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Average Price: $23,000

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$1001+

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Description

Step into the world of legendary sound with the Fender Custom Shop Tribute Series "Blackie" Eric Clapton Stratocaster. This iconic electric guitar is a faithful recreation of the beloved instrument played by Eric Clapton, one of rock's most influential guitarists. Crafted with meticulous attention to detail, it captures the essence of Clapton's tone and style, making it a must-have for enthusiasts and performers alike.

The "Blackie" Tribute Stratocaster features a select alder body that delivers a balanced, dynamic sound with excellent sustain. The guitar's maple neck with a soft "V" shape offers a comfortable grip, perfect for both chords and solos. The fingerboard is made from smooth maple, providing a classic feel and look. Equipped with three Vintage Noiseless™ pickups, this guitar produces a rich, expressive tone without the hum, ideal for recording and live performances.

A special touch on this tribute model is the custom electronics featuring an active mid-boost circuit and TBX tone control, allowing players to shape their sound with precision. The guitar also includes a vintage-style synchronized tremolo bridge, providing smooth pitch modulation and exceptional stability.

Key Features:

  • Select alder body for balanced sound and sustain
  • Maple neck with soft "V" shape for comfortable playability
  • Maple fingerboard for a classic feel
  • Three Vintage Noiseless™ pickups for hum-free tone
  • Custom electronics with active mid-boost and TBX tone control
  • Vintage-style synchronized tremolo bridge for pitch modulation
  • Faithful recreation of Eric Clapton's iconic "Blackie" guitar

Product specs

Brand Fender
Model Custom Shop Tribute Series "Blackie" Eric Clapton Stratocaster
Finish Black
Year 2006
Made In United States
Categories Solid Body Electric Guitars
Artist Eric Clapton
Body Material Alder
Body Shape S-Style
Body Type Solid Body
Bridge/Tailpiece Type Tremolo Bridge
Color Family Black
Finish Features Relic
Finish Style Gloss
Fretboard Material Maple
Model Family Fender Stratocaster
Neck Construction Bolt-On
Neck Material Maple
Number of Frets 21
Number of Strings 6-String
Pickup Configuration SSS
Right / Left Handed Right Handed
Scale Length 25.5"
Series Fender Artist Series, Fender Custom Shop
Wood Top Style Plain

FAQs

What are the standout features of the Fender Custom Shop Tribute Series "Blackie" Eric Clapton Stratocaster?

This guitar features a solid alder body with a relic black finish, a maple neck and fretboard, and a vintage-style tremolo bridge. It replicates Eric Clapton's iconic "Blackie" with its 1950s-style pickups and SSS configuration, offering classic Stratocaster tones.

Is the Fender Custom Shop "Blackie" Stratocaster suitable for blues and rock music?

Yes, the "Blackie" Stratocaster is ideal for blues and rock, thanks to its vintage-style pickups and classic SSS configuration, which provide a versatile range of tones reminiscent of Eric Clapton's signature sound.

What is the neck profile of the Fender Custom Shop "Blackie" Eric Clapton Stratocaster?

The neck of the "Blackie" Stratocaster is modeled after Clapton's preferences, typically featuring a soft V-shape profile that provides comfort and ease of playability, especially for blues and rock styles.

Does the Fender Custom Shop "Blackie" Stratocaster come with any special accessories?

The "Blackie" Stratocaster typically includes a custom hardshell case, a certificate of authenticity, and other case candy that highlights its status as a tribute to Eric Clapton's historic guitar.

How does the Fender Custom Shop "Blackie" Stratocaster compare to other Stratocasters?

The "Blackie" Stratocaster offers unique features such as a relic finish and vintage-style pickups, making it a faithful tribute to Eric Clapton's original guitar, while maintaining the classic playability and tone expected from a Fender Stratocaster.

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In Detail: Fender Eric Clapton Blackie Tribute Stratocaster Masterbuilt by Todd Krause Upclose

Video thumbnail for In Detail: Fender Eric Clapton Blackie Tribute Stratocaster Masterbuilt by Todd Krause Upclose by RJV Guitars

In Detail: Fender Eric Clapton Blackie Tribute Stratocaster Masterbuilt by Todd Krause Upclose

RJV Guitars

RJV Guitars

Video thumbnail for Fender Custom Shop Eric Clapton Blackie Tribute Stratocaster by DHR Guitar Experience

Fender Custom Shop Eric Clapton Blackie Tribute Stratocaster

DHR Guitar Experience

DHR Guitar Experience

Video thumbnail for TNAG Presents: Fender Custom Shop Eric Clapton 'Blackie' Tribute Electric Guitar With Brian Love by Carter Vintage Backstage

TNAG Presents: Fender Custom Shop Eric Clapton 'Blackie' Tribute Electric Guitar With Brian Love

Carter Vintage Backstage

Carter Vintage Backstage

Video thumbnail for Fender Custom Shop Eric Clapton Blackie Tribute played by Maarten Dispa | Demo @ TFOA by TFOA Demos

Fender Custom Shop Eric Clapton Blackie Tribute played by Maarten Dispa | Demo @ TFOA

TFOA Demos

TFOA Demos

Video thumbnail for 'Inbox' Episode 10 | Eric Clapton Fender Tribute Series "BLACKIE" & Gibson "CREAM" ES-335 by Sound Affects

'Inbox' Episode 10 | Eric Clapton Fender Tribute Series "BLACKIE" & Gibson "CREAM" ES-335

Sound Affects

Sound Affects

Reviews

Owner Insights

We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about Fender Stratocaster "Blackie" Signature Eric Clapton (Custom Shop Tribute).

Features and functionality

  • The mid boost in the second tone knob can offer humbucker warmth without losing clarity unless maxed out, providing versatility across music styles.

    Source
  • The guitar requires a battery for the mid boost to function; if the battery dies, the guitar won't work, highlighting the importance of regular battery checks.

    Source
  • Clapton's Signature Strat includes a TBX tone control, but some users find it less essential, noting Clapton himself may not use it on custom models.

    Source
  • The electronics on the Clapton Strat closely resemble those on David Gilmour's Red Strat with EMG DG-20s, offering a versatile tonal palette.

    Source

Setup and maintenance

  • The guitar's V neck profile facilitates thumb-over techniques, making it easier for complex chord shapes at the nut, especially useful for blues and rock styles.

    Source
  • Some owners leave the battery compartment cover off for easier access, reflecting the guitar's frequent battery needs.

    Source

User experience

  • Owners have noted that unplugging the cord when the guitar is not in use significantly prolongs battery life, minimizing maintenance concerns.

    Source

Comparisons

  • A user found the neck profile more comfortable compared to American Series HSS guitars, which they usually prefer for their C neck and medium jumbo frets.

    Source
  • Several owners prefer Lace Sensor pickups for a more authentic Clapton tone compared to the Vintage Noiseless pickups.

    Source

Build quality

  • The neck's satin finish is praised for its comfort and playability, making complex playing more enjoyable.

    Source

Use cases and applications

  • The guitar's mid boost and TBX circuitry excel through a Fender Bassman with four 10" speakers, offering a surprisingly rich tone palette.

    Source

5.0 out of 5

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