Fender Custom Shop Obey Tele Relic Shepard Fairey Artwork PROTOTYPE Mike Eldred

The hand painted prototype for a highly limited run of guitars by one of the worlds most famous living graffiti artists- A Collectors Dream!

This is the original “prototype” for a Limited Edition run of Shepard Fairey Strats and Teles, which were Masterbuilt by Todd Krause in 2005. That edition was 13 pieces- 6 Strats and 7 Teles- Each featuring unique artwork, and hand-finished by Shepard Fairey. No two pieces were exactly alike and they all featured some of Shepard Fairey's most iconic designs, including the Electric Warrior face (Hendrix-looking afro guy), as well as numerous "Obey", "Andre The Giant" and other classic Shep Fairey stencils.

This particular instrument is the original prototype for that run, built personally by Mike Eldred in 2003 while he was Director of the Fender Custom Shop. Mike was friends with Shep and somehow they came up with this brilliant collaboration. Unlike the Limited Edition guitars, which were pretty much straight vintage 50’s Strat/Tele spec with a 1 piece, Soft “V” Maple neck, this one is unique in that it features an Ebony fingerboard with custom pearl inlays, including Andre the Giant himself at the first fret, some interesting numerals, and Abalone dots!

With Shepherds original artwork pieces selling for up to $1m (see the Obama ‘Hope’ piece amongst others) this guitar takes collectibility to its ultimate extreme! A guitar that literally signifies the Art of Guitar, the lucky owner will have a piece that not only looks incredible on display but will be sure to appreciate as a collectible artwork in itself over years to come.

The guitar itself is an outstanding instrument – It features 50’s Tele specs with a lightweight Ash body, 2x incredible sounding Custom Shop pickups, and Nickel/Chrome hardware. The neck is more of a contemporary spec with 22 Jumbo frets, “C” profile, Truss Rod adjustment at the headstock and modern Fender/Schaller tuners. It sounds absolutely incredible! Lively and extremely resonant. It weighs 7.6lbs. It’s a “Relic” – although the neck finish is not distressed and the hardware only shows minor oxidation, more like a Closet Classic.

The investment potential of this guitar is as good as it gets. A super rare Fender Custom Shop prototype guitar as well as hand-painted original artwork by Shepard Fairey and hand signed personal letter from Shepherd to Mike. One of the most iconic pop artists of our time captured on one of the most iconic guitars of all time!

Comes with the original black G&G Deluxe Fender Custom Shop hardshell case and a letter of authenticity hand-signed by Mike Eldred.

Features:

Original Artwork hand-painted and signed by Shepard Fairey
Premium Ash Body
Maple neck with Ebony Fingerboard
Custom MOP / Abalone Inlays
Nickel/Chrome Hardware
3-way switch
Volume / Tone controls
Custom Shop Vintage 50's Tele pickups
Hardshell case
Letter of Authenticity
7.6 lbs