This review features the Strat designed and modelled on the EC's famous old Strat "Blackie". "Blackie" was a hybrid Strat made up from various bits and pieces of '54 Strats by old slowhand himself.

The model was first issued in 1988 and the one being reviewed is a black 1989.

How does it Look?
In classic 50's style, single ply pickgaurd and old machine heads and one piece maple neck and small headstock. The Tweed case completes the '50's feel. The workmanship on the look is excellent. Good paint job etc.

How does it feel?
Liquid gold. The neck is the 'V' shape and one-piece maple. The frets have been very carefully positioned and there are no sharp bits or bits of glue protruding. The action can be set very low without buzzes, which indicates the quality of the fretwork and the neck alignment. It just feels great to play. You'll notice a difference if you have always played '62 style rosewood necks, which are flatter across the back and more, curved across the front.Like everything, its what you get used to, but this EC neck is smooth and full of big bends and quick passes.

How does it Sound?
Three gold lace sensors are part of the sound, but there is the EC Strat secret weapon. The gold lace sensors are designed to provide true '50's sounding clear single coil notes. And they do! The thing sounds like a classic Strat. Until you slip into mid-range boost mode. Then the guitar takes on new dimensions. Particularly when using a good tube/valve amp. The mid-range boost is controlled from the second tone knob and provides gradual increments in mid-range boost. For example, roll the knob to 3 and the boost just starts, crank it to full and the Strat takes on Les Paul like tones and makes your tube amp thicken and fatten. There is also the TBX tone boost on the first tone knob. This adds further sparkle and clarity to the top-end and works well in conjunction with the mid-range boost to compensate for any lack of highs when that control is full-on.

This guitar is just a really well made and good sounding instrument. I've played some that didn't feel as nice but they have all been very consistent sound wise. The new price is a bit high but if you can get a second hand one (which I did), then they are great value. They are of course all American made and use best quality woods (ash/alder) for construction.

This guitar runs with a Vox AC30 and this combination is best described as heaven on a stick. The guitar is maintenance free, has character, has wonderful feel and tone. Buy one or marry one, you'll be wonderful tonight.

by Chris DeArauge

More info from Fender USA http://fender.com...
Eric Clapton Stratocaster(r) (U.S.A) The Clapton Model was designed to recreate the look and feel of Eric's favourite Strat(r), but with modern electronics that could produce a fatter sound when needed. Unique features include a special "V" shape neck, three Gold Fender Lace(r) Sensors, 25db active mid-boost circuit, and blocked tremolo bridge.

FEATURES TABLE:

• Part Number: 010-7602 Maple
• Body: Contoured Alder
• Neck: Deep '50s Shape Maple with Bi-FlexTM Truss Rod (9.5" radius/241 mm)
• Neck Adjustment: Micro-TiltTM
• Machine Heads: Vintage Style
• Fingerboard: Maple
• No. of Frets: 22
• Pickups: 3 Gold Fender Lace Sensors (neck, mid, bridge) with Active Mid-Boost Circuit
• Controls: Master Volume, Master TBX, Mid-Boost
• Tremolo: Original (blocked) Synchronized
• Pickup Switching: 5-Way
• Pickguard: Single-Ply White
• Scale Length: 25.5" (648 mm)
• Neck Width @ Nut: 1.650" (42 mm)
• Strings: Fender Super 250R
• Fender Case: Tweed

Article: http://www.1800instruments.com/Guitar/Eric%20Clapton%20Stratocaster%20Guitar.htm

More on Eric Clapton:
http://www.guitarsite.com/clapton.htm

Clapton, Eric - Reprise Records
http://www.repriserec.com/ericclapton/
Clapton's record company offers his biography and a selective discography. Also features RealAudio samples and a video clip.

Other EC sites:
http://www.slowhand.net/
http://www.clapton.org/
http://www.clapton.net/
http://clapton.cjb.net/

ERIC CLAPTON FAQ
http://guitar.isd.net/