Cincinnati-based artist David Snyder has painted this one-of-a-kind Fender Player Stratocaster guitar to help the Amelia Island Concours d’Elegance celebrate the “Cars of the Rock Stars” class at this year’s show. The special class centers on vehicles and guitars from John Oates’ personal collection and features additional vehicles that belonged to or are closely associated with well-known rock stars.

The display will allow fans unprecedented access to the instruments that Oates has played onstage with the best-selling rock duo, Hall and Oates. The event will also include opportunities to meet John in person.

All proceeds will be donated to benefit the Amelia Island Concours d’Elegance Foundation, Inc.

THE GUITAR

This one-of-a-kind Fender Player Stratocaster features cars owned or closely associated with successful musicians and has been hand-painted in acrylic. The headstock features artwork inspired by Janis Joplin’s 1964 Porsche 356 C. Other highlights include the 1959 Chevrolet Sting Ray racer driven by Elvis Presley and a Porsche 911 GT3 R customized to celebrate the music and instruments of Eddie Van Halen. Of special significance are two of John’s personal vehicles that will be displayed at Sunday’s concours, including his 1959 MGA Twin-Cam and 1960 Porsche 356 B Emory Special. The Porsche was commissioned by John to celebrate his 70th birthday as well as 70th anniversary of the Porsche brand.

“As a fan of unique, one-of-a-kind cars and guitars, this amazing David Snyder painting on the iconic Fender Stratocaster is a must-have acquisition for any collector,” said John Oates, co-curator of Cars of the Rock Stars class.

The Fender Player Stratocaster features an alder body, three Player Series single-coil Stratocaster pickups, a “Modern C”-shaped neck profile, a 9.5-inch-radius fingerboard, and a two-point tremolo bridge with bent-steel saddles.

DAVID SNYDER

David Snyder started drawing cars, airplanes, and trains at the age of six. His passion for transportation history continues today. Snyder has displayed his artwork in the Ritz-Carlton and on the Amelia Island Concours d’Elegance show field since 2004.

A graduate of the Central Academy of Commercial Art in Cincinnati, Ohio, Snyder’s career in advertising as a designer, art director, and illustrator left him yearning to paint the transportation history he remembered from his youth. Celebrated for his incredible attention to detail, David spends countless hours of research before beginning a painting. Snyder’s paintings and prints are collected worldwide and have received numerous awards.

“I am honored to use my love of automotive history, passion for music, and artistic talent to raise money for the Amelia Island Concours d’Elegance Foundation,” said artist, David Snyder. “The most challenging part was designing around the contours and compound curves of the Fender Stratocaster. I have executed original paintings on nine guitars – and am proud to say that this is the best work I’ve done!”

THE CHARITY

The Cars of the Rock Stars Fender Stratocaster guitar will be sold to support the Amelia Island Concours d’Elegance Foundation, a 501(c)(3) charity. The non-profit foundation supports North Florida-based charities and has donated more than $3.5 million since 1996.

The Amelia Island Concours d’Elegance Foundation would like to thank Fender Guitars for donating the Player Stratocaster and to Jacksonville, Florida-based luthier, Mikey Lamson, for assembling and setting up the instrument.

This guitar not only looks great but is an absolute joy to play.