Unless you've lived in a box for the past 15 years, you know that Fender has had no deficit of Artist-inspired instruments. One of their earliest offerings is still one of their best, the Eric Clapton model Stratocaster. Though it's had a few refinements over the years, its versatility and quality remain extremely high.
Since most folks shopping for a Clapton model are already informed with the basic Stratocaster features, it's probably best to concentrate on what makes the Clapton Stratocaster different.
Maybe the most fundamental if not most evident difference is the electronics package. Since ol' Slowhand has used a number of instruments throughout his renowned career (including everything from a Gibson SG to a traditional Fender Strat), he needs a guitar than can imitate a variety of different instruments.
Fender has obliged with an amazing amount of sonic versatility in a single guitar. For starters, there's an active mid-boost control (powered by a 9-volt battery).
Coupled with the Fender Vintage Noiseless pickups and the master TBX tone control, this mid-boost affords this guitar unheard of tonal versatility. In fact, the Eric Clapton model Stratocaster is one of the most versatile instruments we've ever played, bar none.
But it doesn't end with the sounds. Clapton selected a V-shaped neck with a 9.5" radius fretboard, and this neck is just plain smooth. While the Clapton model favors blues and classic riffs due to its origins, I would guess that some shredders would find the shape and ease of play preferable as well.
If it seems like we love this instrument, you'd be right. You'll have to explore a long time to find a guitar that has the variety of sounds coupled with the playability that this guitar has.
Still, there are some minor suggestions we could make if Fender was listening. We would value some more modern tuners. Sure, the vintage tuners add to the instrument's charm, but locking tuners would be better for an instrument as innovative as the Clapton Strat.
We also wish that the vibrato unit wasn't blocked. However, that's Clapton's preference, so we don't think it'll change any time soon.
These niggles aside, the Eric Clapton Stratocaster is a world-class guitar and one we commend highly. Go get yours today! - 32370
Since most folks shopping for a Clapton model are already informed with the basic Stratocaster features, it's probably best to concentrate on what makes the Clapton Stratocaster different.
Maybe the most fundamental if not most evident difference is the electronics package. Since ol' Slowhand has used a number of instruments throughout his renowned career (including everything from a Gibson SG to a traditional Fender Strat), he needs a guitar than can imitate a variety of different instruments.
Fender has obliged with an amazing amount of sonic versatility in a single guitar. For starters, there's an active mid-boost control (powered by a 9-volt battery).
Coupled with the Fender Vintage Noiseless pickups and the master TBX tone control, this mid-boost affords this guitar unheard of tonal versatility. In fact, the Eric Clapton model Stratocaster is one of the most versatile instruments we've ever played, bar none.
But it doesn't end with the sounds. Clapton selected a V-shaped neck with a 9.5" radius fretboard, and this neck is just plain smooth. While the Clapton model favors blues and classic riffs due to its origins, I would guess that some shredders would find the shape and ease of play preferable as well.
If it seems like we love this instrument, you'd be right. You'll have to explore a long time to find a guitar that has the variety of sounds coupled with the playability that this guitar has.
Still, there are some minor suggestions we could make if Fender was listening. We would value some more modern tuners. Sure, the vintage tuners add to the instrument's charm, but locking tuners would be better for an instrument as innovative as the Clapton Strat.
We also wish that the vibrato unit wasn't blocked. However, that's Clapton's preference, so we don't think it'll change any time soon.
These niggles aside, the Eric Clapton Stratocaster is a world-class guitar and one we commend highly. Go get yours today! - 32370
About the Author:
If you've appreciated this discussion and wish to buy your very own Fender Eric Clapton Stratocaster, then please visit Ray's Guitar Shop, which offers the cheapest prices on all new and used Fender electric guitars available anywhere on the Internet.
