Fender’s Custom Shop just announced the launch of a limited edition Fender Lexus LC Stratocaster guitar. As the latest custom piece from Principal Master Builder Ron Thorn, the Fender Lexus LC Stratocaster represents a unique alliance between the storied guitar maker and luxury auto manufacturer.  

Out of The Blue

True story: When I was living in Arizona, I used to drive by this real estate office on the way to get groceries for mom and dad. One day, a brand new Lexus LC was parked out front. It was painted this shiny blue color that was striking from 100 yards away. I literally said, out loud to myself, “Man, that would make a great color for a guitar.” No foollin!

And here we are, four or five years later, and Lexus has partnered with Leo’s shop to do just that.
Blue Is Your Color

Technically speaking, the shade of blue on this Lexus Strat is called an “omnidirectional Structural Blue finish.” It looks sort of like a Hot Wheels car or like a deep tint over a chrome base. It looks good on luxury performance cars, but it really looks fantastic on this Strat. Originally inspired by the Morpho butterfly, the color works in a spectral range from light metallic blue to deep midnight blue.

It’s the paint used on the Lexus LC 500 Inspiration Series coupe and convertible, and, get this: the paint does not contain any blue material. It only looks blue because of the interference of light. Layers of colorless ma...