Wow, that's a beauty! Love the vintage Jeff Beck color. You da Man! On 12-22-23 I bought a Red "Strato-blaster" to emulate the Fender Eric Clapton Red Strat now available. So-o excited! I'll be picking it up soon, & can't wait to drop a good tremolo, pickups & electronics in it. It has a maple neck & board, true aged & yellowed white pickguard & single-coil covers. It's from the '90's, so it's budget "vintage". Maybe one day I'll be blessed enough to own a real Fender Strat! One day....
not only is it illegal to import or export brazilian rosewood abroad you can't even take this guitar abroad. santana has specific PRS's without Brazilian rosewood he takes on European tours
I do recall something like this that I was told a few years ago. Thanks for the reminder. CITES cracked down on this in late 1992 from what I remember John Page telling me. One reason the SRV Strats first started with Brazilian Rosewood then switched. Thanks for the info!
My main guitar since 1991. I've owned 3. one red and 2 'blackies". My current 'Blackie" is from 2004. A lot of guitar blogs and YT Guitar channels don't care for it. I always disagree. It is an absolute wonder. I love it. I keep thinking I'd like to add a Pewter or a White one but, nah. I'm good. Thanks. This was fun.
And your post reminds me I screwed up by not mentioning that the Clapton Strats also came in Torino Red! I think some of the negativity toward 2001 and later EC Strats is the Fender Noiseless Pickups. Many people find them too bright and glassy sounding. And I agree. But with a EC Strat with the 1 meg volume pot and the 25db boost you can cut some of that edginess out which makes them more pleasant.
I had one of the first Yngwie Malmsteen Strats from the Custom Shop . Made December 1987 . 🎸🎼🎼🎼🎼✨🇺🇸☮️🏅 I have a Clapton Blackie now - Greatest Strat I have owned . 😊 ( Ebony fret board would be cool )
I have seen one of those before. Very cool color-one of my favorites. On the Strat Plus they had a Sonic Blue that was close to the same color. Pretty rare even on a Plus!
@@xhefriguitars7946 yea I had seen a custom one. But the artist series that was the only daphne blue standard run I had seen. I love yours, I think David gilmor had one in that color.
I have the made in Mexico version a silver model ordered off musicians friend back 😂2004 Clapton model with 25db boost and the pickups have staggered pole pieces,basically the budget version of this guitar,gigged with it for years,it’s my favorite strat.
I don't know if my comment showed up so might be on here twice. It's good to see you on RUclips. We used to talk on the Fender forums You sold me a dually pearloid pickguard for my Ebony Frost Strat Plus Deluxe.
Good to hear from you. The fender Forums! Those were the days! My website started with a lot of help from the Fender guys who were on that Forum. I use to answer a lot of questions on there to help out. I mention the Forums in the next video I am working on called "The Strat Plus and Color Mischief!" Still pulling together research. The Next one after that will be FIRESTORMS!! LOL
Wild!! I've a '91 Clapton Strat in Pewter. Love it. Love the Lace Golds. And I'm a huge Plus series fan (prefer the pre-93 ones with Wilkinson nut)....... Thanks for your website & videos!! Keep 'em coming. Wealth of knowledge!
A Clapton signature strat is one I've always wanted to have in the collection, ever since I was 10! Great video, that is an awesome axe you've got yourself, there. Cheers.
I owned an 88 Torino red Clapton strat I wish I never sold. It was an absolute monster player, and I frequently took it to blues jams and played it often. That guitar was special and always caught the attention of the guitar players in the crowd because of its sound. It had the v.1 lace sensors and was less than 7 lbs in weight, but no custom shop stamp. I have owned 3 others since, a white and 2 blackies trying to recapture its magic. No such luck, great guitars but no magic. Serial # started with SE if I remember correctly.
Thank you for creating your own channel. I've visited your website many times while researching Strat Plus models. I revered these guitars (Strat Plus) when I was a kid but I have never owned one. I bought a 91 American Standard when I was 18 years old back in 1996 and immediately put Lace Sensors in it. I've purchased many guitars over the years, but one day I will pull the trigger on a Plus.
Thanks for sharing! I have other videos coming up. I tossed this one together in a few hours, but there was a lot of "thinking" that went into it before putting it together. I had my website as a reference too, which really helped!
@@xhefriguitars7946 a video on color variations would be useful. Also the history of the plus, Bob bodies, woods used for the bodies, a deep dive into pickup variations for the Plus and AM. Standard.
@@aaronwinter1092 LOL I have plans, but time is a factor. I have a demanding day job, working on guitars, playing music and then gardening etc etc!! But next video will be the ICE BLUE DEBACLE - Strat Plus Color Confusion!
That’s a slab of rosewood too and it’s a gorgeous guitar. I was impressed by your blackie with the rosewood but surf green hell yeah, but I wonder if there’s any 7up green rosewood freaks out there now lol ?
There is! He played one in Ireland on the Journeyman tour. Green with rosewood board! There is 2 pics available in black and white, but clearly the board is rosewood. Also, I was there and remember it!!!
