Eric Clapton Strat

nedcronin

New member
Any of you guys have one of these? I'm talking about a non custom shop players series, like a Blackie guitar with the maple neck, and a TBX tone control. Are the frets really small? I've got one local to me for a g note and I'm coming down with some gas. Any feedback appreciated!
 
Re: Eric Clapton Strat

They're great guitars. Love the necks and the Lace Sensors if it's an older one. I passed on one a few years back...for a Jag-Stang! DOH!!!
 
Re: Eric Clapton Strat

Great guitar, but soft V neck and vintage frets. That may not be your thing.

Also, $1000 is not that great of a used price considering you can find them new between $1100 and $1500.
 
Re: Eric Clapton Strat

I saw a brand new one of those the other day being sold for $624 on a black Friday sale at Best Buy. I couldn't hardly believe it.
 
Re: Eric Clapton Strat

I have 2 of the first series. They were first introduced in 87 or 88. My first and my Goto guitar is a black one that I bought new. It's not just a good guitar but a great guitar. It is my all time favorite rock guitar. I liked it so much I bought a second one used. Both have been refretted with 6105 frets. Huge improvement over the original vintage frets. The 25 db midrange boost is cool but to be honest I hardly ever use it. I think my black EC Strat already has a lot more balls then a stock Strat does and the boost just makes it a bit muddy. I also have 3 other Strats that I use when I need a more traditional sound. Not that I can't get it with the ec but I think it tends to push my amp a lot more then regular pickups do. Now the newer models have the noiseless pickups and IMHO. They suck by comparison to the lace golds. I have yet to play any guitar that has those pickups in that don't sound sterile and lifeless the lace golds have a lot of warmth to them and they drive exceptionally well.
 
Last edited:
Re: Eric Clapton Strat

I have a Pewter one that I bought in 06 or so. Fantastic guitar. I do agree that the smaller frets might not be your thing. The neck otherwise though is fantastic.
 
Eric Clapton Strat

I have a black 99. I love the tone and neck, very low action, but the frets (which may have been worn down further by the prior owner) take some time getting used to, I plan on regretting it with Jumbo frets
 
Re: Eric Clapton Strat

I have 2 of the first series. They were first introduced in 87 or 88. My first and my Goto guitar is a black one that I bought new. It's not just a good guitar but a great guitar. It is my all time favorite rock guitar. I liked it so much I bought a second one used. Both have been refretted with 6105 frets. Huge improvement over the original vintage frets. The 25 db midrange boost is cool but to be honest I hardly ever use it. I think my black EC Strat already has a lot more balls then a stock Strat does and the boost just makes it a bit muddy. I also have 3 other Strats that I use when I need a more traditional sound. Not that I can't get it with the ec but I think it tends to push my amp a lot more then regular pickups do. Now the newer models have the noiseless pickups and IMHO. They suck by comparison to the lace golds. I have yet to play any guitar that has those pickups in that don't sound sterile and lifeless the lace golds have a lot of warmth to them and they drive exceptionally well.

i really think the old lace golds from that era sound better than newer ones for some reason. not sure if lace changed something or not but ive heard it across a bunch of sets. the 25 db mid boost is actually not really what they say it is. its a 12 db always on preamp boost with an adjustable mid boost for another 12 or 13db so even with the mid boost off you get a really strong signal so youre right about it having more balls than a stock strat.
 
Re: Eric Clapton Strat

i really think the old lace golds from that era sound better than newer ones for some reason. not sure if lace changed something or not but ive heard it across a bunch of sets. the 25 db mid boost is actually not really what they say it is. its a 12 db always on preamp boost with an adjustable mid boost for another 12 or 13db so even with the mid boost off you get a really strong signal so youre right about it having more balls than a stock strat.

I would have to agree as my '89 Custom Shop Proto Ultra Floyd has the "Fender Lace Sensor" Gold Pickups and they are damn fine high fidelity pickups that sound great, esp. with the TBX and MDX.

327.jpg

325.jpg
 
Last edited:
Re: Eric Clapton Strat

I've been gassing for a Clapton Strat since I tried one during my basic training in early '91...the neck was blinkin' gorgeous!
 
Back
Top