(Image credit: Gary Miller/Getty Images)
After years of speculation, Fender has granted Tom Morello fans’ wishes and announced a replica of his Arm the Homeless electric guitar – the misfit six-string that fueled Rage Against the Machine and changed the face of rock guitar as we know it.
Fender has replicated every part of the one-of-a-kind instrument, which was Frankensteined together by Morello after he commissioned a custom guitar and hated every single part of it. Over several years, he would swap everything, settling with the iconic configuration that hasn’t changed over the past three decades.
There’s the EMG pickup combo – an 85 in the bridge, H humbucker-sized single-coil in the neck. The indestructible toggle switch. Gotoh’s Floyd Rose-alike locking tremolo with the rattly whammy bar.
The striking aesthetics are replicated, too: Morello’s hand-drawn hippos, the “Arm the Homeless” slogan in black and red permanent marker, all atop a blue ice metallic finish. And yes, in what’s possibly a first for a production-line guitar, the strings are uncut at the hockey-stick headstock.
In fact, the neck shape was the hardest thing to get right – after all, this was a knockoff Kramer neck that Morello found in a bargain bin. It took 20 to 25 iterations for Fender to nail the formula, but now the replica and the original are so interchangeable that Morello has been stealth-testing it on tour – and no-one, not Arm the Homeless die-hards (guilty) or even his bandmates, noticed.
“Zero. Zero percent. You’d never know. I mean, I don’t know!” Morello told Guitar World. “The final prototype that I approved I’ve been using in concert on the last tour this year. So I feel great about it.
“It’s interchangeable down to the aesthetics of the guitar. We were shooting some promos, and I was at Cello Studios where we made a number of Audioslave and Rage Against the Machine records. I put three of the Fender Arm the Homeless guitars and the real one down on the mixing board. And I brought people, and I was like, ‘Pick the real one.’”
Tom Morello on his “Arm the Homeless” Guitar, how he built his sound and his new collab with Fender – YouTube
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But, as he reveals, there is one distinguishing characteristic between the original and the new guitar – and it’s a highly unusual bit of wear.
“On the real Arm the Homeless guitar, a couple decades ago, a dog chewed the headstock. So there are teeth marks on the headstock. I think it was a dog. It’s hard to say whether it was a fan or whether it was a badger. But other than that, they’re absolutely identical.”
There are a couple of teeny tiny differences on the rear of the guitar, too. There’s no Fathead Sustainer on the rear of the headstock (“It literally did nothing”) or giant hippo on the back of the body – but the latter is normally covered up with a political statement that Morello flips to the audience while playing with his teeth.
And, unlike many of Fender’s recent Mexico-built signature models, the guitar is box-fresh and isn’t relic’d in any way. As Morello puts it, “Now it’s up to you to let your dog bite it.”
As per the guitarist’s other signature gear releases, proceeds from sales of Arm the Homeless will go to charity organizations Midnight Mission and Covenant House, which help those experiencing homelessness.
The Fender Tom Morello “Arm The Homeless” Guitar is available now for $1,699. Head to Fender.com for more info.
Guitar World’s full interview with Tom Morello will be published in the coming days.
“On the real Arm the Homeless guitar, a dog chewed the headstock. Other than that, they’re absolutely identical”: Tom Morello Plays Fender arm the Homeless Replica Live
The Iconic Arm the Homeless Guitar: A Brief Overview
Tom Morello’s Arm the Homeless guitar is nothing short of iconic in the rock and metal music world. Known for its distinct sound and edgy design, this Fender Stratocaster has become synonymous with Morello’s revolutionary style, especially during his days with Rage Against the Machine. The guitar’s unique character is tied not only to its sound but also to its story-a story that now includes the fact that Tom has been playing a Fender replica of this legendary instrument live, and no one noticed.
Morello’s original guitar famously endured some rough treatment over the years. most notable is the dog that chewed the headstock, a quirk that set the real guitar apart visually but did not affect the sound that defined so many classic riffs. Now, with Fender’s official replica hitting the market, fans and musicians can own a guitar almost indistinguishable from Morello’s actual instrument.
