Pricing and availability

We compare 600+ stores and found this item at 1 store. Prices updated .

Average Price: $8,900

High-end/Boutique

$400

$1001+

Price Tier

Budget

Standard

High-end

* Product prices and availability are updated by Equipboard every 24hrs and are subject to change. Equipboard may receive compensation for purchases made at participating retailers linked on this site. This compensation does not affect what products or prices are displayed, or the order of prices listed. For more information, please refer to our affiliate disclosure.

Description

The Fender John Mayer Special Edition BLACK1 Stratocaster is a tribute to the iconic sound and style of John Mayer, crafted meticulously to meet the demands of the discerning guitarist. This collectible, limited edition Stratocaster, restricted to just 500 pieces worldwide, is a testament to Fender's dedication to quality and innovation. Featuring the unique "Big Dipper" single-coil pickups, this guitar delivers the warm, rounded tones that Mayer is renowned for, making it a dream for blues and rock enthusiasts alike.

The slightly oversized "C"-shaped neck offers unparalleled comfort, allowing for effortless playability, whether you're riffing on stage or recording in the studio. With gold hardware that adds a touch of elegance, this guitar is as much about aesthetics as it is about performance. The attention to detail extends to the exclusion of the back tremolo plate, a personal touch specified by John himself, ensuring that the guitar remains true to his personal model.

Accompanying this masterpiece is an exclusive InCase® gig bag, designed in collaboration with Mayer. It not only provides superior protection but also offers customizable features with its modular accessory compartments and patch set. This ensures that your guitar is safe, stylish, and ready to travel wherever your music takes you.

Key Features:

  • Limited edition of 500 pieces worldwide
  • "Big Dipper" single-coil pickups
  • Slightly oversized "C"-shaped neck
  • Gold hardware
  • No back tremolo plate
  • '50s spaghetti logo decal on headstock
  • Customizable InCase® gig bag with modular compartments and patch set included

Product specs

Brand Fender
Model Limited Edition "Black1" John Mayer Stratocaster
Finish Black
Year 2010
Made In United States
Categories Solid Body Electric Guitars
Artist John Mayer
Body Material Alder
Body Shape S-Style
Body Type Solid Body
Bridge/Tailpiece Type Tremolo Bridge
Color Family Black
Finish Style Gloss
Fretboard Material Rosewood
Model Family Fender Stratocaster
Neck Construction Bolt-On
Neck Material Maple
Number of Frets 21
Number of Strings 6-String
Offset Body Non-Offset Body
Pickup Configuration SSS
Right / Left Handed Right Handed
Scale Length 25.5"
Series Fender Artist Series, Fender FSR Limited Edition
Wood Top Style Opaque

FAQs

What type of pickups are featured in the Fender John Mayer Special Edition BLACK1 Stratocaster?

The Fender John Mayer Special Edition BLACK1 Stratocaster is equipped with three Big Dipper™ single-coil pickups, which are known for their scooped midrange tone, providing a distinctive sound ideal for blues and rock styles.

What is the neck profile of the Fender John Mayer Special Edition BLACK1 Stratocaster?

This Stratocaster features a thick C-shape neck profile, which offers a comfortable grip and is particularly favored by players who prefer a substantial feel for both rhythm and lead playing.

Is the Fender John Mayer Special Edition BLACK1 Stratocaster suitable for beginner guitarists?

While the BLACK1 Stratocaster is a high-quality instrument favored by professional musicians, its playability and tonal versatility can also be appreciated by dedicated beginners who are serious about investing in a premium guitar.

What kind of tremolo system does the Fender John Mayer Special Edition BLACK1 Stratocaster use?

The BLACK1 Stratocaster is equipped with an American vintage-style synchronized tremolo, providing smooth and reliable operation for expressive playing techniques.

How many frets does the Fender John Mayer Special Edition BLACK1 Stratocaster have, and what size are they?

This Stratocaster has 21 Dunlop 6105 narrow jumbo frets, which offer a comfortable playing experience with excellent control for bending and articulation.

