Pricing and availability

We compare 600+ stores and found this item at 7 stores. Prices updated .

Sweetwater
4.5 (9)
$1,519.99
Guitar Center
4.5 (7)
$1,519.99
Fender
$1,519.99
Amazon
3.7 (18)
$1,519.99
Musician's Friend
5.0 (9)
$1,519.99
Thomann
4.3 (15)
$1,399.00
Gear4Music
£1,519.99

Average Price: $1,500

High-end/Boutique

$400

$1001+

Price Tier

Budget

Standard

High-end

Price History

Based on price data from 5 merchants for "Fender Ritchie Blackmore Signature Set-Neck Stratocaster". Prices shown reflect NEW condition. Tracking began Apr 2, 2026.

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Description

Inspired by the virtuosic mastery of one of rock's most influential guitarists, the Fender Ritchie Blackmore Signature Set-Neck Stratocaster is a tribute to the sonic architect behind some of the genre's most iconic riffs. This guitar embodies the spirit of Blackmore's favored '70s Strat with modern craftsmanship and vintage flair. The graduated scalloped rosewood fingerboard sets this model apart, allowing for effortless bends and a uniquely expressive playing experience, much like Ritchie's own distinct style.

Featuring a robust alder body and a classic U-shaped maple neck, this Stratocaster is equipped with Seymour Duncan Quarter Pound Flat SSL-4 pickups in the neck and bridge positions, delivering a powerful, high-output sound that’s perfect for searing solos and rich, harmonic textures. True to Blackmore’s original setup, the middle pickup is a non-active "dummy," maintaining the authenticity of his signature sound.

Complete with '70s-style "F" tuners and a vintage-style synchronized tremolo bridge, this guitar is as much about aesthetics as it is about sound. With a large '70s-style headstock and Blackmore's signature gracing the front, this instrument is a must-have for any fan of classic rock or any guitarist seeking a blend of historical tone and modern playability.

Key Features:

  • Alder body with gloss polyester finish
  • Maple neck with a 7.25" radius graduated scalloped rosewood fingerboard
  • 21 vintage-style frets
  • Seymour Duncan Quarter Pound Flat SSL-4 pickups (neck and bridge)
  • Middle non-active "dummy" pickup
  • 3-position blade pickup switching
  • Vintage-style synchronized tremolo bridge
  • Flush-mounted Dunlop Straplocks
  • Includes a deluxe gig bag

Product specs

Number of Strings 6
Left-/Right-handed Right-handed
Body Type Solidbody
Body Shape Ritchie Blackmore Stratocaster
Body Material Alder
Body Finish Gloss Polyester
Neck Material Maple
Neck Shape U
Neck Joint 3-way Bolt-on
Radius 7.25"
Fingerboard Inlay Pearloid Dots
Number of Frets 21, Vintage
Scale Length 25.5"
Nut Width 1.650"
Nut Material Synthetic Bone
Bridge/Tailpiece 6-Saddle Vintage-style Synchronized Tremolo
Tuners Vintage "F" style tuners
Neck Pickup Seymour Duncan Quarter Pound Flat SSL-4 single-coil
Middle Pickup Non-active dummy pickup
Bridge Pickup Seymour Duncan reverse wound/reverse polarity Quarter Pound Flat SSL-4 single-coil
Controls 1 x master volume, 2 x tone
Switching 3-way blade pickup switch
Strings Fender, .009-.042
Case/Gig Bag Gig Bag

FAQs

What makes the Fender Ritchie Blackmore Stratocaster unique compared to other Stratocasters?

The Fender Ritchie Blackmore Stratocaster features a set-neck construction, scalloped rosewood fretboard, and Seymour Duncan Quarter Pound Flat SSL-4 single-coil pickups, offering a distinctive playability and tone inspired by Ritchie Blackmore's legendary sound.

How does the scalloped fretboard affect playability on the Fender Ritchie Blackmore Stratocaster?

The scalloped fretboard allows for easier bending and faster playing, making it ideal for guitarists who incorporate intricate techniques and require enhanced control over their fretting hand.

Is the Fender Ritchie Blackmore Stratocaster suitable for heavy rock and metal genres?

Yes, the Seymour Duncan Quarter Pound pickups provide a powerful and punchy output, making this guitar well-suited for heavy rock and metal styles, delivering the aggressive tones associated with Ritchie Blackmore.

What type of neck profile does the Fender Ritchie Blackmore Stratocaster have, and how does it affect playability?

