In summer 2003, Fender introduced a limited edition of Mexican-made Stratocasters with bizarre finishes.

These were applied to the instruments’ bodies and pickguards, prior to their necks and electronics being installed, by rotating them on turntables while spraying them with a combination of colored paints. The resultant swirls, blobs, and lines were sealed into the wood when it’s finish was applied.

Over 3,000 of these unidentical “Splattercasters” were produced, selling initially for around $570.

Under the finish, the Stratocasters were regular production instruments with alder bodies, maple necks and rosewood fingerboards.