David Gilmour’s iconic ‘Black Strat’ Fender Stratocaster, the instrument that was so integral to the creation of the revolutionary Pink Floyd sound, will be released as a ‘Signature Model’ by Fender on September 22nd 2008 [click thumbnail, left].

This is to coincide with the release of the Live In Gdansk album, which has been delayed by one week and also hits the streets on that day (and the following day, Tuesday September 23rd, in North America).

As many of you will be aware, work has been ongoing on this guitar for a while now - some two years. The Fender ‘Black Strat’ Signature Model has been created by the combined input of David Gilmour, Fender Custom Shop's Mike Eldred and Todd Krause, plus that of David’s long-standing guitar technician Phil Taylor. They endeavoured to create a final product that is tailored to the highest possible standards and yet still be affordable to both fans and guitar players.

The development work involved an extensive testing procedure, including various different combinations of wood, pick-ups and paint to find a close facsimile of the original ‘Black Strat’s sound and look.

The legendary ‘Black Strat’ has featured on numerous Pink Floyd albums such as ‘The Dark Side of the Moon’, ‘Wish You Were Here’ and ‘The Wall’. It has also played a major part in David Gilmour’s solo projects including, most notably, the 2006 critically-acclaimed Number 1 album ‘On An Island’.

The ‘Black Strat’, which features the same maple neck, black pickguard, shortened tremolo arm and custom electronics as the original, will come with a custom black case (made by G&G) with a centre pocket, plush green lining and ‘Fender Custom Shop David Gilmour Model’ embroidery.

Additionally, the case will include a copy of ‘The Black Strat’, the book by David Gilmour’s guitar technician Phil Taylor which gives an insightful history into this legendary guitar, originally bought from Manny’s Music in New York in May 1970. It will also have a copy of the 'Live At Gdansk' CD and DVD set included as inspiration to it's new owners!

To ensure guitar fans get the very best out of the ‘Black Strat’, a set of GHS David Gilmour Signature strings will also be included, and an ‘Evidence Audio’ guitar cable, both of these as used by David Gilmour on stage and in the studio. Finally, a deluxe Fender guitar strap and a ‘David Gilmour’ guitar plectrum will also be included to complete the package.

The ‘Black Strat’ has aroused such interest in guitar players searching for the perfect tone that there has sprung up a small industry in individuals creating their own, unauthorised, ‘Black Strat’ replicas for sale. However, the Fender David Gilmour Signature model is the only guitar that closely resembles the real thing.

David Gilmour said, “I told Fender that it was just an ordinary Strat that I bought at Manny’s, but I must say they’ve done a great job of recreating it”.

There are two models of the guitar - the 'relic' and the 'new old stock' model. Details of the differences between the two can be seen here. There's no confirming pricing as yet, and due to the intensive nature of its manufacture, it is possible that there might be initial limited availability. Our thanks to David's management for the info...