Flat Fender

Interesting release by Fender Japan; a flat top Strat. Meaning - edges are not rounded off, Tele-style. It's also an HSS config, with a wide range-esque Shawbucker. Roasted maple board but from the looks, the entire neck might be roasted as well. Of course, they had to make this an FSR model but we'll see if that's absolutely the case.

Pic: Fender Japan

Roasted hybrid

As mentioned countless times before - the good stuff comes from Japan. This was a Summer release - Hybrid Telecaster Custom. It's a limited run model featuring a roasted maple fretboard. It's no longer a big deal (at least the way I see it) for an instrument to feature a roasted maple component; it's been done on even the budget offerings with outstanding outcome. It"s definitely a desirable feature & I must say Fender is a little behind with this regards. They have no obligations, of course, but it will boost things in terms of sales. I'm just hopeful that the Japanese Fenders will make their way here. The American side of Fender is a little stale.

EDIT: Took a closer look & it's an online store exclusive. Bummer 🙄

Pic: Fender Japan