@@xhefriguitars7946 I just checked the pics, I have colored versions. It has the same Schaller strap locks on it as the ones in your case, plus one of his black straps. 22 frets, rosewood board, lace sensors, 7 up green. My dream guitar and such a beauty!!! He probably only played it at this gig, as Ireland is the ‘Emerald Isle’💚
the "secret" is that a lot of people like or prefer rosewood fingerboards ( like me ^^) and they also wanted a blacky, i think fender just wanted to sell this blacky for everyone ... just a thought. Great review, i enjoined it ✌
I was a big Clapton fan when cream was cranking out music.. after cream, Clapton seems to have become basically a Strummer.. I went to see Derek and the dominoes in Pittsburgh in the 70s. They were a fantastic band. The sound was right, the mixing was perfect, I could hear everything from the sizzle of the symbols, to string, wipe of claptons hand on the round wounds.. as great as the sound was, and as perfect as their timing was, and as tight as that band was, those guys must have been tired from the long road trip, because there was no sizzle, no goosebumps, no wow factor.. I was just a little suspicious before the concert started, when a roadie helped Clapton, put his guitar on, but then the roadie actually took Clapton‘s left hand, and put it on the guitar neck!. I thought to myself, i’ve never seen that before.. but once the concert started, Clapton didn’t seem to be under the influence of anything. I didn’t hear any mistakes… I was about 10 rows back in the center, right where the sound breaks.. but ever since cream disbanded, Clapton really has not dazzled me the way he was able to do in cream.. I guess what Pete Townshend said about when he and Clapton went to see this new guy on the scene named Jimi Hendrix.. Townsend implied that he and Clapton questioned each other on what the hell they were going to be able to do now that this jimi guy is showing them up.. I always had the impression that Townsend and Clapton both took a backseat when Hendrix showed up. Then soon after, Led Zeppelin happened. And that changed everything. Clapton went from the Yardbirds, to cream, to blind faith, to Derek and the dominoes,to strumming.. I guess what Jimi Hendrix said is true, you can’t keep cranking out, smash hit records like foxy lady one after the other endlessly.. i’m just glad I was there when cream happened. In those days, the best part of your car was the radio… nowadays, my pick up truck has the best sound system I ever owned.- but-I never turn it on..
Great reply! While Clapton may have fizzled some in later years he did crank out some tops hits like "Tears in Heaven" "Change the World" and going back farther "Wonderful Tonight" and "Let It Rain". Some of his songs were just that; not so much guitar playing. Sometimes super simple but hit the charts and made it as a pop type song. I like the simple tastefulness of "Wonderful Tonight" .
When I saw the title of the video I figured it was gonna be the rosewood board. I've actually always wanted to play a rosewood Clapton Strat because he's my favorite player ever and I greatly prefer rosewood to maple. I've scoured the internet to try and find a rosewood board on a Clapton Strat but have actually never been able to find one. From what I understand, Clapton actually demanded that Fender stop production on them because he said he never played a rosewood board and he didn't want them using his name on a Strat that he really didn't play. One thing I'm curious about is did they all come with lace sensors?
Thanks for the post. Wonder if you watched the whole video? Anyhow the version 3s came with Fender’s noiseless pickups. Never liked those, just too brittle.
If I remember well, i read in a french guitar magazine that Clapton did ask for modifications for a tribute recording, maybe for SRV. Could it be that, or a pickups modification??
My mistake. I should have known better as I live close to Canada and where I life we have a lot of French/Canadian/Indigenous named places. Can't really fix it very easy
I have one of those green cases and it is gorgeous. However, mine holds the world's most rare 2008/2009 Road Worn '60s Strat. It's rare because it's the only one to which I've put my super lame non-mojo
LOL.... well I think most people know my title is an attention get er! I do love those cases! I have a tan one just like it with NO guitar in it! LOL!!!
Dude I've been looking high and low for a Road Worn 60's Strat with your super lame non mojo! I will give you literally nothing for that Start RIGHT NOW! Take it or leave it! LOL! Honestly that's cool that you have a case like that. They're pretty cool looking and I'd love to have one of these Clapton Strats with a rosewood board.
Would it not be possible to trace it's origin from the serial number. And as an after-thought, if EC stopped the production then would they not of allowed any to be released? Therefore as a second after-thought, is the guitar not an AP (Artists Proof in the art world).
In the early days of the new Fender in Corona, book keeping was not the greatest and with the advent of computers around 1990 they started computerizing serial numbers. Early custom shop the guys used paper sheets for their production logs. From what I understand each builder had their own log book. I have a lot of JW Blacks logs and a few of John Page'.
Great video, super guitar! I have a question about the Pewter Grey Clapton Strat. I have a 2006 American Standard Strat that the color is called Arctic Frost that I swear is the same color as the Pewter. Is it possible that Fender renamed the color over the years? I've seen him use that Strat numerous times and I swear its the same color. Maybe you and the other Fender scholars can answer that question so that after knowing, I could die in peace. Thanks.
