Winnipeg singer-guitarist Ariel Posen gets his own signature Fender Stratocaster

For nearly 20 years as a professional musician, Ariel Posen has been honing his unmistakable signature sound. Now, the Winnipeg-raised guitar hero has his own signature guitar, too.

Earlier this month, Posen and the manufacturing giant Fender released the Limited Edition Ariel Posen Stratocaster, an instrument customized to the specifications of the prolific singer-guitarist, who has released two albums — Mile End III and a self-titled duo album with session drummer Ash Soan — so far in 2025.

“It was kind of like the sky’s the limit; whatever you want, we can do,” says Posen of the collaboration with Fender and the company’s pickup designer Tim Shaw, who worked with Posen for nearly three years to get the finished product — which combines his favourite features of Jazzmaster and Strat models — just right.

“It’s a fairly simple instrument, but every little detail I wanted was never an issue. Everyone has their tool of choice in whatever field they’re in, and for me specifically, this is the style of guitar I gravitate to.”

Posen, whose career kickstarted with local projects such as the New Lightweights, Sierra Noble and the Bros. Landreth, has lived in Montreal for five years while touring at a consistent clip.

Much of the work with Fender was done remotely, but the guitarist had the chance to visit the company’s Corona, Calif., headquarters to prepare video content for the instrument’s release.

Prior to last week’s limited launch of 100 signature models, finished with a faded Lake Placid blue lacquer and featuring custom soapbar pickups, Posen had a prototype model for about a year, which he says gave him the chance to get comfortable with the instrument that puts him in rarefied company.

Other guitarists to receive a limited-edition Fender model include country star Brad Paisley, the Clash’s Joe Strummer, Beatle George Harrison, guitar virtuoso Eric Johnson, ’60s icon Jimi Hendrix, Mike McCready of Pearl Jam and John Frusciante of the Red Hot Chili Peppers.

“It’s hard for me to register that this is actually a real thing. It’s so funny to find my name there. I’m just incredibly beyond grateful for the opportunity, whether my name belongs on that list or not,” says Posen, 37, whose parents Kinsey Posen and Shayla Fink are members of legendary klezmer band Finjan.

“The first guitar I ever got was a $30 acoustic that my parents bought for me, maybe from a garage sale.”

Earlier this summer, Posen also partnered with Stringjoy to introduce a signature, nickel-wound string set, which, according to Premier Guitar, is ideal for B standard, open C and other lower tunings.

On Dec. 12, Posen will bring his signature sound, strings and guitar to Winnipeg’s Park Theatre for the closing show of his 24-date Future Present Tense tour. Tickets for the all-ages show go on sale today at myparktheatre.com.

ben.waldman@winnipegfreepress.com