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Average Price: $8,900
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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
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What type of pickups are featured in the Fender John Mayer Special Edition BLACK1 Stratocaster?
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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.
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What is the neck profile of the Fender John Mayer Special Edition BLACK1 Stratocaster?
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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.
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Is the Fender John Mayer Special Edition BLACK1 Stratocaster suitable for beginner guitarists?
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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.
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What kind of tremolo system does the Fender John Mayer Special Edition BLACK1 Stratocaster use?
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The BLACK1 Stratocaster is equipped with an American vintage-style synchronized tremolo, providing smooth and reliable operation for expressive playing techniques.
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How many frets does the Fender John Mayer Special Edition BLACK1 Stratocaster have, and what size are they?
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This Stratocaster has 21 Dunlop 6105 narrow jumbo frets, which offer a comfortable playing experience with excellent control for bending and articulation.
Videos
Fender
John Mayer on the Special Edition BLACK1 Stratocaster® | Fender
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
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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.
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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.
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Build quality
Value and pricing
Comparisons
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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.
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Some users describe the BLK1 as having a warmer and more rounded tone compared to the Silver Sky, which is perceived as slightly harsher.
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The 60th anniversary Strat's gold hardware and pearloid tuners are noted as interchangeable with the BLACK1 for those replicating the model.
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User experience
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The BLK1's neck has experienced warping and cracking, notably around the 12th fret, leading to playability issues.
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Mayer attempted unorthodox fixes, like placing the guitar in a freezer, to address buzzing issues caused by the faulty ground connection.
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Owners suggest looking for the darkest rosewood board when building a BLACK1 replica for a closer match to the original.
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Setup and maintenance
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John Mayer reportedly found the replacement necks for the BLK1 unsatisfactory, preferring the feel of the original despite its flaws.
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Use cases and applications
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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.
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5.0 out of 5
Based on 1 Review and 16 Ratings
Artist usage
Add artist
"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."
Genre Usage
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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.
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