They had colors that were vary similar (but slightly different) that came out with new names. Like in the 1960s there was Taos Turquoise and then in 1989 almost the exact same color was called Ice Blue and now they have one, slightly lighter, but close to the same called Miami Blue.... so ya, reinvent the wheel!
The story was that Eric Clapton was urged by John Paige (custom shop lead at that time) to offer the rosewood fretboard on his guitar because Fender had a bunch of it and nothing to use it on. They wanted to attract players that liked the rosewood over maple. I remember this from an interview with Eric Clapton in the early nineties. There were only fifty of these rosewood necked guitars made. They didn't crank these out as they were custom shop models and not regular production guitars as they are now. And that "bi-flex" truss rod as Fender calls it is just a gimmick. It only means that it has a small piece of steel strip welded at both ends that reacts to the regular truss rod when it's turned. The inset picture you use in this video is of the regular truss rod design that Fender's been using since the eighties - nothing new here. There was one other iteration of the TBX tone control that the Eric Clapton guitar went through that you didn't mention: the middle tone knob was push - pull. Meaning that when you pulled up on it the TBX (Treble Bass Expander) would be activated and not because it was simply plugged into the guitar cord. When this knob was pushed back down it would react as a regular tone control again.
Now you have me curious as John Pages never mentioned this to me. I will ask him and see what he remembers. Can yo give me a link to the interview??? But the 90+ Rosewood Clapton Strats were made on the "production side" and not custom shop. Like the black one I show on this video-not custom shop- nor the other one a friend of mine owns. I am sure they might have made some Custom Shop Rosewoods, like this Surf Green, but so far have not come across one. Sure wish if a person has one they would let me know for history's sake! I actually like the bi-flex truss rod and after having set up 100s of guitars having the adjustment at the head stock is nice and the fact you can take out a slight back-bow with it as it adjusts both directions, thus "Bi-flex"! A lot of these things are preference driven.
@@xhefriguitars7946 You mean driven by preference. Any way I don't remember where I saw that. It was YEARS ago but I remember it because Eric Clapton himself said that he hated rosewood because it felt too sticky or like it was fighting him when he played. It was smooth and no wood grain to interfere with his technique. I'll see if I can find it again. I think this was in a video but I can't promise anything.
@@solarismoon3046 I think I remember this interview where he was dissing rosewood. But I thought he was talking about a Tele?? I will try to find it too!
Clarification: 1988 intro available in only 3 colors: Torino Red, 7 Up Green, Pewter 1994/1995: white introduced EC had a personal black guitar built and stage used in the late 1990s, but he did not approve it for production late 2000: EC approves and Fender began selling the "blackie" version Now, back in the day, the Custom Shop was truly custom, and would do anything you'd like, including rosewood boards, custom colors, etc. At some point around 2000, the Custom Shop clamped down and at that point would only do colors etc approved by EC.
I did not know that about Vintage White. I had a NOS 1996 VW I sold a while back. And like a dummy, in the video I forgot to show and mention Torino Red!
I'm not sure if they still exist, back in the 1990s and early 2000s, some of the Custom Shop builders regularly commented on the Fender forums. There are some really oddball Clapton strats out there, before EC put the limit on what they could build ie no longer custom but on an approved list. They made a number of EC custom shop strats without his signature, because a customer wanted those specs with an unapproved finish etc. There are also a few floating around with humbuckers from that era! @@xhefriguitars7946
Sure i can! I have a dented early 87 Surf Green Strat with the rare BOB body that i play every day. I also have another one just like it that is dead mint, unplayed. It sits in the case, gets show cased from time to time, and displayed. I do not feel guilty at all preserving it. There are 1000s of Clapton Strats that can be played, but historical guitars like this one deserve to be preserved. So rare to find one basically unplayed!
Honestly I really don't think a lot. The reason for that is because he sold almost his entire collection for the Crossroads Center. I saw him back in 2021 and he literally travels with only a handful of Strats and that night I don't think he even changed Strats once and the only other guitar he played was one of his insanely beautiful Martins for the acoustic portion of the show. He's my favorite player ever but the guitar I most adore in his hands is a 335. Clapton with humbuckers is just absolute tone euphoria.
When the ad says that Clapton, "wouldn't change a thing", it is referring to the previous paragraph that says, "The vintage bridge is 'stopped' with a removeable block so you can change to a tremolo type bridge." So, you are incorrect when you keep pointing out that Clapton wouldn't change a thing when he changed other aspects of the guitar. It is only referring to the blocked tremolo.
Umm, I do not think it was referring to just the blocked trem. It was talking about all the design that went into making Eric a signature guitar. Interesting idea, I disagree with you. 🙂 Look at the context: "A satin-finish V shape neck. Three Fender-Lace Sensors with active and passive electronics. A TBX tone control and a mid-range control that boosts the classic Strat tone into about the hottest humbucking sound around.The vintage bridge is "stopped" with a removable block so you can change to a tremolo-type bridge. - But not Eric. He wouldn't change a thing."
@@xhefriguitars7946 But, the sentence before that was that you could change the bridge to regular style tremolo. Then it continues, But not Eric. He wouldn't change a thing. Trust me on this.
