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Description

Unleash your inner guitar hero with the Fender John Mayer "The Black One" Stratocaster, a limited-edition masterpiece crafted in partnership with the iconic musician himself. Known for its sleek design and unparalleled sonic versatility, this guitar is more than just an instrument; it's an experience waiting to happen. Modeled after Mayer's own famous "BLACK1," this Stratocaster merges classic Fender craftsmanship with John's unique specifications, offering musicians an authentic slice of the artist's sound.

With its slightly oversized "C"-shaped neck, this guitar provides a comfortable grip for extended play, while the "Big Dipper" single-coil pickups deliver a warm, crisp tone tailored to Mayer's discerning standards. The meticulous design extends to subtle details like the non-inclusion of a back tremolo plate, a conscious choice by Mayer for ultimate playability. Adorned with gold hardware, this guitar not only sounds incredible but looks stunning on stage.

For musicians on the move, the model-exclusive Incase® gig bag offers the ultimate protection. Designed with modular accessory compartments and a patch set, it’s as customizable as the guitar itself. Whether you're crafting your own legendary riffs or exploring new musical territories, this guitar is engineered to inspire.

Key Features:

  • Limited-edition collaboration with John Mayer
  • Slightly oversized "C"-shaped neck for comfortable playability
  • "Big Dipper" single-coil pickups for a signature warm tone
  • Gold hardware for striking aesthetics
  • Model-exclusive 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 kind of pickups are in the Fender John Mayer "The Black One" Stratocaster?

The Fender John Mayer "The Black One" Stratocaster is equipped with 'Big Dipper' single-coil pickups, which are known for their underwound design and scooped mids, providing a distinctive sound favored by John Mayer.

Is the Fender John Mayer "The Black One" Stratocaster suitable for blues music?

Yes, the "The Black One" Stratocaster is well-suited for blues music, thanks to its 'Big Dipper' pickups and Alder body, which deliver warm, expressive tones ideal for the genre.

What is the neck profile like on the Fender John Mayer "The Black One" Stratocaster?

The neck of this Stratocaster features a comfortable C-shape profile with a 9.5-inch radius, providing smooth playability and a familiar feel for both rhythm and lead guitarists.

Does the Fender John Mayer "The Black One" Stratocaster come with a tremolo bridge?

Yes, this guitar is equipped with a tremolo bridge, allowing players to achieve classic Stratocaster vibrato effects and enhance their playing dynamics.

What materials are used in the construction of the Fender John Mayer "The Black One" Stratocaster?

The guitar features an Alder body, a Maple neck, and a Rosewood fretboard, offering a balanced tone with rich mids and a smooth playing surface.

Voodoo Child

Voodoo Child

John Mayer - Black One Story

Video thumbnail for John Mayer - Black One Story by Voodoo Child

John Mayer - Black One Story

Voodoo Child

Voodoo Child

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 The Black One by John Mayer

The Black One

John Mayer

John Mayer

Video thumbnail for John Mayer plays his Black One strat at Berklee by TomoFujitaMusic

John Mayer plays his Black One strat at Berklee

TomoFujitaMusic

TomoFujitaMusic

Video thumbnail for John Mayer Limited Edition Black1 | Fender by Fender

John Mayer Limited Edition Black1 | Fender

Fender

Fender

Video thumbnail for 2010 Fender Stratocaster John Mayer Black One Masterbuilt #JC 1646 | Guitar Demo by Ten Guitars TV

2010 Fender Stratocaster John Mayer Black One Masterbuilt #JC 1646 | Guitar Demo

Ten Guitars TV

Ten Guitars TV

Video thumbnail for Fender john mayer black1 mb in private room guitars by Mean TaitosmitH

Fender john mayer black1 mb in private room guitars

Mean TaitosmitH

Mean TaitosmitH

Video thumbnail for John Mayer Stratocaster nos black1 Review by S_NES

John Mayer Stratocaster nos black1 Review

S_NES

S_NES

Reviews

Owner Insights

We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about Fender John Mayer "The Black One" Stratocaster.

Setup and maintenance

  • The BLK1's neck has been replaced twice due to warping; original neck reinstalled despite issues due to poor replacement feel.

    Source
  • The relic process involved intricate steps: sanding, heat cracking, vintage staining, and polishing, reflecting the dedication to authenticity in appearance.

    Source

Comparisons

  • Some find the Silver Sky's tone "plasticy" compared to the warmer, rounded tone of the BLK1, particularly for Continuum-era music.

    Source
  • A Silver Sky is considered ergonomically superior for fast runs and longevity of play, though some argue it lacks the BLK1's specific tone warmth.

    Source

User experience

  • The BLK1 reportedly had a significant crack around the 12th fret, impacting its playability and leading to reduced use.

    Source
  • The neck, described as feeling "very broken in," suggests a preference for a well-worn, comfortable playing experience without actual structural issues.

    Source

Features and functionality

  • Despite the iconic BLK1 tone, some users note it is mostly influenced by other gear setups, not just the guitar itself.

    Source
  • The bridge might appear more silver than gold in certain lighting, suggesting possible wear or replacement.

    Source
  • The guitar features a 9.5" radius fingerboard and Fender vintage tremolo, combining modern playability with classic style.

    Source

Build quality

  • The Black One's nitro finish is very thin, closely replicating '60s builds, making it prone to wear and relic over time.

    Source
  • The streaks in the finish are superficial and can wear down quickly, revealing lighter wood underneath.

    Source
  • The build used Choco alder for the body and a European maple neck with a rosewood fingerboard, highlighting wood choices for tone and aesthetics.

    Source

Use cases and applications

  • The Black One has been through extensive touring and studio use, contributing to its significant wear and tear.

    Source

Other

  • John's guitars, including the Black One, are often stored securely and not typically kept at his home.

    Source

Mods and upgrades

  • The builder chose "the black one" pickups from radioshoppickups, indicating their preference for achieving a specific tonal character.

    Source

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Artist usage

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See how John Mayer uses Fender John Mayer "The Black One" Stratocaster

John Mayer

Guitarist

John Mayer Trio

...
Verified via YouTube

The customized Fender John Mayer "The Black One" Stratocaster relic has been spotted in use by guitarist John Mayer himself in numerous performances, including this one with B.B. King.

Genre Usage

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

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