Fender Eric Clapton signature 'Blackie' Strat, made in USA 1995, finished in... black. Sir Eric casts a huge shadow in guitar land; it's always a pleasure to pay him tribute. This model launched in 1988 to wide acclaim. The recipe: take Eric's famous 1954 black Strat, copy the neck profile but soften the 'V' shape slightly and add a 22nd fret and a modern 9.5" radius, drop in some tasty Lace Sensor pickups and add the super powerful TBX treble boost/cut on one tone knob and a hefty 25dB mid boost on the second tone. The raw tone on offer is a crisp, hi-fi take on the classic Strat-spank: heaps of crystal clarity through the top end, an eloquent and understated midrange and an assertive, tight bass response. Dial in a bit of mid-boost, and things get hairy: heaps of gain and natural compression and a thick, juicy midrange. The neck feels awesome in the hands; the soft V type profile is especially handy if you're a Jimi-style thumb overhanger... it's got enough miles on the clock to feel 'played in' and is certainly befitting of a high end Strat. Save yourself a heap compared to a new one and it comes pre-played, pre-worn and packed with memories of riffs of old. Thanks Sir Eric!

Model: Fender Eric Clapton Signature Stratocaster
Made: USA, neck date 11 May 1995, Corona plant (serial SN5931454)
Finish: olympic white, 1-ply white guard
Body: alder
Neck: maple inc maple board, soft-V profile, 25.5" scale, 9.5" radius
Weight: 3.585kg
Mods: none
Pickups: Lace Sensor Gold single coil x3, TBX treble boost/cut and active midrange boost via tone controls
Case: original Fender tweed case, inc original docs

Cosmetic condition notes: mild finish wear. Headstock has some minor marks on the end and bottom edge as well as a burn mark near the low E tuner post on the front. The neck has some minor dimples in the back and some rub wear on the edge of the board, it's clean and smooth in the hands. The back has some widespread light scuffs around the whole body, most notably around the cavity and on the back edge. The sides have a few minor dimples on the bottom horn, near the jack and in the elbow area. The front has widespread light scuffs around the whole body, as well as some play wear on the guard and horn. Overall: very good condition (8/10).

Playing condition notes: action is low, neck is straight, intonation is good, truss rod works. Electronics tested and working properly. Frets have some normal wear but they're pretty even with no major buzz issues, 7/10 for fret life left. Wearing fresh 10/46 Moonshiners strings.