"La Claudette" - The Creation of a Fender Custom Shop Master Built Instrument

Pamelina:

Guitar collector, Michael Perry, has decided to have the Custom Shop build a Master Built for him. The instrument will serve two functions - it will be the Custom Shop Art Guitar of his collection and be a tribute to his wife, Claudette (he has decided to call the guitar, "La Claudette").

As an important part of his collection, he would like for well-known Custom Shop-related artists, such as yourself, Ron Thorn, and George Amicay, to each, in some way, contribute to the instrument.

I am writing to you at this point because Mike and Claudette would like your design input before placing the order with Fender - they have the concept but no particular design ideas.

Also, Mike and Claudette have agreed to let the Strat Collector News Desk make this something of a "public" experience - we will be documenting the creation of this guitar along the way through an online journal featuring the posts of myself, Mike, and Claudette, with, hopefully, input from other participants such as yourself, the Master Dealer with whom Mike will place the order, and the Master Builder (Todd Krause). This journal will be sponsored by the Strat Collector News Desk and I'm certain it will be frequently read by the Strat community. Although not public yet, you can take a preview look at what the journal will look like here: "La Claudette" - The Creation of a Fender Custom Shop Master Built Instrument. (Note: the "surprise" element you'll read about in the first journal entry is no longer present - Mike told Claudette about it after the first post was made yesterday.)

As to the pre-order design, you would be working with Claudette. As Claudette's astrological sign is "Aquarius" and the La Claudette was originally going to be a surprise birthday present for her, I suggested an Aquarian theme might be something to consider, but that will be entirely up to you and Claudette.

Please let me know if you would be willing to do this and some idea of what you would charge for the pre-order design work (I assume, once the order is placed your work on the actual build is part of what Mike will pay to the Master Dealer).

Many thanks.


Tom Watson
Strat Collector News Desk

Hello, Tom

This sounds like a wonderful project to work on. I'd love to be a part of it.

As far as cost, there would be a flat base fee for the design. If we go over that amount, I will make that known. As far as pricing the job, that won't be known until the design is finalized. How wonderful to work with George Amicay again. I love painting his work. He no longer works at the Custom Shop, but I believe I still have his home number.

I love the astrology aspect. That gives us so much to work with.

This is going to be such a special piece. The journal, the website, everyone involved. Wow. Claudette is one very special lady.

Talk to you soon.

Pamelina