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Tom DeLonge Stratocaster!A Sleek Simple Guitar Made with a Hardtail BridgeThe Tom DeLonge Stratocaster is no longer produced -- and that’s really a shame for guitarists who like a no-nonsense humbucking sound and a minimalist design. There are rumors it may go back into production, however. Whether it comes back or not remains to be seen, but one thing is known: This simple Mexican-made instrument actually has only a few simple and subtle differences from some off-the-shelf Strats. Fender put in some hours with Blink-182 front man Tom Delonge to create a signature guitar to his specifications. And it’s is a pretty simple instrument. 
It also has a large 1970s-style headstock and a Seymour Duncan SH-8 Invader at the bridge. Early models had an American two-point temolo, but that was later replaced with a hardtail bridge to match DeLonge’s own changes to his guitar. The standard production model Tom DeLonges have a solid maple neck and a rosewood fretboard. Some custom pieces have had maple fretboards, too, but those were never mass-produced. A cheaper version of this guitar was made by Squier, Fender’s brother company aimed at the beginner and low-end market. It looked similar but featured some less expensive elements. At every turn, simplicity is the mark of the DeLonge Strat. Those design elements match DeLonge’s own preferences for his personal instruments, but they also make it less certain whether this model is really a necessary part of the Fender line of the past or present. Recent rumors have suggested the discontinued guitar might make a comeback. Those started because DeLonge was seen recording with a Strat that looked like one of his signature models from Fender. For the last several years, DeLonge had been working with guitar maker Gibson. That company released a signature model designed by DeLonge shortly after the Fender model came to an end. Interest has also recently increased in this artist because his most well-known band, the punk rock outfit Blink-182, is back together again after taking a few years off in the 2000s. DeLonge is one of two lead vocalists in Blink-182 and its primary guitarist. During its absence he also fronted and played lead guitar for Angels & Airwaves, an alternative band that continues to record and perform. He was also associated with the hardcore Box Car Racer band. So do you need a Tom Delonge Stratocaster? Probably not. You can make a few modifications to the Strat you have and get a similar sound. And if you can play it half as well as DeLonge, you’re doing just fine. Tell us what you know about this guitarUpload your images, or send us the url to your video. We'll embed it on this page, and give you plenty of feedback. Tom DeLonge Stratocaster to Fender Stratocaster |