Fender is making a Monster Hunter Rathalos Telecaster

The marketing for Monster Hunter Wilds is really ramping up now the release date is out there, and now Fender is getting involved, collaborating with Capcom to make a Monster Hunter Rathalos Telecaster.

Before we get too far into things, two important points: Firstly, there’s a limited edition “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(JST)”.

Secondly, whichever model you want, know that it’s expensive, and more expensive than a standard Telecaster, but given it’s a custom design, and slightly different (in that it has a humbucker pickup in the middle, not a single coil one), you’re right to be hiding your wallets right now.

Here’s some of the features of the Limited model:

• Rathalos-Inspired Design: The body features Rathalos’ distinctive wings and flame patterns, with claw marks etched into the pickguard, all embodying the essence of the Monster Hunter world.
• Unmatched Playability and Sound: Equipped with SH pickups (Bridge: Monster Hunter Rathalos Single Coil, Neck: Monster Hunter Rathalos Humbucker), this guitar delivers high power with rich tones, perfect for pairing with distortion pedals.
• Special Accessories: This special model includes a black hardshell case and certificate of authenticity with the same numbering engraved on the neck plate. Furthermore, the Limited edition comes with a specially designed hard case decorated with a genuine leather belt and original guitar picks.
• Limited Edition Features: Glow-in-the-dark materials are used for the 12th fret inlays and side dots, creating a striking effect in dark environments on the Limited Monster Hunter Rathalos Telecaster®. Rathalos’ wing patterns are also etched onto the back of the neck.

The standard model will cost $1,999.99 USD, £1,849.00 GBP, €2,199.00 EUR, $3,499.00, AUD, ¥330,000 JPY, while the Limited Edition one is Japan-only and will retail at ¥495,000 JPY, which, if you’re interested is about £2500 or thereabouts.

“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 Rathalos Telecaster is a collaboration model commemorating the 20th anniversary of the worldwide hunting action game “Monster Hunter”. The guitar symbolizes the formidable power of the fire dragon Rathalos, frequently dubbed the “King of the Skies”, and considered an icon of the “Monster Hunter” game series. The majestic presence of the Rathalos has been meticulously incorporated throughout the instrument with its icon on the body back and 12th fret inlay, the distinctive feather and flame patterns as well as the guild mark on the body front. From the original body color to tortoiseshell pickguard and black hardwares inspired by the dominating ferociousness of the Rathalos makes this a one-of-a-kind guitar.

The Monster Hunter Rathalos Telecaster has been designed with attention to detail in order to showcase the sonic quality and playability of an authentic Fender guitar. The satin-finished alder body is equipped with a 9.5” radius “C”-shape maple neck with 22 medium jumbo frets. Original Monster Hunter Rathalos Humbucking neck and single-coil bridge pickups deilver powerful, rich tones, that work great with distortion pedals. This special model includes a black hardshell case equipped with an original collaboration badge, and a certificate of authenticity with the same numbering engraved on the neck plate.

The Limited Monster Hunter Rathalos Telecaster is an exclusive model available only at Fender Flagship Tokyo and the official Fender online store in Japan. This model features pickup covers and a pickguard adorned with claw marks from Rathalos, and the back of the neck is engraved with a pattern of Rathalos’ feathers. The body binding, the 12th fret inlays, and the side dots are made of a luminescent material that glows red in the dark. It comes with a special hard case, styled after the game’s item box and decorated with a genuine leather belt. An original certificate of authenticity, which includes the numbering engraved on the neck plate, is also included.

Monster Hunter Wilds is coming to PC, PS5, and Xbox Series S|X on February 28th.