NASHVILLE, Tenn. — Both the Summer and Winter NAMM Shows are known as being places where exhibitors launch new products, but it also gives builders an opportunity to show off what they can do, such as Fender Master Builders like Yuriy Shishkov.
“It’s super special, it’s kind of the pinnacle of what we do,” Justin Stewart, product specialist for the Fender Custom Shop, said of “The Diamond Cobra Strat,” a Fender Stratocaster made by Shishkov that includes diamonds, rubies, sapphires, and many more top-of-the-line appointments. “He’s been working on this for 6 months.”
Shishkov’s masterpiece shows that guitars can be more than just instruments, they can be pieces of art.
Beyond the one-of-a-kind guitars on display, Fender officials say NAMM (National Association of Music Merchants) gives them an opportunity to continue the work of their founder, Leo Fender.
Leo was known to talk with musicians, asking them how his instruments played, sounded, and how they could be better.
“It’s a great opportunity for us to do the same and basically, ask people, ask the artists, what are you thinking? What do you want to hear, and what do you want to see?” Stewart explained.
If you want to see The Diamond Cobra Strat, you can visit NAMM if you aren’t preregistered on Saturday for the Make Music Experience, where you can demo products, attend workshops, build relationships and enjoy live music.
You can find details on the NAMM website.