This Stratocaster features a U-shaped neck profile, offering a comfortable grip and support for players who prefer a thicker neck, enhancing stability and control during performance.

Does the Fender Ritchie Blackmore Stratocaster come with a case or gig bag?

The Fender Ritchie Blackmore Stratocaster comes with a gig bag, providing basic protection for transport and storage.

GAK

GAK

Fender - Ritchie Blackmore Stratocaster Demo at GAK

Video thumbnail for Fender - Ritchie Blackmore Stratocaster Demo at GAK by GAK

Fender - Ritchie Blackmore Stratocaster Demo at GAK

GAK

GAK

Video thumbnail for Fender Ritchie Blackmore Signature Series Mexican Stratocastor by Cryptic Mask Guitar

Fender Ritchie Blackmore Signature Series Mexican Stratocastor

Cryptic Mask Guitar

Cryptic Mask Guitar

Video thumbnail for Fender Ritchie Blackmore Stratocaster // May 19, 2013 by Old Guitar Man

Fender Ritchie Blackmore Stratocaster // May 19, 2013

Old Guitar Man

Old Guitar Man

Reviews

PROS

  • Scalloped fretboard provides a unique playing experience and encourages a lighter touch

  • High-output Seymour Duncan pickups deliver a powerful and versatile sound

  • Graduated scalloping allows for easy transitioning between chords and solos

  • Looks great with its 70s Strat vibe and Ritchie Blackmore signature

  • Neck is fast and suited for both shredding and rhythm playing

  • Punchy tone with a sound reminiscent of P90 pickups

  • Tight neck pocket contributes to prolonged sustain

  • Offers a unique combination of Fender and Gibson elements

  • Solid construction with a flawless finish

CONS

  • Requires setup out of the box for optimal playability

  • No hardshell case included, only a gig bag

  • Frets may need polishing and adjustment for perfect action

  • Pickups can be noisy, especially with distortion

  • Factory setup often has high action, requiring adjustments

  • Inconsistent quality control, with some units requiring multiple exchanges

  • Some models have reported neck shrinkage and fret issues

  • Missing microtilt screw in some units

  • Perceived as pricey for a non-American made Strat

Owner Insights

We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about Fender Ritchie Blackmore Signature Set-Neck Stratocaster.

Features and functionality

  • Scalloped frets on the Blackmore Strat enable easier bends and vibrato by allowing fingertips to fit around the strings better, enhancing control for advanced techniques.

    Source
  • The scalloping on the Blackmore Strat is described as slight, compared to more pronounced versions on other signature models like the Yngwie Malmsteen Strat.

    Source

User experience

  • Some players report that scalloped fretboards require a delicate touch, as pressing too hard can cause notes to go sharp, impacting tuning accuracy.

    Source
  • Owners note that scalloped fretboards may not inherently increase playing speed but encourage a lighter touch, which can facilitate faster, more fluid playing.

    Source

Comparisons

  • Modern jumbo frets are often compared to scalloped fretboards for providing similar benefits, such as reduced finger pressure, at a more accessible price.

    Source
  • It's been noted that scalloped fretboards offer a different experience compared to 0.57" x 0.110" extra jumbo frets, which some players find similarly beneficial.

    Source

Setup and maintenance

  • It is suggested that scalloped fretboards may be slightly more prone to warping under poor conditions, though truss rods generally maintain neck stability.

    Source
  • Medium-high string action was observed on a Malmsteen Strat during a Fender clinic tour, indicating a preference similar to Nuno Bettencourt's setup.

    Source

Use cases and applications

  • Scalloped fretboards can offer easier access to microtones, which can be beneficial for genres like Indian music, as noted by experienced players.

    Source
  • Scalloped fretboards might benefit players with cubital tunnel syndrome by reducing required finger pressure, potentially easing the playing experience.

    Source

Mods and upgrades

  • Warmoth replacement necks are recommended for those seeking scalloped fretboards, with users acknowledging the $400+ cost for custom specs as a worthwhile investment.

    Source

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Artist usage

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See how Ritchie Blackmore uses Fender Ritchie Blackmore Signature Set-Neck Stratocaster

Ritchie Blackmore

Guitarist

Deep Purple

...
Verified via Photo

Ritchie Blackmore is shown with the Fender Ritchie Blackmore Signature Set-Neck Stratocaster in a user-uploaded photo on Schidakov.

Genre Usage

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