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1997 Fender Eric Clapton Custom Shop Stratocaster

1997 Fender Eric Clapton Custom Shop Stratocaster

$1,099.00 Price Tier: High-end

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Page last updated Jul 04, 2026

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We compare 600+ stores and found this item at 1 store. Prices updated July 4, 2026.

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5.0 (25)

$1,099.00 42 available Used

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Average Price: $1,099

High-end/Boutique

$400

$1001+

Price Tier

In the Solid Body Electric Guitars category, 1997 Fender Eric Clapton Custom Shop Stratocaster is priced in the High-end/Boutique range. This premium gear is built to very high standards and offers premium features.

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High-end

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Description

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Step into the world of legendary tone with the 1997 Fender Eric Clapton Custom Shop Stratocaster. This iconic instrument, part of Fender’s revered Artist Series, captures the essence of Clapton’s signature sound and style. Crafted with meticulous attention to detail, this Stratocaster is inspired by Clapton's own '50s Strat, offering a harmonious blend of vintage charm and modern performance.

At the heart of this guitar are the Lace Sensor "Gold" pickups, providing a smooth, noise-free signal that is both clear and powerful. These pickups are complemented by an active mid-boost circuit, allowing guitarists to dial in up to 25dB of additional gain for those searing solos or punchy rhythm sections. The special blocked tremolo, designed to Clapton’s exacting standards, ensures rock-solid tuning stability while offering the classic Stratocaster feel. This unique combination of features makes it a versatile tool for both stage and studio.

The 1997 Fender Eric Clapton Custom Shop Stratocaster is not just a guitar; it’s a tribute to one of rock’s most influential artists. Whether you're a devoted Clapton fan or simply seeking a high-quality instrument with timeless appeal, this Stratocaster delivers on every front.

Key Features:

Lace Sensor "Gold" pickups for clear, powerful sound
Active mid-boost circuit with 25dB of additional gain
Special blocked tremolo for enhanced tuning stability
Inspired by Clapton's '50s Strat design
Part of Fender’s Artist Series

Product specs

Brand	Fender
Model	Eric Clapton Artist Series Stratocaster with Lace Sensor Pickups
Finish	Black, Candy Green, Olympic White, Pewter, Torino Red
Year	1988 - 2000
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	Black, Green, Red, Silver, White
Finish Style	Gloss, Metallic
Fretboard Material	Maple
Model Family	Fender Stratocaster
Neck Construction	Bolt-On
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
Wood Top Style	Plain

FAQs

What pickups are featured in the 1997 Fender Eric Clapton Custom Shop Stratocaster?: This Stratocaster is equipped with Lace Sensor pickups, known for their noise reduction and clear, powerful sound, making them suitable for a wide range of musical styles.
What is the neck profile like on the 1997 Fender Eric Clapton Custom Shop Stratocaster?: The guitar features a soft "V" neck profile, which offers a comfortable grip for both chordal and lead playing, catering to players who prefer a vintage-style feel.
How does the 1997 Fender Eric Clapton Custom Shop Stratocaster handle different music genres?: With its versatile Lace Sensor pickups and classic Stratocaster design, this guitar is well-suited for blues, rock, and pop, delivering both clean and overdriven tones with clarity.
Is the 1997 Fender Eric Clapton Custom Shop Stratocaster suitable for beginners?: While this guitar offers exceptional quality and playability, its features and price point may be more appealing to intermediate and advanced players seeking a professional-grade instrument.
What are the available finish options for the 1997 Fender Eric Clapton Custom Shop Stratocaster?: This model is available in several finishes, including Black, Candy Green, Olympic White, Pewter, and Torino Red, each with a glossy or metallic style.

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Fender Stratocaster USA 1997 Eric Clapton Stratocaster w/Original Tweed Case - 515-864-6136

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Reviews

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PROS

Outstanding versatility from jazz to metal with DBX boost and tone controls
Signature Clapton tones easily achievable, from 1970s to contemporary sounds
Built like a tank, durable with minimal wear over decades
Lace Sensors provide mean, powerful sound through a tube amp
Comfortable soft V neck shape enhances playability
High-quality craftsmanship comparable to later Fender Custom Shop models
Quiet performance in noisy environments with noiseless pickups
Resonant body and neck offer impressive sound quality
Affordable TBX/mid boost circuitry replacements available
Excellent value on the used market for its price

CONS

Some players may prefer traditional "strattier" sounding pickups

Owner Insights

We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about 1997 Fender Eric Clapton Custom Shop Stratocaster.

Features and functionality

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The Eric Clapton model from this era features 3 gold Lace Sensor pickups and a V-shaped neck profile.
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A pop-in tremolo bar is indicative of the Strat Plus Deluxe model, often linked with the American Ultra locking tremolo system.
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The Clapton Strat's mid-boost feature is noted for being muddy, lacking a traditional Strat tone, and not including a tone control, which some guitarists find limiting.
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Comparisons

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The Strat Plus Deluxe is distinguished by its blue/red/silver Lace Sensor pickups, while the standard Strat Plus uses gold Lace Sensors.
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The SRV Strat offers a thick oval neck and jumbo frets that accommodate larger hands and heavier strings, contrasting with the Clapton's V-shaped neck.
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Value and pricing

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A 1997 Strat Plus can be valued around $1250, although pricing may vary depending on condition and originality of components.
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User experience

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Some owners have noted that the pickguard on their Strat Plus models may not always be original, potentially affecting collector value.
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Some players find the Clapton Strat's neck uncomfortable compared to other models, impacting playability for those used to different profiles.
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Mods and upgrades

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For those seeking versatility, a Warmoth build is recommended, allowing customization of neck profiles, pickups, and other components to suit personal preferences.
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Use cases and applications

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The Clapton model is critiqued for having a midrange hump that might not blend well with traditional Strat sounds, impacting its use in classic Strat-driven music styles.
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Artist usage

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Eric Clapton

Guitarist

Mark Knopfler’s Guitar Heroes

Verified via Christies

During a VW-sponsored tour, a 1997 Fender Eric Clapton Custom Shop Stratocaster was frequently played backstage, often by bassist Nathan East. At the tour's conclusion, an unused guitar from this collection was gifted to Eric Clapton. This is documented by Christie's.