Learn To Play Guitar Course

Click For More On Learn To Play Guitar Course!

Sunday, January 31, 2010

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

By R. S. Rasnick

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 models was the Eric Clapton Stratocaster, and it's still one of their best-selling musical instruments due to its versatility and playability.

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

To start, there's the electronics. Throughout his extensive 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.

But it doesn't end with the sounds. Clapton selected a V-shaped neck with a 9.5" radius fretboard, and this neck is just plain smooth. While the Clapton model privileges blues and classic riffs because of its origins, I would suppose that numerous shredders would find the shape and ease of play preferable as well.

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

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

Likewise, 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 truly an amazing guitar, and we recommend it highly. It's a keeper! - 18418

About the Author:

0 Comments:

Post a Comment

Subscribe to Post Comments [Atom]

<< Home