Here for sale we have a Fender Eric Clapton Stratocaster in Black finish. Made in the USA in 2011, this model was introduced in 1988 and was one of the first USA made artist models after Fender employees purchased the brand from CBS in 1985. Based on Clapton's most famous and favourite 'Blackie' this guitar naturally features a bolt-on construction comprising an Alder body, Maple neck and 22 fret Maple fingerboard. Chrome hardware is fitted, including a Blocked American Vintage Synchronized Tremolo bridge and Vintage-Style split-post tuning machines. A trio of Fender Noiseless Strat Single-Coil pickups are installed, and are wired to a 5-way blade switch, master volume, master TBX and master mid boost controls. 
 
The Maple neck plays beautifully, with the Soft 'V' profile promoting ergonomic thumb positioning and providing a suitably vintage-inspired playing experience. Certainly, the profile feels unique when compared with Fender's more modern 'C' shape necks, and is a nice nod to Clapton's own 'Blackie' which was built with components from three 1950's Stratocasters. The 9.5" fingerboard is a modern touch which aids with lead lines and string bending, making for a much more practical and playable instrument. It's also likely that the original 'Blackie' ended up with a radius close to 9.5" due to the numerous re-frets that it underwent. 
 
The trio of Fender Noiseless Strat Single-Coil pickups installed in this guitar deliver classic '50s Stratocaster tones whilst reducing the noise and hum that comes along with those original pickups. All of the traditional Stratocaster sounds are here; warmth and clarity in the neck, funky rhythm tones in the middle, bright biting sounds in the bridge and plenty of Strat 'honk' in positions 2 & 4. The TBX control was originally introduced by Fender for this model, and functions as a normal tone control up to 5, after which it produces more treble, bass and presence - hence the name 'Treble Bass Xpander'. The mid boost is an exciting addition that allows you to really beef up your sound - not something often associated with the Stratocaster.
 
Please be aware that for international buyers import fees are not included in our postage and packaging cost, this only covers the cost of the guitar being sent to you. Import fees will be charged by Customs upon the guitar's arrival in the recipient country. Due to Brexit, this also applies to EU buyers. We advise checking the total import cost with Customs as this is not information we are able to accurately provide.