Fender Eric Clapton signature 'Blackie' Strat, made in USA 1994, wearing... black. There's not many guitar players around that boast the influence and credibility of Sir Eric. 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 control. The tone on offer is a lot of fun. The Lace pickups deliver a generous glass full of clarity and eloquence, and then with the boosts on offer you can add a whole heap of burning fatness or sizzling zing. Being able to roll your finger and go from trad Strat-spank to a creamy LP-ish growl is awesome. The neck feels really good, the soft-V shape is perfect if you're a thumb-overhanger and the flatter radius makes for easy bending and quick movement up the fretboard. This one has a 1994 neck date, so it's not far off turning thirty (eek), but has weathered the decades gracefully and has some cool natural wear to elevate it above the run of the mill new offerings available on every corner. This won't instantly give you the feel and chops of our buddy Uncle Claps, but hey, it can't hurt, right?

Model: Fender Eric Clapton Signature Stratocaster
Made: USA, Corona factory, neck date 1994 (serial SE924993)
Finish: black, 1-ply white guard
Body: alder
Neck: maple inc maple board, soft-V profile, 25.5" scale, 9.5" radius
Weight: 3.485kg
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 scuffs on the end and bottom edge and some checking lines on the back. The neck has a bit of rub wear on the board and edges as well as some light dimples and rub wear on the back, it's clean and smooth in the hands. The back has widespread light scuffs and surface scratches, no major marks though. The sides have no major marks, but there's some light scuffs around the whole body, mostly near the jack. The front has a couple of dimples near the jack and behind the bridge as well as widespread light scuffs around the whole body, including play wear on the guard and horns. Overall: very good condition (7.5/10).

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 but they're pretty even with no major buzz issues, 7/10 for fret life left. Wearing fresh 10/46 Moonshiners strings.