What is the primary body material of the Eric Clapton Stratocaster?

The guitar features a solid alder body. This wood is traditionally used by Fender for its balanced tone and excellent sustain across all frequencies.

Does this guitar feature standard single-coil pickups?

No, it uses three Vintage Noiseless single-coil pickups. These are designed to provide classic Stratocaster tone while removing the hum typically associated with single-coil electronics.

What does the active mid-boost circuit do?

The active mid-boost provides up to 25dB of additional gain to the middle frequencies. This allows the user to achieve thicker, humbucker-like tones and push an amplifier into saturation directly from the guitar.

What is the TBX circuit?

The TBX (Treble Bass Expander) is a tone control that adds treble and presence as it is turned beyond the middle detent. It offers a wider range of high-end frequencies than a standard tone knob.

Is the tremolo bridge functional on this model?

The guitar features an original vintage synchronized tremolo, but it is 'blocked' according to Clapton’s specifications. This means a wooden block is installed to prevent the bridge from moving, providing the stability of a hardtail bridge.

What type of neck and fingerboard does it have?

It features a bolt-on maple neck with a matching maple fingerboard. This combination contributes to the guitar's bright, snappy attack and professional feel.

Who are some famous artists that use this model?

Beyond Eric Clapton himself, the guitar has been used by artists such as Frans Pollux, Guus Meeuwis, Falco, and Herbert Grönemeyer. It is widely respected among professional European touring musicians.

What series does this guitar belong to?

It is part of the Fender Artist Series. This series is known for high-quality components and specific modifications requested by iconic musicians.

How does it compare to the Fender American Professional II Stratocaster?

The American Professional II typically features standard passive pickups and a functional tremolo. The Clapton model distinguishes itself with active mid-boost electronics, noiseless pickups, and a blocked bridge.

Can the mid-boost be used for heavy rock?

Yes, the 25dB mid-boost is highly effective for rock genres. It allows the single-coil pickups to produce the thick, driving sound usually reserved for dual-coil humbuckers.

What color is this specific model?

This specific model is finished in an attractive gloss black. It is one of the most recognizable finishes associated with Eric Clapton’s career.

What is the typical price for this guitar in the UK?

The typical price range for the Fender Eric Clapton Stratocaster is approximately GBP 2599. This reflects its status as a professional-grade instrument within the Artist Series.

Gear article

Fender Eric Clapton Stratocaster (Black)

The Fender Eric Clapton Stratocaster is a high-specification electric guitar from Fender's Artist Series, designed to replicate the signature setup of the legendary blues-rock musician. It features an alder body, vintage noiseless pickups, and active electronics to deliver a wide range of tones suitable for professional touring and studio recording.

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Overview

The Fender Eric Clapton Stratocaster, finished in classic black, is a cornerstone of the Fender Artist Series. Built for professional musicians who require both tonal variety and high reliability, the guitar combines traditional aesthetic choices with modern electronic enhancements. It is constructed with a solid alder body and a bolt-on maple neck, a combination that has defined the Fender sound for decades.

Key Design Features

This signature model is distinguished by several unique hardware and electronic choices:

Active Mid-Boost: A built-in preamp provides up to 25dB of boost, allowing the guitar to push an amplifier into overdrive more easily, mimicking the qualities of a humbucker while retaining single-coil clarity.
TBX (Treble Bass Expander) Circuit: A specialized tone control that functions like a standard tone knob from 0 to 5, but decreases resistance from 5 to 10, adding presence and brightness.
Blocked Tremolo: Following Clapton's personal preference, the vintage synchronized tremolo bridge is 'blocked' with a piece of wood, effectively turning it into a hardtail bridge for increased tuning stability and sustain.

Pickup Configuration and Sound

The guitar is equipped with three Vintage Noiseless single-coil pickups. These are designed to provide the crisp, clear chime of classic Fenders while eliminating the 60-cycle hum often associated with single-coil designs. This makes the instrument particularly effective for high-gain settings or studio recording where noise floor is a concern. The combination of these pickups with the active mid-boost allows the instrument to transition from traditional blues 'quack' to thick, saturated lead tones.

User Profile and Comparisons

The Eric Clapton Stratocaster is suited for professional musicians and hobbyists who demand a versatile tool for various genres, particularly blues and rock. While alternative models like the Fender Kurt Cobain Jaguar or the Fender American Professional II Stratocaster offer different tonal palettes or tremolo functionality, the Clapton model is unique for its active circuitry and stable blocked bridge. For those seeking humbucker-led grit, the Gibson Les Paul Standard 50s P90 or the Fender Jim Root Telecaster serve as notable alternatives, though they lack the specific active tone-shaping found in the Clapton signature.

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Frequently asked questions

What is the primary body material of the Eric Clapton Stratocaster?: The guitar features a solid alder body. This wood is traditionally used by Fender for its balanced tone and excellent sustain across all frequencies.
Does this guitar feature standard single-coil pickups?: No, it uses three Vintage Noiseless single-coil pickups. These are designed to provide classic Stratocaster tone while removing the hum typically associated with single-coil electronics.
What does the active mid-boost circuit do?: The active mid-boost provides up to 25dB of additional gain to the middle frequencies. This allows the user to achieve thicker, humbucker-like tones and push an amplifier into saturation directly from the guitar.
What is the TBX circuit?: The TBX (Treble Bass Expander) is a tone control that adds treble and presence as it is turned beyond the middle detent. It offers a wider range of high-end frequencies than a standard tone knob.
Is the tremolo bridge functional on this model?: The guitar features an original vintage synchronized tremolo, but it is 'blocked' according to Clapton’s specifications. This means a wooden block is installed to prevent the bridge from moving, providing the stability of a hardtail bridge.
What type of neck and fingerboard does it have?: It features a bolt-on maple neck with a matching maple fingerboard. This combination contributes to the guitar's bright, snappy attack and professional feel.
Who are some famous artists that use this model?: Beyond Eric Clapton himself, the guitar has been used by artists such as Frans Pollux, Guus Meeuwis, Falco, and Herbert Grönemeyer. It is widely respected among professional European touring musicians.
What series does this guitar belong to?: It is part of the Fender Artist Series. This series is known for high-quality components and specific modifications requested by iconic musicians.
How does it compare to the Fender American Professional II Stratocaster?: The American Professional II typically features standard passive pickups and a functional tremolo. The Clapton model distinguishes itself with active mid-boost electronics, noiseless pickups, and a blocked bridge.
Can the mid-boost be used for heavy rock?: Yes, the 25dB mid-boost is highly effective for rock genres. It allows the single-coil pickups to produce the thick, driving sound usually reserved for dual-coil humbuckers.
What color is this specific model?: This specific model is finished in an attractive gloss black. It is one of the most recognizable finishes associated with Eric Clapton’s career.
What is the typical price for this guitar in the UK?: The typical price range for the Fender Eric Clapton Stratocaster is approximately GBP 2599. This reflects its status as a professional-grade instrument within the Artist Series.

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