Fender’s Custom Shop has once again pushed the boundaries of guitar design with its latest collaboration. This time, it’s teamed up with the luxury Swiss watchmaker Bvlgari to create a limited-edition Stratocaster to celebrate the iconic instrument’s 70th anniversary.
Fender Bvlgari – A Fusion of Two Iconic Legacies
This new Stratocaster boasts a sleek and modern aesthetic inspired by the popular Aerodyne and Elemental families. It features a streamlined pickguard, downsized control layout, and body-mounted single coils, a departure from the traditional Stratocaster design.
The guitar’s unique features include knurled metal volume and tone control knobs, a quarter-sized parchment pickguard, and a mid-’50s Wide-Fade Chocolate 2-Color Sunburst finish. Underneath the eye-catching exterior lies a select ash body, a 7.25″-9.5″ compound radius rosewood fingerboard, and a soft V-profile quartersawn maple neck.
A Match Made in Heaven
“The Fender Stratocaster has been at the forefront of musical progress for 70 years,” said Justin Norvell, from Fender. “To celebrate this anniversary, we wanted to partner with a brand with a similarly rich history.”
Jean-Christophe Babin, CEO of Bvlgari, echoed this sentiment, adding, “As enthusiasts of both horology and music, we joined up with Fender for a collaboration that transcends aesthetics. It’s a celebration of heritage, design, and innovation.”
A Limited-Edition Luxury Piece
Given the collaboration with Bvlgari, it’s no surprise that this Stratocaster is a luxury item. Only 70 standalone guitars will be produced, each priced at $4,525.
Additionally, 140-anniversary sets will be available, including the guitar and the matching Bvlgari watch.
A Must-Have for Collectors
While this specific model may be out of reach for many guitarists, its design could influence future Fender models. The Elemental range, which inspired this Stratocaster, was popular among Japanese guitarists. If this collaboration proves successful, it could signify that Fender is considering bringing more modern-minded Stratocasters to broader markets.
This limited-edition Bvlgari Stratocaster is a must-have for collectors who can afford it. It represents a unique fusion of two iconic brands and a celebration of the Stratocaster’s 70th anniversary.