@@xhefriguitars7946 fascinating!, I'm guessing nothing ever came of that - I've never heard of any working relationship between him and Fender. Fantastic and underrated guitarist, though!
@@nikprior8280 That picts was kind of a an exploratory meeting at the Hilton to see if any of these and other artists would be interested in a signature model. The get together was centers around a presentation of a guitar to Hank Marvin. Several who were there did not bite the hook!
CME has the same one for sale but not BRW finger-board for twenty five hundred. Wierd that I saw this video and then went to CME web-site for the 1st time ever and saw this. Maybe I am supposed to buy it?
What is CME? I would like to see pictures of another Surf Green Clapton Strat. Have never seen one except the one i have, even with a maple neck!. Can you share a link to the website?
The 12 db was my favorite boost system. Why do people tolerate CITES?! Do they have their own army? Just because something passes a "law" doesn't mean it is a valid "something." And I have long been a fan of the Lace Sensors ... Lot of good information, here ...
But does it ever get played, or is it just a museum piece, now only for looking at? I suppose the argument would be that as a one-off it's too valuable to risk, but surely - it's a musical instrument? Fair enough if it's had been played into the ground and soaked up as much history as Hendrix's pyres, or Willie Nelson's Trigger or Gilmopur's own 'black Strat' etc. etc., but the history here seems to be the be-all and end-all. Sorry - I don't get it.
It’s kind of like asking a car collector who has a beautiful original 32 Ford coupe, But do you drive it? Sure, some people drive it once in a while while other times is it parked in a museum or in the garage. As far as i can tell there’s nothing wrong with that. I think of the joy it brings to a Collector if he finds out some little old lady has an undriven classic car in a garage and he picks it up for a decent price. That’s cool I would think. And there is nothing wrong with museum pieces. Different strokes for different folks.
I suppose you could, but so far I haven’t seen anybody who’s done that. Maybe you should put it in order and then you’ll have the second most rare Clapton Strat on the planet!😂😂😂
I thought about adding a soundbite, but the video was already getting too long. By the way, one of my friends played pedal steel on the original recording of hot Rod Lincoln in Spokane Washington years ago.
LOL, I take it you are not a collector!! There are people who are players only, then there are player/collectors, and then there are just collectors. All are equally good and done by nice people who love and a appreciate music and music history. I could score a 62 Corvette that has been in storage for 35+ years and love and appreciate that, while someone else would be happy with just getting a Chevy Spark! No reflection on either person, just different tastes! Or you could buy a Martin D-28 for $3000 or an Yamaha for $250.... I guess it is what you can afford and your personal preference!
@Xhefri Guitars I own 5 guitars, play them all. Taylor 814, PRS HB2 ten top, '85 Les Paul, Takamine and a Strat partscaster. Most guitar reviewers on the net say the Squier, Harly Benton and many other inexpensive guitars are just almost as good my PRS, Gibson or Taylor. I don’t know cause I haven't played any of those guitars. I'm just saying that they're telling me cheap imported guitars are just as good as my Made in USA guitars.
@@tonyred520 LOL!!! They call him slow hand for a reason... But beyond guitar playing, he has written a lot of songs that became big hits. I get it you want to take shots at his playing capability, but the guy has a long history and has earned the right of being who he is. Anyhow, not arguing. Just trying to get you to open you mind a little but more.
Wow, that's a beauty! Love the vintage Jeff Beck color. You da Man!
On 12-22-23 I bought a Red "Strato-blaster" to emulate the Fender Eric Clapton Red Strat now available. So-o excited! I'll be picking it up soon, & can't wait to drop a good tremolo, pickups & electronics in it. It has a maple neck & board, true aged & yellowed white pickguard & single-coil covers. It's from the '90's, so it's budget "vintage". Maybe one day I'll be blessed enough to own a real Fender Strat! One day....
So glad you’re on youtube brother! You’ve helped me tremendously in my strat plus journey! Can’t wait for more content!
Maybe you could show in a future video how fender blocked off the trem? I’m certainly curious!
Wow, that is cool! Thanks for sharing the history!
Eric actually played a rosewood board on the rehearsals of Chuck Berry's hail hail rock and roll concert
One of my closest friends (he passed away last month) had one of the rosewood fretboard strats. It was in a sunburst finish.
Sorry to hear that. Too bad there are no picts....
@@xhefriguitars7946 There are some of him with it. If i come across one, i'll let you know.
not only is it illegal to import or export brazilian rosewood abroad you can't even take this guitar abroad. santana has specific PRS's without Brazilian rosewood he takes on European tours
I do recall something like this that I was told a few years ago. Thanks for the reminder. CITES cracked down on this in late 1992 from what I remember John Page telling me. One reason the SRV Strats first started with Brazilian Rosewood then switched. Thanks for the info!
My main guitar since 1991. I've owned 3. one red and 2 'blackies". My current 'Blackie" is from 2004. A lot of guitar blogs and YT Guitar channels don't care for it. I always disagree. It is an absolute wonder. I love it. I keep thinking I'd like to add a Pewter or a White one but, nah. I'm good. Thanks. This was fun.