Fender

Fender

John Mayer on the Special Edition BLACK1 Stratocaster® | Fender

Video thumbnail for John Mayer on the Special Edition BLACK1 Stratocaster® | Fender by Fender

John Mayer on the Special Edition BLACK1 Stratocaster® | Fender

Fender

Fender

Video thumbnail for John Mayer Black One Special Edition Fender Stratocaster by Kees Dee

John Mayer Black One Special Edition Fender Stratocaster

Kees Dee

Kees Dee

Video thumbnail for Fender John Mayer Special Edition Black1 Strat by Txirula Musik

Fender John Mayer Special Edition Black1 Strat

Txirula Musik

Txirula Musik

Video thumbnail for Fender Stratocaster Black 1 John Mayer Special Edition by Guitartoys Store

Fender Stratocaster Black 1 John Mayer Special Edition

Guitartoys Store

Guitartoys Store

Reviews

Owner Insights

We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about Fender John Mayer Special Edition BLACK1 Stratocaster.

Features and functionality

  • The John Mayer BLACK1 Stratocaster is equipped with unique Big Dipper pickups, favored for their ability to capture the Hendrix, SRV, blues, and rock sound.

    Source
  • The absence of a 22nd fret is criticized, as it doesn't affect neck pickup placement and is perceived as a nod to vintage styling.

    Source

Build quality

  • The fretboard is praised for its quality, with one owner noting it's part of what makes the guitar hard to put down.

    Source
  • The BLK1 reportedly had a significant ground connection issue when initially received, affecting its functionality until resolved.

    Source

Value and pricing

  • While the list price is $2200, some buyers have reported purchasing it for $1750, indicating potential variability in pricing.

    Source
  • The limited edition BLACK1 Stratocasters, particularly the John Cruz master-built versions, are rare and can reach prices upwards of $15,000.

    Source

Comparisons

  • The guitar's aesthetic, with its black body, mint green pickguard, and gold hardware, is compared unfavorably to other black Strats, with some finding the look disjointed.

    Source
  • Some users describe the BLK1 as having a warmer and more rounded tone compared to the Silver Sky, which is perceived as slightly harsher.

    Source
  • The 60th anniversary Strat's gold hardware and pearloid tuners are noted as interchangeable with the BLACK1 for those replicating the model.

    Source

User experience

  • The BLK1's neck has experienced warping and cracking, notably around the 12th fret, leading to playability issues.

    Source
  • Mayer attempted unorthodox fixes, like placing the guitar in a freezer, to address buzzing issues caused by the faulty ground connection.

    Source
  • Owners suggest looking for the darkest rosewood board when building a BLACK1 replica for a closer match to the original.

    Source

Setup and maintenance

  • John Mayer reportedly found the replacement necks for the BLK1 unsatisfactory, preferring the feel of the original despite its flaws.

    Source

Use cases and applications

  • The BLK1 is still used for specific recordings, such as the solo in "All I Want is to Be With You," highlighting its continued relevance for certain tonal qualities.

    Source

Mods and upgrades

  • Building a replica involves using a black Strat body with a rosewood neck, gold hardware, and a set of Big Dipper pickups for authenticity.

    Source

5.0 out of 5

Based on 1 Review and 16 Ratings

5 star
4 star
3 star
2 star
1 star
tristencaleb

Incredible. So smooth

Bought it brand new out of the box. So sick.

Artist usage

Add artist
See how John Mayer uses Fender John Mayer Special Edition BLACK1 Stratocaster

John Mayer

Guitarist

John Mayer Trio

...
Verified via YouTube

"This guitar is not a masterbuilt, it's not a custom shop. This is one that would absolutely have been sent to a store if I didn't take it. I'm using it live on three or four songs, and I'm loving it. It has the absolute heart and soul of the BLACK1, but if you're playing in your own band and you're trying to make a name for yourself, I think it's really cool to have a guitar that is sort of a blank canvas for someone to make a name for themselves with or a sound for themselves on. I think this is one of the classiest strats I've even seen. Piano black. Gold hardware. Mint pickguard. Mother of pearl tuners. It's like, I want to plug this thing in."

See how Rhett Shull uses Fender John Mayer Special Edition BLACK1 Stratocaster

Rhett Shull

Guitarist, Music Producer

...
Verified via YouTube

Rhett's main Stratocaster.

Genre Usage

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

Used With

Based on how musicians on Equipboard use Fender John Mayer Special Edition BLACK1 Stratocaster, it is most commonly used with the following gear.

Gibson ES-335
Gibson ES-335 Semi-Hollowbody Electric Guitars
1

More Fender Solid Body Electric Guitars

Accessories & Related Items

Community setups

Similar

Gear Guides

  • Added to Equipboard on by

    michael
    michael

    Gear IQ 42641