2016 Fender Elite Stratocaster - Bonvillain Design Studio Relic Prototype Refin with Abigail Ybarra Pickups - Daphne Blue over Paisley

The Altitude Summary

A Unique Prototype by Bonvillain Design Studio

Bonvillain Design Studio (BDS) has garnered widespread recognition for its stunning and colorful custom paintwork, most notably through the limited edition PIA77 BON collaboration with Ibanez. Known for its vibrant, carnivalesque designs, BDS, led by David Bonvillain, creates one-of-a-kind instruments that captivate guitarists around the world. Bonvillain’s mastery of various paint styles and artistic vision is on full display with this custom relic-style guitar, based on a 2016 Fender American Elite Stratocaster.

Original Build and Customization

This Stratocaster has been transformed into a work of art, featuring a stunning Daphne Blue over Paisley paint job inspired by Fender’s 60s, 70s, and 80s finishes. The custom relic process involves aging the guitar to achieve a beautifully worn appearance, simulating decades of use with a focus on vintage-style finish cracking. The result is a guitar with incredible depth and character, enhanced by the exposed paisley swirls that peek through the relic’d areas.

To complete the aesthetic, the guitar is equipped with a Custom Shop '69 Stratocaster loaded pickguard, fitted with pickups wound by the legendary Abigail Ybarra. These pickups deliver a punchy, overwound tonality reminiscent of Hendrix-era sounds. A vintage-style 2-point tremolo bridge was installed to replace the modern Fender bridge, and the aged nitrocellulose neck finish ties the entire look together, maintaining its pristine condition and ready for the next player. An era-correct Fender waterslide decal was also applied to match the aesthetic.

Key Features:

• Custom Paintwork: Bonvillain Design Studio’s Daphne Blue over Paisley relic-style finish
• Pickups: Custom Shop '69 Stratocaster loaded pickguard with Abby Ybarra wound pickups
• Bridge: 2-point vintage-style tremolo bridge for improved playability and vintage feel
• Neck: Aged nitrocellulose finish with modern C-to-D profile for smooth playability
• Case: Lightly aged, era-matching Fender hardshell case

A Modern Twist on the American Elite Stratocaster

Beneath its artistic exterior, the American Elite Stratocaster retains all the modern innovations designed for contemporary players. While it boasts the classic Fender look, its under-the-hood advancements provide players with exceptional comfort, versatility, and tone.

Modern Features:

• Compound Profile Neck: A modern C-shape at the nut transitioning to a D-shape near the neck heel for enhanced playability.
• 9.5”-14” Compound Radius: Designed for fast and comfortable fretting, ideal for complex chords and solos.
• Locking Short-Post Tuning Machines: These allow for quick re-stringing and improved tuning stability, with increased break angle at the nut.
• Double Action Truss Rod Adjustment: A user-friendly adjustment wheel allows for quick neck relief changes without special tools.

Fender Custom Shop '69 Pickups – Abby Ybarra Wound

At the heart of this guitar's tone are the Fender Custom Shop '69 pickups, hand-wound by Abigail Ybarra, the “Queen of Tone.” Ybarra's pickups are revered for their breathtaking string separation, shimmering highs, and deep, rumbling lows. Known for her unparalleled craftsmanship, Ybarra’s pickups were used by legendary artists like Jimi Hendrix, Eric Clapton, Jimmy Page, and Jeff Beck. With this guitar, the classic '69 Hendrix tone is instantly at your fingertips, offering dynamic range and incredible detail.

Specifications:

• Finish: Custom Daphne Blue over Paisley relic-style paint job by Bonvillain Design Studio
• Neck Profile: Compound modern C-to-D shape
• Fingerboard Radius: 9.5” to 14” compound radius
• Pickups: Fender Custom Shop '69 Stratocaster pickups, wound by Abigail Ybarra
• Tuning Machines: Locking short-post with improved break angle
• Bridge: Vintage-style 2-point tremolo bridge
• Truss Rod: Double action truss rod adjustment wheel
• Case: Lightly aged, era-matching Fender hardshell case

A True Work of Art and Performance

This custom Fender American Elite Stratocaster by Bonvillain Design Studio is not only a visually stunning collector's piece but also a highly playable instrument. Its blend of vintage-inspired art and modern performance features ensures it’s as comfortable on stage as it is in a collection. Ideal for players who crave both style and substance, this one-of-a-kind guitar is truly something special.