February 09, 2004
Stratocaster Tattoos
by Tom Watson
You love your Strat...it's an important part of your life...it means more to you than most non-players will ever understand. Sound familiar? It will to many - these sentiments are shared by millions of Stratocaster enthusiasts around the world.
But, how many of us experience that relationship so deeply that we're willing to make it a permanent part of our body?
You are about to meet five individuals who have done exactly that.
George H I wanted a tattoo that would express my patriotism, and at the same time display my love for the Fender Stratocaster. I do have a fancy for American eagles (I have an eagle-head tattoo on my right arm, and my wife drives an Eagle Talon), and as a guitarist my weapon of choice is the Stratocaster. I had it done in July of 2002 at a place called Physical Graffiti in Linden, New Jersey. Josh, the tattoo artist, had already done Strat-body-style tats before but didn't quite have the headstock correct. After bringing in a photo of one of my Strats, Josh completed the template for my tattoo. I think he did a spectacular job and I'm happy to proudly display something that says a little bit about who I am and what I like. By the way, I'm thinking of having him do a Tele on my calf.  |
Steven R I got the tattoo a few years back at a tattoo show in Chicago. I just feel that it will never let me forget what is important to me in my life. Music, guitars, etc. I took it directly off of a picture of my '65 Strat. I play that guitar a lot and it is starting to show its age because of the playing time, but I try to keep it as nice as possible, and it just plays so well and sounds so good that I use it all the time. The other thing is that since that guitar is on my arm I can never sell it. Also, if it is stolen I have a picture to ID it with. The Strat is sitting in front of a 1957 tweed Fender Pro.  |
Ray S My name is Ray S and I live in Ft Lauderdale, Florida. I have "a few" tattoos, but my Strat is my favorite. I've had it for quite a few years and got it here in Ft Lauderdale at a shop called "Tats Taylor's Tattoos". They've been here forever, have a great reputation, and I refer everyone there who is interested in a tattoo because of their cleanliness, great artists, and excellent custom work. The "Strattoo" is a replica of a Strat I had earlier on. I actually took the guitar to the shop and we custom mixed the inks to come up with a Daphne Blue body and tinted neck color like those from the fifties that matched it exactly. It was done in two sittings, one day doing all the outline work (about an hour) and the next week blowing in the color (about another hour). I got it just because I love my Strats and wanted to let everyone know I'm proud to be a guitar slinger. It's a conversation piece to say the least. To this day I still get comments like "great tag" or "I really like your guitar", but of course my parents really didn't care for it at all. Very cool, it must be good! So I really haven't had any regrets getting it, and it’s an instant connection with any other guitar player I meet.  |
John Page From Pamelina H: I did tattooing for about a year. All my friends wanted one from me so that's what I did. Tattooed all my friends, then gave it up (too time consuming, too social).  |
John From Chic Child of Seven Sins Tattoo: The guy's name is John. An avid Floyd fan and the bumpiest head I've ever tattooed! He was a regular client but he's moved down to the coast now so I haven't tattooed him for a while. This pic was also published in Skin Deep - Europe's best-selling tattoo magazine.  |
Tattoo gallery
If you, or someone you know, has a Strat tat or other Fender-related tattoo, please let us know about it. When we've collected a sufficient number we'll publish a permanent tattoo gallery showcasing them. Contact us at news@stratcollector.com.
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