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Average Price: $12,900

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$400

$1001+

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Description

The 1996 Fender Eric Clapton Master Built Gold Leaf Stratocaster is a meticulously crafted electric guitar that captures the spirit and sound of a guitar legend. Designed by the Fender Custom Shop's Master Builders, this Stratocaster is a testament to precision and artistry, combining iconic style with high-performance functionality. The guitar's sleek solid body is engineered for superb resonance and sustain, making it a perfect choice for both stage performances and studio recordings.

The active mid-boost circuit is one of the standout features of this guitar, allowing players to achieve a wide range of tones, from the warm, bluesy sound Clapton is known for, to a sharper, more aggressive tone. This unique tonal flexibility is further enhanced by the guitar's vintage noiseless pickups, which deliver a classic Stratocaster sound while minimizing unwanted hum.

Built with a soft V-shaped neck, this guitar offers a comfortable grip and easy playability, catering to both intricate solos and powerful chords. It also boasts a blocked synchronized tremolo bridge, providing added stability and tuning reliability, even during the most vigorous performances.

Key Features:

  • Custom shop master built design
  • Active mid-boost circuit for versatile tonal range
  • Vintage noiseless pickups
  • Soft V-shaped neck for enhanced playability
  • Blocked synchronized tremolo bridge for stability
  • Authentic Fender craftsmanship and attention to detail

Product specs

Brand Fender
Model Custom Shop Masterbuilt Eric Clapton Gold Leaf Stratocaster
Finish Gold
Year 2004 - 2021
Made In United States
Categories Solid Body Electric Guitars
Artist Eric Clapton
Body Shape S-Style
Body Type Solid Body
Bridge/Tailpiece Type Tremolo Bridge
Color Family Gold
Finish Style Metallic
Fretboard Material Maple
Model Family Fender Stratocaster
Neck Construction Bolt-On
Neck Material Maple
Number of Frets 22
Number of Strings 6-String
Pickup Configuration SSS
Right / Left Handed Right Handed
Scale Length 25.5"
Series Fender Artist Series, Fender Custom Shop

FAQs

What is special about the 1996 Fender Eric Clapton Master Built Gold Leaf Stratocaster?

This guitar is a Custom Shop model, featuring a unique gold leaf finish and built to Eric Clapton's specifications, including a soft V-shaped maple neck and three Vintage Noiseless pickups for a versatile sound.

Does the Eric Clapton Gold Leaf Stratocaster have a tremolo system?

Yes, it features a tremolo bridge, but it is typically set up with a blocked tremolo to suit Clapton's preference for a stable tuning.

What kind of tones can I expect from the Vintage Noiseless pickups on this Stratocaster?

The Vintage Noiseless pickups provide a classic Stratocaster tone with reduced hum, offering clear, bell-like highs and a full, warm low end suitable for blues, rock, and pop.

Is the neck of the Eric Clapton Gold Leaf Stratocaster suitable for fast playing styles?

Yes, the soft V-shaped maple neck is designed for comfort and playability, making it suitable for both chordal work and fast, intricate lead playing.

What is the body shape of the 1996 Fender Eric Clapton Master Built Gold Leaf Stratocaster?

It features the iconic S-Style body shape, which is synonymous with the Stratocaster model, providing ergonomic comfort and easy access to higher frets.

1484tv イシバシ楽器公式

1484tv イシバシ楽器公式

Fender Custom Shop / MBS Eric Clapton Stratocaster Gold Leaf built by Todd Krause 【S/N CZ533043】

Video thumbnail for Fender Custom Shop / MBS Eric Clapton Stratocaster Gold Leaf built by Todd Krause 【S/N CZ533043】 by 1484tv イシバシ楽器公式

Fender Custom Shop / MBS Eric Clapton Stratocaster Gold Leaf built by Todd Krause 【S/N CZ533043】

1484tv イシバシ楽器公式

1484tv イシバシ楽器公式

Video thumbnail for Fender Custom Shop / MBS Eric Clapton Stratocaster Gold Leaf built by Todd Krause 【S/N CZ533073】 by 1484tv イシバシ楽器公式

Fender Custom Shop / MBS Eric Clapton Stratocaster Gold Leaf built by Todd Krause 【S/N CZ533073】

1484tv イシバシ楽器公式

1484tv イシバシ楽器公式

Reviews

Owner Insights

We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about 1996 Fender Eric Clapton Master Built Gold Leaf Stratocaster.

Features and functionality

  • The mid boost and TBX circuit are highlighted as key features, offering up to 25dB boost, making it highly versatile for tonal adjustments.

    Source

Mods and upgrades

  • Some owners prefer leaving the battery compartment cover off for quick access, addressing the inconvenience of changing batteries frequently.

    Source

Comparisons

  • Lace Sensor pickups are favored by some for superior tone over Vintage Noiseless pickups, with preferences for tonal variety noted.

    Source

User experience

  • The V-neck shape is praised for comfort, with some owners highlighting its similarity in feel to David Gilmour's Red Strat.

    Source

Use cases and applications

  • The guitar excels when paired with a decent tube amp, particularly for home use, enhancing its dynamic range and tonal clarity.

    Source

Build quality

  • The satin finish on the neck is lauded for its smooth feel, contributing to the overall playability and ease of use.

    Source

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Artist usage

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See how Eric Clapton uses 1996 Fender Eric Clapton Master Built Gold Leaf Stratocaster

Eric Clapton

Guitarist

Mark Knopfler’s Guitar Heroes

...
Verified via Christies

This guitar served as Eric Clapton's main stage guitar during 1997. It was used when Clapton joined B.B. King to play Rock Me Baby during the latter's recording session for the album Deuces Wild in 1997. It was used as the main stage instrument when Eric Clapton joined a one-off fusion jazz super group, 'Legends', formed by Marcus Miller with Joe Sample, Steve Gadd and David Sanborn to play a fortnight tour of European jazz festivals in July 1997. This guitar made the front page of the world press when Clapton joined Paul McCartney, Elton John, Sting and Mark Knopfler for the Music For Montserrat concert at the Royal Albert Hall, organised by Sir George Martin, on 15th September 1997. On this occasion Clapton used it for The Same Old Blues, Layla and Hey Jude with the all-star cast. It went on to serve as the main guitar on the tour of Korea and Japan in October, 1997 and was used as a back-up guitar during the 1998 Pilgrim World Tour.

Album Usage

The 1996 Fender Eric Clapton Master Built Gold Leaf Stratocaster has been featured on the following albums:

Genre Usage

Based on how artists on Equipboard use this gear, it is most commonly found in the following genres.

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