And your post reminds me I screwed up by not mentioning that the Clapton Strats also came in Torino Red! I think some of the negativity toward 2001 and later EC Strats is the Fender Noiseless Pickups. Many people find them too bright and glassy sounding. And I agree. But with a EC Strat with the 1 meg volume pot and the 25db boost you can cut some of that edginess out which makes them more pleasant.
I had one of the first Yngwie Malmsteen Strats from the Custom Shop . Made December 1987 . 🎸🎼🎼🎼🎼✨🇺🇸☮️🏅 I have a Clapton Blackie now - Greatest Strat I have owned . 😊 ( Ebony fret board would be cool )
I do own a Daphne blue artist series. It was a very small and special run in early 2010. I’ve never seen another.
I have seen one of those before. Very cool color-one of my favorites. On the Strat Plus they had a Sonic Blue that was close to the same color. Pretty rare even on a Plus!
@@xhefriguitars7946 yea I had seen a custom one. But the artist series that was the only daphne blue standard run I had seen. I love yours, I think David gilmor had one in that color.
I have the made in Mexico version a silver model ordered off musicians friend back 😂2004 Clapton model with 25db boost and the pickups have staggered pole pieces,basically the budget version of this guitar,gigged with it for years,it’s my favorite strat.
I don't know if my comment showed up so might be on here twice. It's good to see you on RUclips. We used to talk on the Fender forums You sold me a dually pearloid pickguard for my Ebony Frost Strat Plus Deluxe.
Good to hear from you. The fender Forums! Those were the days! My website started with a lot of help from the Fender guys who were on that Forum. I use to answer a lot of questions on there to help out. I mention the Forums in the next video I am working on called "The Strat Plus and Color Mischief!" Still pulling together research. The Next one after that will be FIRESTORMS!! LOL
Wild!! I've a '91 Clapton Strat in Pewter. Love it. Love the Lace Golds. And I'm a huge Plus series fan (prefer the pre-93 ones with Wilkinson nut)....... Thanks for your website & videos!! Keep 'em coming. Wealth of knowledge!
Excellent video. thank you!
BTW just for the record, Montreux is pronounce more like "Mon-tro"
You would think I would know better as I live close to Canada!!! My french is terrible!
Incredible
Great video!
A Clapton signature strat is one I've always wanted to have in the collection, ever since I was 10! Great video, that is an awesome axe you've got yourself, there. Cheers.
I owned an 88 Torino red Clapton strat I wish I never sold. It was an absolute monster player, and I frequently took it to blues jams and played it often. That guitar was special and always caught the attention of the guitar players in the crowd because of its sound. It had the v.1 lace sensors and was less than 7 lbs in weight, but no custom shop stamp. I have owned 3 others since, a white and 2 blackies trying to recapture its magic. No such luck, great guitars but no magic. Serial # started with SE if I remember correctly.
Thank you for creating your own channel. I've visited your website many times while researching Strat Plus models. I revered these guitars (Strat Plus) when I was a kid but I have never owned one. I bought a 91 American Standard when I was 18 years old back in 1996 and immediately put Lace Sensors in it. I've purchased many guitars over the years, but one day I will pull the trigger on a Plus.
Thanks for sharing! I have other videos coming up. I tossed this one together in a few hours, but there was a lot of "thinking" that went into it before putting it together. I had my website as a reference too, which really helped!
@@xhefriguitars7946 a video on color variations would be useful. Also the history of the plus, Bob bodies, woods used for the bodies, a deep dive into pickup variations for the Plus and AM. Standard.
@@aaronwinter1092 LOL I have plans, but time is a factor. I have a demanding day job, working on guitars, playing music and then gardening etc etc!! But next video will be the ICE BLUE DEBACLE - Strat Plus Color Confusion!
I own a 96 Strat plus 50th anniversary. It’s a cool blue/green color. Maple neck, lace sensors-love em
That’s a slab of rosewood too and it’s a gorgeous guitar.
I was impressed by your blackie with the rosewood but surf green hell yeah, but I wonder if there’s any 7up green rosewood freaks out there now lol ?
Now that's a good question!! If you find picts let me know
There is! He played one in Ireland on the Journeyman tour. Green with rosewood board! There is 2 pics available in black and white, but clearly the board is rosewood. Also, I was there and remember it!!!
@@xhefriguitars7946 I just checked the pics, I have colored versions. It has the same Schaller strap locks on it as the ones in your case, plus one of his black straps. 22 frets, rosewood board, lace sensors, 7 up green. My dream guitar and such a beauty!!! He probably only played it at this gig, as Ireland is the ‘Emerald Isle’💚
the "secret" is that a lot of people like or prefer rosewood fingerboards ( like me ^^) and they also wanted a blacky, i think fender just wanted to sell this blacky for everyone ... just a thought. Great review, i enjoined it ✌
Who’s guitar is at exactly 1:38 in? That’s a LOOOOOOT of mods
I can't remember! I put that in more as a joke and then failed to comment on it in the narration!
