Fender Eric Clapton 'Blackie' Stratocaster Black 1998
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. This one is in pretty spiffy shape for a guitar that's pushing twenty, and includes the original case and docs. If you're after an Eric model, I reckon these 90s-era examples really deserve a shot at the title.
Model: Fender Eric Clapton 'Blackie' Stratocaster
Made: USA, 1998, Corona factory
Serial: SN8959872
Finish: black, gloss poly
Body: alder
Neck: maple inc maple board, soft-V profile, 25.5" scale, 9.5" radius
Weight: 3.610kg
Mods: none
Pickups: Lace Sensor Gold single coil x3, TBX treble boost/cut and active midrange boost via tone controls
Accessories: Fender tweed case inc original docs, handle broken
Cosmetic condition notes: minor finish wear. The headstock has dimples on the end and bottom edge. The neck is clean and smooth in the hands, plenty of rub wear on the back but no major marks. The back has scuffs around the whole body especially along the belly carve and a dent near the rear strap pin. The sides have scuffs on the top horn and minor dimples in the elbow area, near the jack and on the bottom horn. The front has a dent and some scuffs in the elbow area, scuffs near the jack and some play wear on the guard and horns.
Overall: very good condition (8/10)
Playing condition notes: Action is low, neck is straight, intonation is good, truss rod works. All electronics tested and working properly. Wearing fresh 10/46 Moonshiners strings.
Fret life: 7/10, minor wear only