Thursday, 22 April 2010

Fender Eric Clapton Stratocaster Review - The Most Versatile Guitar Ever?

By R. S. Rasnick




In the past several years, Fender has released a number of Artist-related instruments, mostly electric guitars, to diversify the tonal palette of their already huge offerings. Surely the most common model to have Artist offerings is their cherished Stratocaster. One of the first such guitars was the Eric Clapton Stratocaster, which has had a few changes since its initial presentation, though it remains one of their best-selling models. It stays a highly versatile and desired instrument.

Since most musicians browsing for a Clapton guitar are already familiar with the primary Stratocaster features, it's likely best to concentrate on what makes the Clapton Stratocaster unique.

For starters, there's the electronics. Throughout his great 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 territory.

Fender has obliged with an astounding amount of sonic versatility in a single guitar. For starters, there's an active mid-boost control (powered by a 9-volt battery).

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

The sounds 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.

We have to be honest and say that this guitar is also one of the best playing guitars we've ever reviewed. It's really that good.

That's not to say we wouldn't have some suggestions should Mr. Clapton ask our views. 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 contemporary guitar.

Similarly, it would be nice if the vibrato wasn't blocked by default, but that's the way Clapton likes it, so that's the way it is.

The minor "problems" are not really worth worrying about. The Clapton Strat is really an amazing instrument, and we recommend it highly. It's a keeper!

The Fender Clapton Stratocaster is one of the most multifaceted instruments you can buy today. If you're looking for the best price on a Clapton Strat, then you should visit Ray's Guitar Shop, your number one online Guitar Store. Ray's Guitar Shop has the best prices on both new and used electric guitars available on the Internet. Visit them today!




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