Tom Morello’s Play and the Fender Arm the Homeless Replica
In recent live performances, Morello has been using the Fender Arm the Homeless replica, a fact revealed by him with a bit of humor: “On the real guitar, a dog chewed the headstock. Other than that, they’re absolutely identical.” This replica faithfully reproduces every element of the original, including the distinctive paint job and custom electronics, offering players access to that unmistakable Morello tone and feel.
Replica Features and Specs
- Body: Fender Stratocaster alder body with Arm the Homeless paint graphic
- Pickups: Twin active EMG pickups (EMG 85 humbucker in bridge, EMG H single-coil in neck) for the signature high output and tonal versatility
- neck: Maple neck with rosewood fingerboard designed for fast, agreeable playability
- Hardware: Standard Fender hardware customized to match the original setup
- Finish: Matte with the distressed, graffiti-style graphics true to the original Arm the Homeless aesthetic
The replica perfectly captures Morello’s sound as of the carefully selected EMG pickups, which deliver that punchy, aggressive tone heard on rage Against the Machine tracks.
Why the Replica Matters: Benefits & Practical Tips for Players
Owning the Fender Arm the Homeless replica offers distinct advantages to guitarists who admire Tom Morello’s style or are fans of the legendary guitar itself.
Benefits of the fender Arm the Homeless Replica
- Authenticity: Get the exact look and sound of Morello’s famous guitar without needing to buy the priceless original.
- Playability: Crafted with professional-grade materials and setup to ensure smooth playability on stage or in the studio.
- Durability: Built to withstand rigorous tour conditions, unlike the original that was affected by wear and tear (and a dog bite!).
- Collector’s value: As an officially licensed product, it carries genuine Fender quality and appeal.
- Sound Versatility: Thanks to the active EMG pickups, it’s capable of diverse tones beyond Tom Morello’s signature sound.
Practical Tips for Maximizing Your Arm the Homeless Replica Experience
- Experiment With Effects Pedals: Morello’s signature tones often come from his unique use of pedals like DigiTech Whammy and delay units. Pairing the replica with these can unleash authentic sounds.
- Setup For Comfort: Get professional setup services to customize the action and intonation to your playing style.
- Keep It Clean: Despite its distressed look, maintaining the guitar with regular cleaning and careful storage preserves hardware and electronics.
- Use quality Strings: Invest in good gauge strings compatible with active pickups to maintain optimal tone and playability.
Case Study: Tom Morello’s Live Usage & Impact
Tom Morello’s decision to use a Fender replica live for extended periods highlights the guitar’s ability to maintain stage reliability while delivering iconic tones. The fact that few fans noticed the switch underlines the fidelity of the replica craftsmanship. This move also reflects a practical approach to preserving the original instrument,affectionately scarred by years of use (and even a dog’s curiosity).
| Aspect | Original Arm the Homeless | Fender Replica |
|---|---|---|
| Headstock | Chewed by dog, unique wear | Pristine, exact replica |
| Pickup configuration | EMG 85 (bridge), EMG H (neck) | EMG 85 (bridge), EMG H (neck) |
| Visual Design | Custom graffiti paint, worn | Faithful reproduction, distressed finish |
| Playing Reliability | Original, aged with history | New, reliable for heavy use |
| Availability | One-of-a-kind, priceless | Mass-produced and purchasable |
First-Hand Experience: What Players Are Saying
Players who have tested the Fender Arm the Homeless replica rave about how close it comes to capturing Tom Morello’s signature tone. The replica’s active EMG pickups receive standout praise for their punch and clarity, while the guitar’s shape and design lend themselves well to performance versatility.
“I couldn’t believe how much the replica sounded like Morello’s original-except for the missing dog bite on the headstock! Great feel and attitude.” – Professional Guitarist
Owning this guitar gives many players access to a piece of rock history, blending visual impact, tonal muscle, and stage credibility.
Where to Buy the Fender Arm the Homeless Replica
Available now through authorized Fender dealers and major music retailers, the Fender Arm the Homeless replica is a must-have for fans of Tom Morello and collectors of iconic guitars. It’s priced competitively in the mid-to-high range of Fender’s Stratocaster lineup, reflecting its exclusive features and limited availability.
for detailed ordering information and specifications, see the official product link below and make sure to grab a guitar that doubles as a statement piece and a professional instrument:
