Fender Artist Series Eric Clapton Stratocaster Electric Guitar Pewter

Gig with it

I have used Fender Strats since 1970. A new 1970 Strat was my first. I have owned a 1955 Strat, a 1961, 2 1964 Strats and various 1990s Strats and probably 20 Eric Clapton Strat because they are the very best Strat I have ever played, in every single category. I have purchased 3 Clapton Strats from Guitar Center. I've swapped and sold a few because I am down to the 3 Clapton Strats that I use the most on Stage, in The Studio and in practices. I bought the first EC Strat in 1993 and for the last 30 years the EC Strat has been my go to Strat because they are the best electric guitars ever made.

My Clapton Signature Strat, which I waited 5 1/2 months for (because it was backordered), came with some significant manufacturing defects. When I removed the tremolo cover to replace the battery for the first time, I found double-drilled holes (12 holes instead of 6, one of which was put right through the edge of the body), as well as a battery cavity full of white battery acid (despite the fact that the battery inside was not leaking, meaning, a leaky battery was swapped out BEFORE it shipped, and they didn't bother to clean it out). Upon arrival, it also had an intermittent pick-up switch which shorts out (in the bridge position) unless you jiggle it (though that issue seems to have worked itself out since). Unfortunately I didn't discover the worst of these defects (the 6 extra holes and battery acid) until after 45 days, and now the place where I purchased it wants nothing to do with it. After bringing it to a Fender authorized service center, Fender has agreed to replace the body under warranty. But this part alone is going to take 90-120 days to arrive! Then my new guitar will have to be completely disassembled and reassembled, all because Fender either failed to inspect it properly, or chose to try and sneak it through the channel despite the defects. And now I the customer have to deal with the consequences. I would expect much more from Fender, especially on a $2,000 guitar endorsed by Eric Clapton. Needless to say, I am extremely frustrated about this entire experience. FULL DISCLAIMER: I did NOT purchase via Guitar Center, I purchased it via another Fender-certified online retailer. Maybe Guitar Center would have replaced it for me even after 45 days.

I will be retiring soon and I wanted an Eric Clapton Signature because he is one of my favorites. I look forward to learning more about guitar and improving my skills. I started playing last year when I was 68, never too late. The wonderful feel of the satin neck and the Beautiful tones of this instrument will be inspiring to me.

Incredible tone and amazing palyability

Could not be happier with this guitar.