Hardcase

✘ No Additional Accessories Included

Condition Notes

This individual Richie Kotzen Stratocaster has been graded Excellent, making it an appealing choice for someone looking for a clean example of this distinctive Japanese-built Fender Artist Signature model.

Fair Deal Quality Control Assessment

This Pre-Owned Fender Richie Kotzen Stratocaster has been inspected and assessed by the Fair Deal Music team before sale.

Our checks cover the three DiMarzio pickups, five-way switching, volume and tone controls, output socket, Super Jumbo frets, maple fingerboard, neck condition, Gotoh tuners, synchronized tremolo, bridge saddles, hardware, tuning stability and overall playability.

The supplied hardcase is also checked for basic usability.

Service / Setup Work

All Pre-Owned electric guitars at Fair Deal Music are set up and checked before leaving the shop.

Our assessment includes action, neck relief, fret condition, intonation, tuning stability, electronics, pickup output, tremolo setup, hardware and overall playability.

Please note that setup can shift slightly during delivery because changes in temperature and humidity can naturally affect wooden instruments in transit.

Why Choose The Fender Richie Kotzen Stratocaster?

Thick “C” Maple Neck

One of the most distinctive features of the Richie Kotzen Stratocaster is its substantial neck.

The Thick “C” profile provides considerably more depth in the fretting hand than the Modern “C” profiles found on many production Fenders, giving the guitar a solid, supportive feel that is central to the Kotzen specification.

12" Radius And Super Jumbo Frets

A relatively flat 12" fingerboard radius and 22 Super Jumbo frets bring a much more performance-orientated feel than a vintage-specification Strat.

String bending, vibrato and fast lead playing all benefit from the flatter surface and substantial fretwire.

Custom DiMarzio Pickups

Three custom DiMarzio single-coils retain the familiar SSS concept while providing a stronger, more focused voice appropriate for Kotzen’s rock, fusion and high-energy lead playing.

Standard five-way switching keeps the controls immediately familiar.

Flame Maple Over Ash

The flame-maple laminated top gives this Artist model a considerably more premium appearance than a conventional solid-colour Stratocaster.

The Transparent White Burst allows the figuring beneath the finish to remain visible, giving individual examples their own character.

Premium Gold Hardware

Gold hardware, pearloid detailing and Gotoh tuners reinforce the higher-end appearance while distinguishing the Kotzen model immediately from a conventional Strat.

Comparison Against Popular Alternatives

Richie Kotzen Stratocaster vs American Professional II Stratocaster

The American Professional II is a more conventional professional SSS Strat with a Deep “C” neck and 9.5" radius. The Kotzen is considerably more specialised, with its Thick “C” neck, 12" radius, Super Jumbo frets, DiMarzio pickups and premium flame-maple appearance.

Richie Kotzen Stratocaster vs Fender American Ultra Stratocaster

The American Ultra takes a modern Fender route with compound-radius ergonomics and advanced electronics. The Kotzen achieves its performance focus through a simpler SSS circuit, unusually substantial neck and flatter fingerboard.

Richie Kotzen Stratocaster vs Suhr Classic S

A Suhr Classic S provides a boutique interpretation of the S-style concept and may offer more switching or customisation. The Fender has the appeal of Kotzen's specific signature configuration, Japanese manufacture and immediately recognisable Fender identity.

Richie Kotzen Stratocaster vs Ibanez AZ

The Ibanez AZ tends towards a more neutral modern neck and expanded switching. The Kotzen is unusual in pairing lead-friendly jumbo frets and a flat radius with a genuinely chunky neck rather than following the typical slim performance-guitar formula.

Who Is It For?

Richie Kotzen Fans

This is the obvious choice for players who appreciate Kotzen’s technique and want an instrument built around the distinctive specifications he favours.

Rock And Fusion Players

The flatter board, large frets and articulate DiMarzio pickups make the guitar particularly comfortable for fast lead playing, bends, legato and technically demanding material.

Players Who Prefer Thick Necks

This is one of the strongest reasons to consider the model. Players who find typical modern Fender necks too slim may immediately appreciate the hand-filling Thick “C” profile.

Strat Players Wanting Something Different

The basic SSS controls remain straightforward, but the neck, pickups, top and hardware give the guitar a very different personality from a conventional production Strat.

Studio And Session Guitarists

Five-way SSS switching gives access to the familiar range of Strat-style pickup positions while the custom DiMarzio voicing provides plenty of definition for recorded parts.

Suitable Genres And Uses

Rock, hard rock, fusion, blues rock, funk, pop, progressive rock, alternative, instrumental guitar, lead playing, rhythm work, studio recording, session work and live performance are all natural applications for the Richie Kotzen Stratocaster.

Why Is The Richie Kotzen Strat Neck So Different?

Many modern performance guitars use increasingly slim neck profiles. Kotzen’s preference goes in the opposite direction.

