Fender Richie Kotzen Stratocaster Transparent Red Burst, (Used, Comm)

The Fender Richie Kotzen Stratocaster in Transparent Red Burst is a premium Made in Japan Artist Signature Stratocaster built for players who want serious performance, bold looks and a more powerful take on the classic SSS Strat formula. With its ash body, flame maple laminated top, thick “C” maple neck, 12" fingerboard radius, 22 super jumbo frets, custom DiMarzio single-coil pickups and gold hardware, this is a Strat designed for speed, control, sustain and expressive modern playing.

This pre-owned example is listed in Excellent condition, meaning it shows only very light signs of previous use and remains fully functional and ready to play.

Supplied with a Gator gigbag and carrying the supplied serial number JD25027014, this Richie Kotzen Stratocaster is a superb choice for rock, fusion, blues, funk, pop, studio work and players who want a high-spec Japanese Fender Strat with standout visual appeal.

At A Glance

Key Detail	Information
Brand	Fender
Model	Richie Kotzen Stratocaster
Series	Artist Signature
Finish	Transparent Red Burst
Serial Number	JD25027014
Country / Range	Made in Japan
Body	Ash with Flame Maple Laminated Top
Body Finish	Gloss Polyester
Neck	Maple
Neck Shape	Thick “C”
Fingerboard	Maple
Fingerboard Radius	12"
Frets	22 Super Jumbo
Scale Length	25.5"
Pickup Configuration	SSS
Pickups	DiMarzio Custom Single-Coil Set
Bridge	6-Saddle Vintage-Style Synchronized Tremolo
Hardware Finish	Gold
Tuners	Gotoh with Pearl Buttons
Condition	Pre-Owned, Excellent Condition
Included	Gator Gigbag
Main Appeal	High-performance MIJ Richie Kotzen signature Strat with DiMarzio pickups
Best For	Rock, fusion, blues, funk, pop, worship, recording and live performance
Skill Level	Intermediate to professional

Condition Overview

Excellent Condition

This Fender Richie Kotzen Stratocaster is in Excellent condition. This means it shows very light signs of use while remaining fully functional and well presented.

Excellent condition is ideal for players who want a clean pre-owned Japanese Fender with only minor evidence of careful previous ownership.

What’s Included?

✔ Fender Richie Kotzen Stratocaster Transparent Red Burst
✔ Gator Gigbag

✘ No Additional Accessories Included

Condition Notes

This guitar shows very light signs of previous use such as minor surface marks, faint handling wear or small signs of careful previous ownership.

No faults, repairs or modifications have been supplied for this listing. The guitar has been checked for playability and functionality before sale.

The supplied serial number is JD25027014.

Fair Deal Quality Control Assessment

This pre-owned Fender Richie Kotzen Stratocaster has been inspected and assessed by the Fair Deal Music team before being offered for sale.

Our checks include:

• Electronics tested
• DiMarzio single-coil pickups checked
• 5-way blade switch tested
• Master volume control checked
• Tone controls checked
• Output jack tested
• Frets inspected
• Maple fingerboard checked
• Thick “C” neck profile assessed
• Neck condition checked
• Gotoh tuners checked
• Tremolo bridge checked
• Hardware inspected
• General playability assessed
• Gator gigbag checked for basic usability

Service / Setup Work

All pre-owned guitars at Fair Deal Music are set up and checked before leaving the shop.

This Fender Richie Kotzen Stratocaster has been assessed for playability, with the following checked:

• Action checked
• Neck relief checked
• Frets inspected
• Tuning stability checked
• Electronics tested
• Pickup output checked
• Tremolo operation checked
• Hardware checked
• Bridge setup checked
• Intonation checked

Please note that guitar setup can sometimes shift slightly during delivery due to changes in temperature and humidity. We take this into account during our checks, but wood can naturally move in transit.

Why Choose The Fender Richie Kotzen Stratocaster Transparent Red Burst?

Premium Made in Japan Fender Quality

The Richie Kotzen Stratocaster is part of Fender’s Made in Japan Artist Signature range, giving players a high-quality Japanese-built instrument with a more specialised specification than a standard Stratocaster.

Richie Kotzen Signature Performance

Richie Kotzen is known for expressive rock, fusion and blues-based playing, and this signature Strat reflects that. It is designed to feel substantial, fast and powerful, with a spec that supports fluid lead work, strong rhythm tones and dynamic control.

Transparent Red Burst Finish

The Transparent Red Burst finish shows off the flame maple laminated top beautifully, giving the guitar a premium, stage-ready look. It is bold, classy and instantly recognisable.

Ash Body With Flame Maple Laminated Top

The ash body gives the guitar strong clarity and attack, while the flame maple laminated top adds visual depth and high-end appeal. This combination gives the instrument a more refined look than a standard solid-colour Strat.

Thick “C” Maple Neck

The thick “C” neck profile gives this Strat a substantial and confident feel in the hand. It is ideal for players who prefer a fuller neck rather than a very slim modern profile.

