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1996 Fender Eric Clapton Master Built Stratocaster

1996 Fender Eric Clapton Master Built Stratocaster

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Page last updated Aug 10, 2025

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Description

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The 1996 Fender Eric Clapton Master Built Stratocaster is a testament to craftsmanship and precision, tailor-made for those who admire the iconic tones of Eric Clapton. A product of Fender’s revered Custom Shop, this Stratocaster is a Master Built marvel, crafted by some of the finest luthiers in the industry. Designed to replicate Clapton's signature sound, it features a unique combination of vintage aesthetics and modern playability.

This Stratocaster is fitted with vintage-style tuners and a maple neck that offers a smooth playing experience. The guitar is equipped with three Vintage Noiseless single-coil pickups, ensuring that your sound is crystal clear and free from unwanted hum. Its mid-boost circuit is particularly notable, offering a range of tones from glassy cleans to searing leads. The soft V-shaped neck profile provides comfort and ease of use, suitable for both intricate picking and powerful strumming.

Ideal for musicians who aim to capture that quintessential Clapton tone, this guitar is not only a collector's item but a versatile instrument suitable for a range of musical styles. Whether you're performing on stage or recording in the studio, the 1996 Fender Eric Clapton Master Built Stratocaster delivers an unparalleled sound and feel.

Key Features:

Master Built in Fender's Custom Shop
Three Vintage Noiseless single-coil pickups
Mid-boost circuit for tonal versatility
Soft V-shaped maple neck
Vintage-style tuners
22 frets with a 9.5" radius for comfortable playability
Classic Stratocaster body shape and design

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GregsGuitars

1996 Fender "Eric Clapton Signature Stratocaster" 50ths Anniversary, Part2

GregsGuitars

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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 Stratocaster.

Features and functionality

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The mid boost and TBX circuits are highly praised for their tonal versatility, allowing for a wide range of sounds suitable for various styles.
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The Clapton Strat's electronics closely resemble those used by David Gilmour, providing a powerful and smooth playing experience.
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American Strats are praised for their rolled fingerboard edges and superior fretwork, which enhance playability and comfort significantly compared to MIM models.
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Mods and upgrades

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Some owners prefer the tonal quality of Lace Sensor pickups over the Vintage Noiseless pickups, citing a better sound.
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Setup and maintenance

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A user noted that the battery compartment for the mid boost could be more accessible, suggesting leaving the cover off for easier access.
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MIM guitars often require significant fretwork due to sharp fret ends and extreme fret sprout, which some owners find necessary to address immediately after purchase.
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User experience

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The V-neck profile is frequently highlighted for its comfort, especially appreciated by those who enjoy smooth playability.
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Players often find the Clapton Strat easy to play unplugged, with an enjoyable feel even without amplification.
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Owners with both MIM and MIA Strats often find subtle differences in construction and attention to detail, with MIA models generally feeling smoother and more refined.
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Build quality

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The thick poly finish on MIM Strats can feel heavy and is noted for being excessively thick, affecting the guitar's overall weight and feel.
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Comparisons

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The newer MIM Player Strats are considered closer to older American models in quality but still trail behind in terms of neck and fretwork precision.
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Eric Clapton

Guitarist

Mark Knopfler’s Guitar Heroes

Verified via Christies

Eric Clapton frequently used the 1996 Fender Eric Clapton Master Built Stratocaster as one of his main stage guitars from 1998 to 1999. This guitar was notably featured on the Pilgrim World Tour, which included performances with a 20-piece orchestra and a 10-piece band. During the Japanese leg of the tour in late 1999, it served as his primary instrument. Additionally, Clapton played this guitar at several high-profile events, including two appearances at the White House in 1998 and 1999, the Crossroads Benefit Concert at Madison Square Garden, and Sheryl Crow's Central Park concert in 1999. Documentation of this guitar's significance can be found in the Christie's listing.