I was a big Clapton fan when cream was cranking out music..
after cream, Clapton seems to have become basically a Strummer..
I went to see Derek and the dominoes in Pittsburgh in the 70s. They were a fantastic band. The sound was right, the mixing was perfect, I could hear everything from the sizzle of the symbols, to string, wipe of claptons hand on the round wounds.. as great as the sound was, and as perfect as their timing was, and as tight as that band was, those guys must have been tired from the long road trip, because there was no sizzle, no goosebumps, no wow factor.. I was just a little suspicious before the concert started, when a roadie helped Clapton, put his guitar on, but then the roadie actually took Clapton‘s left hand, and put it on the guitar neck!. I thought to myself, i’ve never seen that before.. but once the concert started, Clapton didn’t seem to be under the influence of anything. I didn’t hear any mistakes… I was about 10 rows back in the center, right where the sound breaks..
but ever since cream disbanded, Clapton really has not dazzled me the way he was able to do in cream..
I guess what Pete Townshend said about when he and Clapton went to see this new guy on the scene named Jimi Hendrix.. Townsend implied that he and Clapton questioned each other on what the hell they were going to be able to do now that this jimi guy is showing them up.. I always had the impression that Townsend and Clapton both took a backseat when Hendrix showed up. Then soon after, Led Zeppelin happened. And that changed everything. Clapton went from the Yardbirds, to cream, to blind faith, to Derek and the dominoes,to strumming..
I guess what Jimi Hendrix said is true, you can’t keep cranking out, smash hit records like foxy lady one after the other endlessly..
i’m just glad I was there when cream happened. In those days, the best part of your car was the radio… nowadays, my pick up truck has the best sound system I ever owned.- but-I never turn it on..
Great reply! While Clapton may have fizzled some in later years he did crank out some tops hits like "Tears in Heaven" "Change the World" and going back farther "Wonderful Tonight" and "Let It Rain". Some of his songs were just that; not so much guitar playing. Sometimes super simple but hit the charts and made it as a pop type song. I like the simple tastefulness of "Wonderful Tonight" .
When I saw the title of the video I figured it was gonna be the rosewood board. I've actually always wanted to play a rosewood Clapton Strat because he's my favorite player ever and I greatly prefer rosewood to maple. I've scoured the internet to try and find a rosewood board on a Clapton Strat but have actually never been able to find one. From what I understand, Clapton actually demanded that Fender stop production on them because he said he never played a rosewood board and he didn't want them using his name on a Strat that he really didn't play. One thing I'm curious about is did they all come with lace sensors?
Thanks for the post. Wonder if you watched the whole video? Anyhow the version 3s came with Fender’s noiseless pickups. Never liked those, just too brittle.
@@xhefriguitars7946 I did watch it all. Really good!
If I remember well, i read in a french guitar magazine that Clapton did ask for modifications for a tribute recording, maybe for SRV. Could it be that, or a pickups modification??
I have a Clapton crash one guitar its lovley😊
Those look really cool.
Montreux has a silent 'x". Please listen to the first line of "Smoke on the Water".
My mistake. I should have known better as I live close to Canada and where I life we have a lot of French/Canadian/Indigenous named places. Can't really fix it very easy
crazy cool story. thank you Jeff
I have an extremely rare 1985 Fullerton parts Corona assembled 57’ sunburst RI
Very cool!!!
I have one of those green cases and it is gorgeous. However, mine holds the world's most rare 2008/2009 Road Worn '60s Strat. It's rare because it's the only one to which I've put my super lame non-mojo
LOL.... well I think most people know my title is an attention get er! I do love those cases! I have a tan one just like it with NO guitar in it! LOL!!!
Dude I've been looking high and low for a Road Worn 60's Strat with your super lame non mojo! I will give you literally nothing for that Start RIGHT NOW! Take it or leave it! LOL! Honestly that's cool that you have a case like that. They're pretty cool looking and I'd love to have one of these Clapton Strats with a rosewood board.
Great video! I'm about to get a Roger Giffin handmade strat, do you know anything about the guitar/guitars he made for Eric?
Precio?
A very interesting story. And you got a one-off in the entire world
Wow imagine if EJ got a signature lace sensor strat that would be awesome
Would it not be possible to trace it's origin from the serial number. And as an after-thought, if EC stopped the production then would they not of allowed any to be released? Therefore as a second after-thought, is the guitar not an AP (Artists Proof in the art world).
In the early days of the new Fender in Corona, book keeping was not the greatest and with the advent of computers around 1990 they started computerizing serial numbers. Early custom shop the guys used paper sheets for their production logs. From what I understand each builder had their own log book. I have a lot of JW Blacks logs and a few of John Page'.
Great video, super guitar! I have a question about the Pewter Grey Clapton Strat. I have a 2006 American Standard Strat that the color is called Arctic Frost that I swear is the same color as the Pewter. Is it possible that Fender renamed the color over the years? I've seen him use that Strat numerous times and I swear its the same color. Maybe you and the other Fender scholars can answer that question so that after knowing, I could die in peace. Thanks.