12" Radius And Super Jumbo Frets

The flatter 12" fingerboard radius and 22 super jumbo frets make this guitar excellent for bends, fast runs, expressive vibrato and modern lead playing. It feels different from a vintage-style Strat and is built for performance.

Custom DiMarzio Single-Coil Pickups

The custom DiMarzio SSS pickup set gives this Strat a punchier, more performance-focused voice while retaining the clarity and articulation players expect from a three-single-coil Stratocaster.

Gold Hardware And Gotoh Tuners

Gold hardware adds to the premium visual style, while Gotoh tuners provide dependable tuning performance and a refined feel.

Comparison Against Popular Alternatives

Fender Richie Kotzen Stratocaster vs Fender American Professional II Stratocaster

The American Professional II Stratocaster offers a modern USA-made Fender experience with broad all-round appeal. The Richie Kotzen Stratocaster is more specialised, with a thicker neck, 12" radius, super jumbo frets, DiMarzio pickups, flame maple visual styling and Japanese Artist Signature character.

Fender Richie Kotzen Stratocaster vs Fender Player Plus Stratocaster

The Player Plus Stratocaster offers modern features at a more accessible price point. The Richie Kotzen Stratocaster sits higher in feel and specification, with Made in Japan construction, premium styling and artist-signature performance features.

Fender Richie Kotzen Stratocaster vs Fender Traditional Stratocaster

A traditional Stratocaster often has a rounder fingerboard radius, smaller frets and more vintage-style pickups. The Richie Kotzen Stratocaster feels more modern and powerful, making it better suited to lead players and higher-performance playing styles.

Fender Richie Kotzen Stratocaster vs Suhr Classic S

A Suhr Classic S offers boutique S-style refinement and modern build precision. The Richie Kotzen Stratocaster gives players a genuine Fender Artist Signature model with Japanese build quality, DiMarzio pickups and distinctive Kotzen-specific feel.

Who Is It For?

Richie Kotzen Fans

This is the obvious choice for players inspired by Richie Kotzen’s expressive rock, fusion and blues phrasing.

Lead Guitarists

The 12" radius, super jumbo frets and thick “C” neck make this guitar ideal for expressive bends, fast runs and confident upper-neck playing.

Rock And Fusion Players

The DiMarzio pickups and performance-focused feel make this Strat well suited to rock, fusion, blues-rock and higher-gain playing.

Studio Musicians

The SSS layout gives a wide range of usable tones, while the stronger pickup voice helps the guitar sit well in modern recordings.

Players Wanting A Premium MIJ Strat

This is ideal for guitarists who want a Japanese Fender with a more individual, high-end specification than a standard production Stratocaster.

Suitable Genres And Uses

This Fender Richie Kotzen Stratocaster is well suited to:

• Rock
• Fusion
• Blues
• Blues-rock
• Funk
• Pop
• Soul
• Worship music
• Indie
• Alternative
• Classic rock
• Studio recording
• Live performance
• Rehearsals
• Lead guitar
• Clean rhythm playing
• Overdriven rhythm tones
• Pedalboard-based rigs
• Players wanting a high-performance MIJ Stratocaster

Why Choose A High-Performance SSS Stratocaster?

An SSS Stratocaster is one of the most versatile electric guitar formats ever made. The neck pickup gives warm, rounded lead and clean tones; the middle pickup adds balance and clarity; the bridge pickup delivers bite and definition; and the in-between positions provide the familiar Strat-style sparkle used across funk, pop, blues and clean rhythm work.

The Richie Kotzen Stratocaster takes that familiar formula and turns it into a more performance-focused instrument. The thicker neck gives a substantial feel, the flatter fingerboard radius supports cleaner bends, the super jumbo frets make expressive phrasing easier, and the DiMarzio pickups provide a more powerful voice.

For players who want classic Strat versatility with a more muscular signature feel, this Made in Japan Richie Kotzen Stratocaster is an excellent choice.

Looking for advice on choosing the right Fender Stratocaster, Artist Signature model or pre-owned Japanese Fender guitar? Our experienced team of musicians can help by phone, online or in-store.

Story & Context: Fender Richie Kotzen Stratocaster

Richie Kotzen is known for a highly expressive style that blends rock, fusion, blues, soul and technical lead playing. His Fender signature Stratocaster reflects that blend of power and musicality, offering classic Strat DNA with a specification designed for a more demanding modern player.

Originally strongly associated with the Japanese market, the Richie Kotzen Stratocaster has gained wider recognition thanks to its distinctive look, premium Made in Japan construction and performance-focused specification.

This Transparent Red Burst example, serial JD25027014, is a clean and highly appealing pre-owned Artist Signature Stratocaster with the practical benefit of an included Gator gigbag.

