A Dream Collaboration Between the Iconic Monster Hunter Series and Fender, Delivering the Ultimate Guitar Experience. Further Celebrate Music and Gaming with the Japan Exclusive Limited Edition Model Featuring Fierce Rathalos Claw Marks for Unrivaled Performance
TOKYO, JAPAN (September 27, 2024) — Fender Musical Instruments Corporation (FMIC) today announces the Monster Hunter Rathalos Telecaster® guitar, a breathtaking fusion of Fender craftsmanship, innovation and gaming culture in celebration of the Monster Hunter series' 20th Anniversary. Inspired by the legendary Rathalos, this special model brings to life the world of Monster Hunter, featuring the iconic Rathalos emblem with its striking wing pattern and fiery crest, along with guild marks subtly placed throughout the body and fretboard inlays. The Monster Hunter Rathalos Telecaster® will be available on Fender.com as well as authorized Fender dealers worldwide starting March 2025. As part of this highly anticipated launch, a limited-edition model, the Limited Monster Hunter Rathalos Telecaster®, complete with a premium hard case, will be exclusively available at Fender Flagship Tokyo in Harajuku and Fender Japan's official online store. Fender Flagship Tokyo will begin taking pre-orders for both models in-store from 11:00 a.m. on Friday, September 27.
The Monster Hunter Rathalos Telecaster® guitar is a stunning collaboration model created to celebrate the 20th anniversary of the iconic Monster Hunter franchise. This guitar embodies the raw power and majestic presence of Rathalos, the legendary "King of the Skies" and one of the most recognizable figures in the Monster Hunter series. From its fierce symbol on the body back and 12th fret inlay to the intricate feather and flame motifs and the guild mark on the body front, every detail reflects the fearsome energy of Rathalos. The bold original body color, tortoiseshell pickguard, and sleek black hardware echo the beast’s ferociousness, making this a truly unique instrument.
The collaboration will also feature exclusive guitar picks and a collector’s pick case, showcasing iconic items from the Monster Hunter world. A total of 12 unique pick designs will be available, with each set containing a random assortment of designs. The thrill of discovery awaits, as the specific designs included remain a mystery until the package is opened. Customers who purchase the Limited Monster Hunter Rathalos Telecaster® guitar will receive all 12 designs, along with the special edition pick case. The pick products will be available for sale exclusively in the APAC (Asia-Pacific) region.
"We're thrilled to bring this collaboration with world leading guitar brand Fender to life in celebration of Monster Hunter's 20th anniversary," said Ryozo Tsujimoto, Monster Hunter series producer. "The collaboration guitar features various elements that reflect Rathalos, one of the series' iconic monsters, with details such as claw marks, inlays, and patterns on the body. Additionally, plans are underway for in-game collaborations with 'Monster Hunter Wilds,' so please look forward to that as well."
“At Fender, we’re always seeking innovative ways to push the boundaries of what a guitar can represent, and our collaboration with Monster Hunter is an exciting new chapter,” said Edward “Bud” Cole, President Fender APAC. “Partnering with such an iconic and beloved Japanese game series is truly special for us. We’re thrilled to see the legendary Rathalos brought to life through the craftsmanship of our guitars. This collaboration allows us to connect the rich worlds of music and gaming, offering players and fans alike a one-of-a-kind experience where creativity knows no limits.”
The Monster Hunter series is renowned for its action-packed RPG gameplay, where players face off against colossal monsters in breathtaking natural landscapes. Since the franchise's debut in 2004, it has defined the co-op action genre, allowing players to team up and hunt down towering beasts. The release of “Monster Hunter: World” in 2018 took the series to new heights, pushing it beyond the 100 million units mark in cumulative sales. Now a global phenomenon, Monster Hunter has captivated millions of fans worldwide, cementing its place as a cultural megahit.
Designed with the same precision and craftsmanship as every Fender guitar, the Monster Hunter Rathalos Telecaster® delivers impeccable sonic performance and playability. The satin-finished alder body pairs perfectly with a 9.5" radius "C"-shaped maple neck featuring 22 medium jumbo frets. Its custom Monster Hunter Rathalos Humbucking neck pickup and single-coil bridge pickup offer powerful, rich tones that excel with distortion, making this guitar an excellent choice for both clean and heavy soundscapes. The guitar comes with a black hardshell case adorned with an original collaboration badge and includes a certificate of authenticity that matches the numbering engraved on the neck plate.
Exclusively available at Fender Flagship Tokyo and Fender Japan's official online store, the Limited Monster Hunter Rathalos Telecaster® guitar takes the collaboration to the next level. It features fierce Rathalos claw marks slashing through the pickup covers and pickguard, while the back of the neck is engraved with the intricate pattern of Rathalos feathers. For added flair, the body binding, 12th fret inlay, and side dots are crafted from a luminescent material that glows red in the dark. This limited model comes with a special hard case designed after the item box and decorated with a genuine leather belt, an original certificate of authenticity with the same numbering as engraved on the neck plate, and a pick set.
To further celebrate Monster Hunter’s 20th anniversary, a special collection of guitar picks and a matching pick case will be released alongside the Telecaster® guitars. The picks are inspired by Rathalos and feature familiar in-game material icons, such as tail, wings, and scales—materials earned by defeating the beast. Three of the 12 designs represent rare items from the game—Rathalos Plate, Rathalos Mantle, and Rathalos Ruby—and are finished with a luxurious metallic texture. The back of each pick is adorned with the Fender and Monster Hunter 20th anniversary logos, making them perfect for both collectors and players alike. These picks, shaped in the versatile 346 heavy type, are ideal for use with electric, bass, and acoustic guitars. The pick case is designed to mimic the item box from the game, complete with a belt, keyhole, and emblem stamped into premium faux leather. The back of the case also features the Fender and Monster Hunter 20th anniversary logos, blending playfulness with an elegant, sophisticated touch.
Pre-orders will be available at Fender Flagship Tokyo from 11:00 a.m. on Friday, September 27. The limited-edition model will be available in limited quantities and pre-orders will close once the available number of pieces have been reached. (Only credit card payments will be accepted for in-store pre-orders, to be made at the time of pre-order. Delivery of the guitars is scheduled for March 2025.) Both regular and limited models will be on display at Fender Flagship Tokyo from Monday, September 30.
