The Maharaja
from the History of Rock & Roll
2008 Fender American Standard Stratocaster HSS
2010
Private Collection, Hendersonville, North Carolina
Exhibitions
Bering Art Collective, Houston, Texas, The History of Rock & Roll, October 9 - 30, 2010

The Maharaja is the second guitar from the History of Rock and Roll series. This guitar was created to pay homage to one of the greatest figures in the rock and roll movement, Elvis Presley.  It is the only guitar of the original six that makes direct reference to a specific individual.  On the reverse of the guitar are the numbers 409-52-2002, Elvis Presley's Social Security Number.  The musical influence of the King is undisputable.  As a performer and a cultural icon he has become synonymous with the development of rock and roll as a mainstream musical movement. 

This guitar is the first of the six guitars that was created using an American made Fender Stratocaster.  The finishing over the painted work on the body of the guitar was completed by a professional guitar restoration company.  The Maharaja is completely functional as a working electric guitar.