Fender Eric Clapton Stratocaster Torino Red 1988
Fender Eric Clapton Strat, Torino red, made in USA 1988. It's hard to overstate the influence of Sir Eric over the guitar universe. He was the first guitar player ever to get a signature model from Fender... there's been scores and scores since, but he was the first. This gorgeous creation was made in October 1988, so it's a first-year example of the Clapton Strat. Eric toured so relentlessly with his 'Blackie' 1956 Stratocaster that the neck got beyond being repairable with another re-fret, so he asked Fender to make him a pair of replicas. Those guitars went on to be the blueprint for his signature model, which has a few features that set it apart from a regular late 80s USA model: soft V neck shape, twenty two frets, fifties style single ply guard, stamped saddles, three Lace Sensor pickups and unique controls. The pickups in this one are original, but the electronics have been modded to a more standard Strat setup: master volume, tone for the neck pickup, then a TBX treble boost/cut tone control for the bridge and middle pickups. It's a great sounding Strat: clean and articulate, fast and percussive on the bass, airy and balanced mids with a clean, chirpy treble. It's a little more detailed and hi-fi than most Strats, which translates to extra nuance and responsiveness in the hands; it's very enjoyable. The neck has obviously seen some play, but the replaced frets are in good order and it feels fantastic. Needless to say, most Eric models are black, so it's pretty cool to get a first year example in the vibrant Torino red. Paired with the creamy yellowed plastics and well worn board, it looks outstanding. Top marks to Eric and Fender for this one.
Model: Fender Eric Clapton Stratocaster
Made: USA, neck date 4 Oct 1988, Corona factory
Serial: SE801044
Finish: Torino red, gloss poly
Body: alder
Neck: maple, maple fretboard, 9.5" radius, 25.5" scale, soft V shape
Weight: 3.475kg
Mods: re-wired with new TBX pot and no active preamp, re-fretted
Pickups: Fender Lace Sensor single x3
Accessories: original Fender tweed hard case
Cosmetic condition notes: minor finish wear. The headstock has scuffs and dimples on the end and edges, dimples on the back and some scuffs on the front including through the decals. The tuners have plenty of patina on them but work fine. The neck is clean and smooth in the hands, minor dimples and rub wear on the back and some significant play wear on the board. The back has a small chip and some scuffs on the bottom horn, dimples and scuffs on the top horn, belly carve and elbow area, dimples along the back and bottom edges and some scuffs and surface scratches around the trem cavity. The sides have dimples on the top horn, a chip and some dimples in the elbow area, two small chips and a dent on the back edge and scuffs neat the jack and on the bottom horn. The front has a small surface crack in the clearcoat near the rear strap pin, dimples around the jack and bridge and elbow area and some 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. All electronics tested and working properly. Wearing fresh 10/46 Moonshiners strings.
Fret life: 7/10, previously replaced and now with plenty of height and no major buzz issues