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Tuesday, January 26, 2010

Fender Eric Clapton Stratocaster Review

By R. S. Rasnick

Unless you've lived in a box for the past 15 years, you know that Fender has had no deficit of Artist-inspired musical instruments. One of their earliest offerings is still one of their best, the Eric Clapton model Stratocaster. Though it's had a few refinements over the years, its versatility and quality remain extremely high.

If you're reading this, you probably already are familiar with a basic Fender Strat, so let's focus on the differences between a stock model and the Clapton.

To start, there's the electronics. Throughout his huge career, Eric Clapton has used a variety of instruments, including a Gibson Les Paul, a Gibson SG, a Gibson ES-335, and, of course, a Fender Stratocaster. So it goes without saying that Slowhand needs a guitar that can cover a lot of sonic ground.

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.

The mid-boost adds enough versatility, but that's not all the Clapton Strat offers. You've also got quality Fender Noiseless pickups and a master TBX tone control. The Clapton Stratocaster might just be the most versatile instrument you ever play. Seriously.

The tones are only part of the picture, though. The playability is top rate as well, owing in no little part to the V-shaped neck with 9.5" radius. The neck is fabulously smooth and notes fret and bend with ease. It truly is one of the most comfortable necks we've ever seen.

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

However, we could still think of some room for improvement, though the propositions are minor. We think locking tuners would be a wonderful addition, since it's such a "modern" guitar in all other respects.

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.

These niggles aside, the Eric Clapton Stratocaster is a world-class instrument and one we commend highly. Go get yours today! - 18758

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