They had colors that were vary similar (but slightly different) that came out with new names. Like in the 1960s there was Taos Turquoise and then in 1989 almost the exact same color was called Ice Blue and now they have one, slightly lighter, but close to the same called Miami Blue.... so ya, reinvent the wheel!
The story was that Eric Clapton was urged by John Paige (custom shop lead at that time) to offer the rosewood fretboard on his guitar because Fender had a bunch of it and nothing to use it on. They wanted to attract players that liked the rosewood over maple. I remember this from an interview with Eric Clapton in the early nineties. There were only fifty of these rosewood necked guitars made. They didn't crank these out as they were custom shop models and not regular production guitars as they are now. And that "bi-flex" truss rod as Fender calls it is just a gimmick. It only means that it has a small piece of steel strip welded at both ends that reacts to the regular truss rod when it's turned. The inset picture you use in this video is of the regular truss rod design that Fender's been using since the eighties - nothing new here. There was one other iteration of the TBX tone control that the Eric Clapton guitar went through that you didn't mention: the middle tone knob was push - pull. Meaning that when you pulled up on it the TBX (Treble Bass Expander) would be activated and not because it was simply plugged into the guitar cord. When this knob was pushed back down it would react as a regular tone control again.
Now you have me curious as John Pages never mentioned this to me. I will ask him and see what he remembers. Can yo give me a link to the interview??? But the 90+ Rosewood Clapton Strats were made on the "production side" and not custom shop. Like the black one I show on this video-not custom shop- nor the other one a friend of mine owns. I am sure they might have made some Custom Shop Rosewoods, like this Surf Green, but so far have not come across one. Sure wish if a person has one they would let me know for history's sake! I actually like the bi-flex truss rod and after having set up 100s of guitars having the adjustment at the head stock is nice and the fact you can take out a slight back-bow with it as it adjusts both directions, thus "Bi-flex"! A lot of these things are preference driven.
@@xhefriguitars7946 You mean driven by preference. Any way I don't remember where I saw that. It was YEARS ago but I remember it because Eric Clapton himself said that he hated rosewood because it felt too sticky or like it was fighting him when he played. It was smooth and no wood grain to interfere with his technique. I'll see if I can find it again. I think this was in a video but I can't promise anything.
@@solarismoon3046 I think I remember this interview where he was dissing rosewood. But I thought he was talking about a Tele?? I will try to find it too!
Clarification:
1988 intro available in only 3 colors: Torino Red, 7 Up Green, Pewter
1994/1995: white introduced
EC had a personal black guitar built and stage used in the late 1990s, but he did not approve it for production
late 2000: EC approves and Fender began selling the "blackie" version
Now, back in the day, the Custom Shop was truly custom, and would do anything you'd like, including rosewood boards, custom colors, etc. At some point around 2000, the Custom Shop clamped down and at that point would only do colors etc approved by EC.
I did not know that about Vintage White. I had a NOS 1996 VW I sold a while back. And like a dummy, in the video I forgot to show and mention Torino Red!
I'm not sure if they still exist, back in the 1990s and early 2000s, some of the Custom Shop builders regularly commented on the Fender forums. There are some really oddball Clapton strats out there, before EC put the limit on what they could build ie no longer custom but on an approved list.
They made a number of EC custom shop strats without his signature, because a customer wanted those specs with an unapproved finish etc.
There are also a few floating around with humbuckers from that era!
@@xhefriguitars7946
Imagine crafting something like that and it just sits in the case forever.
Sure i can! I have a dented early 87 Surf Green Strat with the rare BOB body that i play every day. I also have another one just like it that is dead mint, unplayed. It sits in the case, gets show cased from time to time, and displayed. I do not feel guilty at all preserving it. There are 1000s of Clapton Strats that can be played, but historical guitars like this one deserve to be preserved. So rare to find one basically unplayed!
I had an early nineties pewter Strat plus. I miss it. Sold it. :(
I have minty Strat Plus guitars for sale on my website if your looking to get another nice one. See here: www.xhefriguitars.com/page16.html
How many first made prototype guitar's do you think Eric kept for himself ?
Great question. Through the years only Eric could tell us! I know at the start there were 5 or 6 to get the Signature thingy going!
Honestly I really don't think a lot. The reason for that is because he sold almost his entire collection for the Crossroads Center. I saw him back in 2021 and he literally travels with only a handful of Strats and that night I don't think he even changed Strats once and the only other guitar he played was one of his insanely beautiful Martins for the acoustic portion of the show. He's my favorite player ever but the guitar I most adore in his hands is a 335. Clapton with humbuckers is just absolute tone euphoria.
When the ad says that Clapton, "wouldn't change a thing", it is referring to the previous paragraph that says, "The vintage bridge is 'stopped' with a removeable block so you can change to a tremolo type bridge." So, you are incorrect when you keep pointing out that Clapton wouldn't change a thing when he changed other aspects of the guitar. It is only referring to the blocked tremolo.
