NAMM 2012: New "Fenderoland" VG Stratocaster G-5

Roland and Fender have partnered to introduce the new VG Strat G-5. Fusing the best qualities of the classic Fender Strat and the Roland V guitar synthesizer, this instrument brings you the proven sound and build quality Fender has been synonymous with for the last 50 years plus the flexibility and broad range of guitar sounds offered by Roland's famous VG-99 and GR-55 guitar systems.

The instrument features the usual 3 single coil pickup setup plus a deftly placed GK-3 divided pickup located just north of the bridge. Immediately adjacent to this pickup are the familiar Volume and Tone knobs. In addition to these are two slightly smaller knobs which control the various parameters of the built-in VG system, offering up tonal variations such as pickup type, body type, tuning and various other things sure to wow and amaze the player's audience. In total there are 20 different sounds available, not the least of which are Telecaster, humbucker pickup, 12 string, acoustic and all sorts of alternate tuning setups.

The axe itself is instantly familiar to any Strat fan.

• 22-fret maple neck with either a maple or rosewood fingerboard
• a synchronized trem bridge
• American inline tuners
• Chrome hardware

The VG Stratocaster G-5 goes on sale in March so be sure to hound your local dealers until they get them in store. This one should be quite popular.