Mystery star's 24ct gold guitar

Even the strings of the 24ct Gold Plated Fender Custom Shop Stratocaster are gold plated

A mystery English celebrity living in Monaco has commissioned the ultimate in heavy metal - a classic electric guitar plated in 24-carat gold.

The Fender Stratocaster was sent to a precious metal specialist firm in Glastonbury, Somerset, for plating costing a "four-figure" sum.

Expert Graham Baker, 50, had the job of stripping the aluminium guitar down and layering it with gold plate.

He said: "This guy wants to hang it up on his wall and look at it."

'Unique look'

Bridgwater guitar-maker Kim Webber, 53, had the job of taking the instrument apart and putting it back together after the gold was applied.

He said: "This guitar has generated, without doubt, more interest than anything I have created so far."

But the instrument, although looking spectacular, has one weakness.

Mr Webber added: "It's not the best sounding ever."

Deputy editor of Guitarist magazine Owen Bailey said: "This is definitely the first time we've come across a fully gold-plated guitar.

"It's certainly a unique look, but we're not sure we'd trust ourselves to gig it."