The Thick “C” neck gives the fretting hand a substantial surface to work against, while the 12" radius and Super Jumbo fretwire provide the lead-friendly geometry normally associated with more contemporary instruments.

That contrast is a major part of the model’s personality: traditional bolt-on Fender construction, an unusually substantial neck and modern fretboard geometry all in the same instrument.

Story & Context: Richie Kotzen And His Fender Stratocaster

Richie Kotzen has built a career that spans solo work, Poison, Mr. Big, The Winery Dogs and Smith/Kotzen, alongside a reputation as an exceptionally accomplished rock and fusion guitarist.

His relationship with Fender Japan produced signature instruments built around preferences that differ considerably from ordinary production Fenders.

The Richie Kotzen Stratocaster combines traditional Stratocaster foundations with a number of very personal specification choices: the Thick “C” neck, flatter 12" maple fingerboard, Super Jumbo fretwire, custom DiMarzio pickups, flame-maple top and gold hardware.

For many years Kotzen's signature Fender models were particularly associated with the Japanese market, adding another layer of interest for players specifically looking for Made in Japan Artist Series instruments.

This JD22 example dates to 2022, placing it within that established Japanese production era.

Technical Specifications

Power Requirements

No battery or external power supply is required.

The custom DiMarzio single-coils and controls are entirely passive. Connect the guitar to an amplifier, pedalboard, modeller or recording interface with a standard 1/4" instrument cable.

Why Buy Pre-Owned From Fair Deal Music?

Buying Pre-Owned can be an excellent route into specialist Japanese Fender Artist models, particularly instruments with specifications not normally found across Fender's standard production ranges.

The Richie Kotzen Stratocaster is a good example. Its thick neck, large frets, DiMarzio electronics, premium top and gold hardware create a very specific combination rather than simply adding an artist's name to a regular Strat.

At Fair Deal Music, every Pre-Owned guitar is individually checked and assessed before sale.

Fair Deal Music Verdict

★★★★★ 5/5

The 2022 Fender Richie Kotzen Stratocaster Transparent White Burst is one of Fender Japan's more distinctive Artist Signature guitars.

Its flame-maple appearance immediately catches the eye, but the real difference becomes apparent when you pick it up. The chunky neck, flat radius and huge fretwire create a playing experience unlike a conventional vintage or modern Fender Stratocaster.

Best suited for: Rock, fusion and technically minded players who prefer a substantial neck rather than a thin performance profile.

Customers usually upgrade from: Standard-production Fender Stratocasters, higher-end Japanese guitars and modern S-style instruments.

Most commonly paired with: Valve amplifiers, overdrive, boost, compressor, delay and modern amp-modelling systems.

Our tip: Don't assume the Thick “C” neck will feel slow. The combination of a substantial neck with a 12" radius and Super Jumbo frets can feel exceptionally comfortable for lead work once you have it in your hands.

Showroom feedback: The neck is what really defines this model. It's substantially bigger than many players expect from a signature guitar built for such a technically accomplished player, and that is precisely what makes it interesting.

Why Buy From Fair Deal Music?

When you buy from Fair Deal Music, you're choosing one of the UK's most established, independent family run music retailers since 1987.

With decades of experience helping musicians choose new and Pre-Owned gear, our Birmingham team can provide knowledgeable advice before and after your purchase.

You can buy with confidence thanks to our musician-led staff, carefully checked instruments, Birmingham showroom, secure ordering, fast UK delivery and a reputation supported by more than 6,000 Excellent customer reviews.

Trade In. Trade Up. Save More.

Thinking about upgrading? Your next guitar could cost less than you think.

Fair Deal Music buys and part-exchanges a wide range of guitars, basses, amplifiers, keyboards and other musical equipment.

Your existing gear could therefore help reduce the cost of this Richie Kotzen Stratocaster. Contact our team for a no-obligation valuation and we'll be happy to discuss your options.

Frequently Asked Questions

What year is serial JD22090119?

Fender's Japanese serial system identifies JD22 as 2022 production.

Is the Richie Kotzen Stratocaster made in Japan?

Yes. This example is a Made in Japan Fender Artist Signature guitar.

Does it have a thick neck?

Yes. Fender officially describes the profile as Thick “C”, and it is considerably more substantial than many standard modern Strat necks.

What pickups are fitted?

It uses three custom DiMarzio single-coil pickups with conventional five-way Stratocaster switching.

Are the pickups active?

No. The electronics are entirely passive and require no battery.

Does it have jumbo frets?

Yes. Fender specifies 22 Super Jumbo frets on a 12" radius maple fingerboard.

Is the flame maple visible through the white finish?

Yes. Transparent White Burst is designed to allow the flame-maple laminated top to remain visually apparent beneath the finish.

Is a hardcase included?

Yes. This Pre-Owned example is supplied with a hardcase.

Can I request a closer look before purchasing?

Yes. Our Request a Video Demo option is particularly useful for this model if you'd like to see the flame figuring, Transparent White Burst finish and Excellent-condition presentation in greater detail.