Having performed on countless albums across four decades – Michael Landau is undoubtedly one of the most recorded guitarists of all time. An L.A. session ace and a player’s player, Landau’s soulful, dynamic and endlessly creative playing has allowed him to remain in-demand across eras and genres, firmly establishing his legacy as an icon of the electric guitar. Mike’s guitar has graced records by James Taylor, Joni Mitchell, Michael Jackson, Rod Stewart, Mile Davis, Boz Scaggs, Pink Floyd, Tim McGraw, Faith Hill, Bonnie Raitt and many more.

Throughout his session work and solo career, Mike’s constant companion, workhorse, canvas and muse has been a 1959 Stratocaster® called “Coma.” Michael found the Coma, already modified, at a local L.A. guitar shop when he was 16. The refinished body and swapped-out pickups gave him all the permission he needed to customize the instrument throughout his career to match his evolving style and meet the needs of round-the-clock studio sessions. The distinctive, half-stripped Dakota Red finish and permanent marker “Coma” graphic make it unmistakable, but the guitar has had several different incarnations over the years, hosting a wide variety of pickups, electronics, hardware configurations and bridges.

The version of Coma recreated in the Fender® Stories collection represents the guitar as it exists now. Electronics include custom-designed ML Ultra Noiseless Strat® neck-and-middle pickups and a custom Wide Range humbucking pickup in the bridge position. Hardware includes a 6-screw vintage-style Stratocaster tremolo with a cold-rolled steel block, a custom ML-spec neck, Fender ClassicGear™ tuning machines and the signature faded red satin lacquer body complete with a Floyd Rose® route. The Michael Landau Coma Stratocaster wears its rich history on full display, truly representing a vital artist that’s always in transition.