Fender EC Blackie Strat, made in USA 1998. The Eric model was one of the first Fender signature model offerings, and it's enjoyed wide acclaim since it's debut in 1998. 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 control. It feels great: the V neck is surprisingly intuitive and comfy, the hardware is sturdy and reliable and it kinda feels like plays itself. The Lace Sensor pickups are extremely clear and articulate, so your notes and chords sing with clarity and sparkle. The enhanced Strat-spank gives way to a howling hellbeast when you max out the mid-boost, which is a lot of fun for audacious solos. It looks great too: yellowed plastics, a few scuffs and marks around the body, play wear on the maple board... multiplied by the classic Strat curves, it's a delight. If you're going to buy a Clapton, surely these 90s examples are the fun way to go.

Model: Fender Eric Clapton Signature Stratocaster
Made: USA, Corona factory, neck date 1998 (serial SN8956154)
Finish: black, 1-ply white guard
Body: alder
Neck: maple inc maple board, soft-V profile, 25.5" scale, 9.5" radius
Weight: 3.790kg
Mods: none
Pickups: Lace Sensor Gold single coil x3, TBX treble boost/cut and active midrange boost via tone controls
Case: Fender tweed case inc original docs

Cosmetic condition notes: minor finish wear. The headstock has some dimples and scuffs on the end and bottom edge. The neck is clean and smooth in the hands, there's minor dimples and scuffs on the back and rub wear on the edges and some play wear on the board. The back has some surface scratches around the cavity, horns and elbow area, as scuffs and dimples around the whole body. The sides have some dimples on both horns, dimples and scuffs on the elbow area and some dents and scuffs near the jack. The front has some scuffs around the jack, behind the bridge and in the elbow area, as well as play wear on the guard and horns. Overall: good condition (7/10).

Playing condition notes: action is low, neck is straight, intonation is good, truss rod works. Electronics tested and working properly. The frets have some normal wear, including minor pitting, but they're pretty even with no major buzz issues, 6/10 for fret life left. Wearing fresh 10/46 Moonshiners strings.