Fender Eric Clapton Stratocaster Review – Thank You, Slowhand!

Fender\’s Artist Series of instruments has earned a well-deserved reputation for excellence. Musicians as wide ranging from Yngwie Malmsteen to John Mayer have their own Artist models. One of the earliest Artist guitars was the Eric Clapton Stratocaster, and it\’s still one of their most popular guitars due to its versatility and playability.

If you\’re reading this, you likely already are familiar with a basic Fender Strat, so let\’s concentrate on the differences between a stock model and the Clapton.

Maybe the most noteworthy if not most evident deviation is the electronics package. Since ol\’ Slowhand has used a number of instruments throughout his illustrious career (including everything from a Gibson SG to a traditional Fender Strat), he needs an instrument than can imitate a variety of different instruments.

The Clapton Strat obliges. To begin, it has an active 25db mid-boost (battery powered by 9V), which can take the Strat into pseudo Les Paul territory.

Matched with the Fender Vintage Noiseless pickups and the master TBX tone control, this mid-boost affords this instrument unheard of tonal versatility. In fact, the Eric Clapton model Stratocaster is one of the most multifaceted instruments we\’ve ever played, bar none.

But it doesn\’t stop with the sounds. Clapton chose a V-shaped neck with a 9.5\” radius fretboard, and this neck is just plain smooth. While the Clapton model favors blues and classic riffs due to its origins, I would guess that some shredders would find the shape and ease of play preferable as well.

If it seems like we love this guitar, you\’d be right. You\’ll have to search a long time to find a guitar that has the diversity of sounds coupled with the playability that this guitar has.

That\’s not to say we wouldn\’t have some suggestions should Mr. Clapton ask our opinion. While the vintage-style tuners add an air of old-school appeal to the model, we think that locking tuners would be a more proper choice for such a advanced guitar.

We\’d also appreciate it if the bridge weren\’t blocked, but this is a Clapton Strat, and that\’s how he wants it, so there\’s not much chance of that changing soon.

Aside from these minor suggestions, we think the Eric Clapton model Stratocaster represents the best of Fender\’s current offerings. We commend it without qualification.

If you\’ve enjoyed this review and wish to buy your very own Fender Eric Clapton Stratocaster, then please visit Ray\’s Guitar Shop, which offers the most competitive prices on all new or used Fender guitars available anywhere on the Internet.