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Waka-Waka rock: Fender unveils Limited Edition PAC-MAN Player II Telecaster. Level up with the Fender x PAC-MAN Player II Telecaster. This limited edition mashup pairs pro-grade specs with iconic arcade style for the ultimate high score. Fender levels up its iconic lineup with a retro-gaming collaboration that sounds as good as it looks. Here is everything you need to know about the new Fender x PAC-MAN Telecaster. Fender has officially announced a high-score partnership with Bandai Namco, merging the world of legendary arcade gaming with world-class craftsmanship. The result? The Limited Edition Fender x PAC-MAN Player II Telecaster. Priced at £949.00, this isn't just a novelty item for a display case. It is a high-performance machine built on the foundation of the recently launched Player II series, designed to satisfy both professional musicians and hardcore collectors. Arcade legend meets Fender legacy. The collaboration aims to bridge the generational gap. While the vibrant graphics of PAC-MAN chasing Blinky, Pinky, Inky, and Clyde across the black Alder body will undoubtedly appeal to millennials and retro gaming enthusiasts, the "under the hood" specs are pure Fender. The guitar features the classic PAC-MAN game screen graphic on the front, while the iconic yellow PAC-MAN logo adorns the back. To round out the custom look, it features a custom 3-ply black/white/black pickguard and a 4-bolt neck plate stamped with the Fender "F" logo. Built for playability: The Player II edge. This limited edition isn't just about the paint job. It benefits from the significant upgrades found in the Player II Series, making it one of the most playable Telecasters in its price bracket. * The Neck: A "Modern C" profile maple neck provides a fast, comfortable feel for any playing style. * The Fingerboard: In a move praised by purists, it features a Rosewood fingerboard with a 9.5" radius and - crucially - rolled edges. This "broken-in" feel is usually reserved for much more expensive models. * The Tone: It is equipped with two Player Series Alnico V Single-Coil Tele(R) pickups. Expect the signature Fender "twang," characterized by crystalline highs, punchy mids, and a tight low end. Hardware and reliability. Fender has ensured that this guitar stays in tune even during the most frantic solos. It features ClassicGear(TM) tuning machines and a 6-saddle string-through-body bridge with block steel saddles, offering superior intonation and sustain compared to vintage-style 3-saddle bridges. Product specifications at a glance. * Body Material: Alder (Gloss Polyester Finish) * Neck: Maple, Modern "C" Shape * Fingerboard: Rosewood, 22 Medium Jumbo Frets * Pickups: 2x Player Series Alnico 5 Tele(R) Single-Coils * Bridge: 6-Saddle String-Through-Body Tele(R) * Included Accessories: Deluxe Gig Bag FAQ: Fender x PAC-MAN Telecaster. How much does the PAC-MAN Telecaster cost? The guitar is retail priced at £949.00 inc. VAT in the UK. Is this a limited release? Yes. As part of the Limited Edition series, once the production run is finished, it will likely become a sought-after collector's item. Does it come with a case? Yes, the guitar includes a Fender Deluxe Gig Bag. Is the PAC-MAN graphic a sticker? No, the graphic is professionally printed and finished with a gloss polyester coating for durability and a premium look. What makes the "Player II" version better than the original Player series? The Player II series introduces rolled fingerboard edges for better comfort and returns to Rosewood fingerboards, along with upgraded ClassicGear tuners. The verdict. The good. * Stunning Aesthetics: The PAC-MAN graphics are vibrant and nostalgically perfect. * Pro-Grade Specs: The Player II upgrades (rolled edges, Alnico V pickups) make this a serious instrument. * Collectability: Limited edition collaborations between Fender and major brands like Bandai Namco tend to hold their value well. The bad. * Price Premium: You are paying a slight premium for the licensing and graphics compared to a standard Player II Telecaster. * Polarizing Design: The bold graphics might be "too much" for traditionalists who prefer a classic Sunburst or Butterscotch finish. Final score: 7.5 / 10. Web exclusive. The Fender x PAC-MAN Player II Telecaster is a rare example of a "graphic guitar" done right. It doesn't sacrifice quality for kitsch. Underneath the ghosts and power pellets lies a rock-solid, professional-grade Telecaster that sounds incredible. Whether you're a gigging musician or a collector, this is a "Power Pellet" for your gear collection. # Fender x PAC-MAN Telecaster This article may contain affiliate links to Andertons, DeathCloud, Donner, Fender, Gear4Music, Guitar Center, Positive Grid, Stew Mac, Sweetwater, and Thomann that help finance the running costs of GuitarBomb. Guitar Bomb will receive a small commission if you buy something through these links. Don't worry; you pay the same price, and it costs you no extra to use these affiliate links for your purchases. Jef Stone. About Jef Stone Jef is the founder of Guitar Bomb and a certified gear fanatic. Growing up with a luthier father, Jef's obsession with tone started early and led to a lifelong career as a sound engineer and pro-audio specialist in the UK. He has set up recording rigs for world-famous facilities like Air Studios and even ran his own London recording studio. A massive hoarder of pedals, valve amps, and guitars (some of which he builds himself), Jef has owned everything from Klon Centaurs to Parker Flys. He also runs the UK's Analogue To Digital music show and the Vintage Guitar Fair. Share the Post:

Fender partners with Music Venue Trust in support of UK grassroots venues. Today, Fender announces its partnership with Music Venue Trust (MVT), reinforcing the global instrument brand's commitment to supporting artists at all levels of their careers. Across the 12-month partnership, Fender will work closely with MVT to amplify and support the UK's grassroots music venues, which remain vital in developing the next generation of global talent. Alongside the brand's attendance last week at MVT's Venues Day 2026, hearing first-hand the issues facing the live music community, Fender will also be supporting grassroots music venues with industry-leading gear and helping drive conversations around the importance of protecting these essential spaces for artists and music fans alike. "Grassroots music venues are the backbone of music culture," said Liam Cunnah, Executive Vice President, EMEA, Fender. "We're proud to be partnering with Music Venue Trust to directly support these crucial spaces that platform artists and nurture their career growth. Venues Day is just the first step in what we see as a long-lasting partnership that will help preserve live music throughout the UK." "We're delighted to be partnering with Fender, a brand that has remained a fixture in the hands of artists and on British Grassroots stages," said Denzil Thomas, Partnerships Lead at Music Venue Trust. "By working together, we can continue to support the needs of venues and the whole Grassroots ecosystem across the UK."

Fender to hold Tele Town event at Ryman Auditorium. Fender Musical Instruments Corporation (FMIC) has announced Tele Town, a one-night live music experience honoring the 75th anniversary of the Telecaster. Set to take place May 4 at the Ryman Auditorium in Nashville, Tennessee, the event will bring together artists and fans for an evening celebrating the popular guitar model. "Serving as musical director for Tele Town is a true honor, especially in my home city of Nashville, where I grew up and where the Telecaster's legacy runs so deep," said Derek Wells, Tele Town musical director. "Putting this show together has been about more than just great players, it's about capturing the spirit of an instrument that's shaped so much of the music we all love. This lineup is full of people who've lived with this guitar onstage and in the studio, and I'm certain that when we all are together, you'll see people playing with love and reverence for what this instrument has meant to us all." The night will feature a curated lineup of artists performing alongside a dedicated house band led by Derek Wells. The initial lineup includes Brad Paisley, Brent Mason, Brothers Osborne, Guthrie Trapp, James Burton, Luke McQueary, Ricky Skaggs, Steve Wariner, Trey Hensley and Zach Top. Tickets for Tele Town are on sale now and all net proceeds will be donated to local Nashville charities. "75 years after its debut, the Telecaster remains proof that simplicity endures, adaptable enough to move across genres, generations, and stages without losing its identity. This celebration is our way of honoring not just an instrument, but a cultural phenomenon that has shaped music for over seven decades," said Justin Norvell, FMIC president of Americas. "Tele Town at the Ryman will be the culmination of this celebration - bringing that story to life on one of music's most hallowed stages in the heart of Music City. From our limited edition collections to the content pieces and community celebrations, we're ensuring the Telecaster's legacy reaches both longtime fans and discovers new ones who will carry its voice into the future." As part of the ongoing celebration, Fender Custom Shop will bring the 75th anniversary of the Telecaster to life with an exclusive roadshow event on May 3 from 6-9 p.m. at the Carter Vintage in Nashville. The event will feature FCS senior masterbuilder Paul Waller, master pickup winder Josefina Campos and Fender's chief engineer of guitars Tim Shaw, offering a look at the craftsmanship and artistry behind Masterbuilt guitars. Fans in attendance will have the chance to win exclusive giveaways, including FCS Josefina Campos pickups and Tele Town concert tickets. Entry to the event is free and first come, first served.