Umm, I do not think it was referring to just the blocked trem. It was talking about all the design that went into making Eric a signature guitar. Interesting idea, I disagree with you. 🙂 Look at the context: "A satin-finish V shape neck. Three Fender-Lace Sensors with active and passive electronics. A TBX tone control and a mid-range control that boosts the classic Strat tone into about the hottest humbucking sound around.The vintage bridge is "stopped" with a removable block so you can change to a tremolo-type bridge. - But not Eric. He wouldn't change a thing."
@@xhefriguitars7946 But, the sentence before that was that you could change the bridge to regular style tremolo. Then it continues, But not Eric. He wouldn't change a thing. Trust me on this.
Very nice!! 👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻👍🏻👌🏻
nice
In the photograph of the Fender endorsees line up, is that Stuart Adamson next to Clapton???
Yes it is! You can read more about that pict on my website. Click on this link and scroll down: xhefriguitars.com/page2.html#C3
@@xhefriguitars7946 fascinating!, I'm guessing nothing ever came of that - I've never heard of any working relationship between him and Fender. Fantastic and underrated guitarist, though!
@@nikprior8280 That picts was kind of a an exploratory meeting at the Hilton to see if any of these and other artists would be interested in a signature model. The get together was centers around a presentation of a guitar to Hank Marvin. Several who were there did not bite the hook!
@@xhefriguitars7946 that's a shame. Did we ever get a Richard Thompson Fender? - that would have been really cool
@@nikprior8280 What I think is interesting is signature model Squire guitars!
CME has the same one for sale but not BRW finger-board for twenty five hundred. Wierd that I saw this video and then went to CME web-site for the 1st time ever and saw this. Maybe I am supposed to buy it?
What is CME? I would like to see pictures of another Surf Green Clapton Strat. Have never seen one except the one i have, even with a maple neck!. Can you share a link to the website?
The 12 db was my favorite boost system. Why do people tolerate CITES?! Do they have their own army? Just because something passes a "law" doesn't mean it is a valid "something." And I have long been a fan of the Lace Sensors ... Lot of good information, here ...
"Montrux."
Montreks? 🤔
CITES finished.
But does it ever get played, or is it just a museum piece, now only for looking at?
I suppose the argument would be that as a one-off it's too valuable to risk, but surely - it's a musical instrument?
Fair enough if it's had been played into the ground and soaked up as much history as Hendrix's pyres, or Willie Nelson's Trigger or Gilmopur's own 'black Strat' etc. etc., but the history here seems to be the be-all and end-all.
Sorry - I don't get it.
It’s kind of like asking a car collector who has a beautiful original 32 Ford coupe, But do you drive it? Sure, some people drive it once in a while while other times is it parked in a museum or in the garage. As far as i can tell there’s nothing wrong with that. I think of the joy it brings to a Collector if he finds out some little old lady has an undriven classic car in a garage and he picks it up for a decent price. That’s cool I would think. And there is nothing wrong with museum pieces. Different strokes for different folks.
4:52 cocaine.
I went to 4:52 and it was Clapton and Martin guitars
Couldn't you just order one of these from fenders custom shop these days?
They're supposed to be renowned for agreeing to make practically anything?!
I suppose you could, but so far I haven’t seen anybody who’s done that. Maybe you should put it in order and then you’ll have the second most rare Clapton Strat on the planet!😂😂😂
@@xhefriguitars7946 🤭
Let’s hear that rare Strat,you talked it up but no sound from the rarest Clapton Stratocaster.
I thought about adding a soundbite, but the video was already getting too long. By the way, one of my friends played pedal steel on the original recording of hot Rod Lincoln in Spokane Washington years ago.
and you can buy a used strat that looks, sounds and plays almost as good for under $500.
LOL, I take it you are not a collector!! There are people who are players only, then there are player/collectors, and then there are just collectors. All are equally good and done by nice people who love and a appreciate music and music history. I could score a 62 Corvette that has been in storage for 35+ years and love and appreciate that, while someone else would be happy with just getting a Chevy Spark! No reflection on either person, just different tastes! Or you could buy a Martin D-28 for $3000 or an Yamaha for $250.... I guess it is what you can afford and your personal preference!
@Xhefri Guitars I own 5 guitars, play them all. Taylor 814, PRS HB2 ten top, '85 Les Paul, Takamine and a Strat partscaster. Most guitar reviewers on the net say the Squier, Harly Benton and many other inexpensive guitars are just almost as good my PRS, Gibson or Taylor. I don’t know cause I haven't played any of those guitars. I'm just saying that they're telling me cheap imported guitars are just as good as my Made in USA guitars.
@@russshaber8071 Don't believe everything you read on the interwebs...
All these guitars for three licks..
There has to be a reason why he is there and we are here.... maybe a bit more than 3...
@@xhefriguitars7946 4 then..
@@tonyred520 LOL!!! They call him slow hand for a reason... But beyond guitar playing, he has written a lot of songs that became big hits. I get it you want to take shots at his playing capability, but the guy has a long history and has earned the right of being who he is. Anyhow, not arguing. Just trying to get you to open you mind a little but more.
Yeah, 3 licks...
Right....🙄
@Matt Rogers Same as they were in the Yardbirds too...