Fender and Tom Morello Unveil the Iconic Arm the Homeless Guitar Replica
After much anticipation, Fender has finally fulfilled the dreams of Tom Morello enthusiasts by launching a replica of his legendary Arm the Homeless electric guitar. This unique six-string instrument played a pivotal role in shaping the sound of rage Against the Machine and revolutionizing rock guitar.
The Evolution of a Custom Classic
Fender meticulously recreated every aspect of this extraordinary guitar, originally assembled by Morello himself. After commissioning a custom model that didn’t meet his expectations, he spent years modifying it until he achieved the now-iconic setup that has remained unchanged for over thirty years.
Technical Specifications
The replica features an EMG pickup configuration, including an 85 humbucker at the bridge and a single-coil-sized humbucker at the neck. It also boasts a robust toggle switch and a Gotoh-style locking tremolo system,complete with a distinctive whammy bar.
Striking Visuals
morello’s signature artistic flair is evident in the replica’s design, showcasing his hand-drawn hippos and the bold “Arm the Homeless” slogan, all set against a stunning blue ice metallic finish. Notably, this guitar features uncut strings at the hockey-stick headstock, a rarity for production models.
Precision Craftsmanship
One of the most challenging aspects for Fender was replicating the neck shape,originally a Kramer neck that Morello discovered in a discount bin. It took 20 to 25 prototypes for Fender to perfect the design, resulting in a replica so similar that Morello has been testing it on tour without anyone noticing, not even his most devoted fans or bandmates.
“Zero. Zero percent. You’d never know.I mean, I don’t know!” Morello shared with Guitar World. “The final prototype that I approved has been my go-to on the last tour this year. I’m thrilled with it.”
Identical Yet Unique
During a promotional shoot at Cello Studios, where many of rage Against the Machine’s records were produced, Morello placed three replicas alongside the original on the mixing board, challenging attendees to identify the real one.
“On the actual Arm the Homeless guitar, a dog chewed the headstock years ago, leaving teeth marks.I’m not sure if it was a fan or a badger, but that’s the only distinguishing feature,” he noted.
Charitable Impact
In line with Morello’s previous signature gear releases, a portion of the proceeds from the Arm the Homeless guitar will benefit organizations like Midnight Mission and Covenant House, which provide support to those facing homelessness.
Availability and Pricing
The Fender Tom Morello “arm The Homeless” Guitar is now available for $1,699. For more details, visit Fender.com.
stay tuned for an in-depth interview with Tom Morello in the upcoming issue of Guitar World.