Technical Specifications

Specification	Details
Product Type	Solid Body Electric Guitar
Brand	Fender
Series	Artist Signature
Model	Richie Kotzen Stratocaster
Finish	Transparent Red Burst
Serial Number	JD25027014
Country / Range	Made in Japan
Body Shape	Stratocaster
Body Material	Ash with Flame Maple Laminated Top
Body Finish	Gloss Polyester
Neck Material	Maple
Neck Shape	Thick “C”
Neck Finish	Satin Urethane
Fingerboard Material	Maple
Fingerboard Radius	12"
Position Inlays	Black Pearloid Dots
Scale Length	25.5"
Number of Frets	22
Fret Size	Super Jumbo
Nut Material	Synthetic Bone
Nut Width	1.650" / 42mm
Pickup Configuration	SSS
Bridge Pickup	DiMarzio Custom Single-Coil
Middle Pickup	DiMarzio Custom Single-Coil
Neck Pickup	DiMarzio Custom Single-Coil
Controls	Master Volume, Tone 1, Tone 2
Switching	5-Position Blade Switch
Bridge	6-Saddle Vintage-Style Synchronized Tremolo
Tuners	Gotoh with Pearl Buttons
Hardware Finish	Gold
Pickguard	3-Ply Pearloid
String Configuration	6-String
Included	Gator Gigbag
Condition	Pre-Owned, Excellent Condition

Specification Note

The supplied serial number is JD25027014. Fender’s Japanese serial-number guidance states that JD + 8 digits instruments are from 2012 onward, with the first two digits designating the year of manufacture. Based on that guidance, JD25 points to a 2025 production year, though exact dating should still be confirmed through Fender serial lookup and direct inspection.

Fender’s current specification lists this model with a gig bag from new. This listing is supplied with a Gator gigbag, as stated in the included items above.

Power Requirements

No power supply or battery is required. This is a passive electric guitar and only needs a standard 1/4" instrument cable and a suitable guitar amplifier, pedalboard or audio interface.

Fair Deal Music Verdict

★★★★★ 5/5

The Fender Richie Kotzen Stratocaster Transparent Red Burst is a standout Made in Japan Artist Signature model for players who want classic Strat versatility with a more powerful, performance-focused feel. The flame maple-topped ash body, thick “C” maple neck, 12" radius, super jumbo frets, DiMarzio pickups, Gotoh tuners and gold hardware make it feel premium, fast and stage-ready.

This Excellent condition example, serial JD25027014, is ideal for Richie Kotzen fans, lead players, rock and fusion guitarists, and anyone wanting a high-spec Japanese Fender Stratocaster with serious visual impact.

Why Buy From Fair Deal Music?

Choosing Fair Deal Music means buying from a passionate team of musicians who genuinely understand the products we sell. Whether you're purchasing your first instrument, upgrading your current setup or searching for something special, we're here to help you make the right choice with friendly advice and expert support.

When you shop with Fair Deal Music, you can buy with confidence thanks to:

Expert advice from knowledgeable musicians
Carefully checked new, used, pre-owned and ex-display equipment
Competitive prices on leading music brands
Secure UK-wide delivery
Flexible finance options available (subject to status)
Friendly support before and after your purchase
A trusted independent UK music retailer with decades of experience

Trade In. Trade Up. Save More.

Thinking about upgrading? Your next piece of gear could cost less than you think.

We're always happy to consider part exchanges and trade-ins on a wide range of musical instruments and equipment. Whether you're looking to upgrade your guitar, keyboard, amplifier, drum kit or studio gear, your existing equipment could help reduce the cost of your next purchase.

Simply get in touch with our team for a no-obligation valuation, and we'll be happy to discuss the options available.

It's an easy way to unlock the value of the gear you no longer use while making your next instrument even more affordable.

FAQ

What condition is this Fender Richie Kotzen Stratocaster in?

This guitar is listed in Excellent condition, meaning it shows very light signs of previous use while remaining fully functional.

Does this guitar come with a gigbag?

Yes. This Fender Richie Kotzen Stratocaster comes with a Gator gigbag.

What is the serial number?

The supplied serial number is JD25027014.

What year does the serial suggest?

Fender’s Japanese serial-number guidance indicates that JD + 8 digits instruments are from 2012 onward, with the first two digits designating the year. Based on that guidance, JD25 points to 2025.

What pickups are fitted?

This model is fitted with a custom DiMarzio SSS single-coil pickup set.

What neck profile does it have?

The Richie Kotzen Stratocaster uses a thick “C” maple neck profile.

What makes this different from a standard Stratocaster?

It has a thicker neck, 12" fingerboard radius, 22 super jumbo frets, DiMarzio pickups, flame maple laminated top, gold hardware and Artist Signature specification.

Does it require a battery?

No. This is a passive electric guitar and does not require a battery.

What styles does this guitar suit?

It suits rock, fusion, blues, blues-rock, funk, pop, worship, studio recording and live performance.

Can I try this guitar in-store?

Fair Deal Music has a large Birmingham showroom, and our team can offer advice on Fender Stratocasters, Richie Kotzen signature models and pre-owned Japanese Fender guitars.