Fender Eric Clapton ‘Blackie’ USA Stratocaster with Fender Lace Sensor Pickups (1999)

If you’re looking for that unmistakable Eric Clapton tone, then look no further. This is a superb example of the iconic Fender Eric Clapton “Blackie” USA Stratocaster, made in 1999.

The Fender Eric Clapton Signature Stratocaster is one of Fender’s most enduring and successful artist models. Inspired by Clapton’s original “Blackie”, a famous mongrel Strat assembled from various 1950s parts. The signature model was first introduced in 1988 and has since become a go-to for players chasing that smooth, expressive, vintage-inspired tone.

The US made Fender Eric Clapton “Blackie” Stratocaster from 1999 features a select alder body with a black gloss finish and a maple neck with Clapton’s signature soft “V” profile and satin urethane finish, providing a smooth, comfortable playing feel. Tonally, this guitar delivers exactly what you’d expect as it is equipped with the highly sought-after Fender Lace Sensor single-coil pickups, paired with Clapton’s unique active electronics, including a 25dB mid-boost circuit (controlled via the second tone knob) and TBX (Treble Bass Expander) tone control, all working through a 5-way selector switch. This setup offers exceptional tonal versatility, from classic Strat sparkle through to thick, almost humbucker-like lead tones. The 9v battery is neatly housed in the tremolo cavity. The vintage-style synchronized tremolo bridge has been factory blocked (which can be reversed if desired), in line with Clapton’s own preferences, improving tuning stability and sustain.  Please note, the original tremolo arm is not included.

The guitar is in really good condition, especially considering it was built over 27 years ago in the USA Fender factory. It has clearly been very well looked after. There is only one very minor small ding on the underside, located near the jack socket on the side of the guitar, which is difficult to see unless pointed out. Aside from this, there are the usual light swirly play marks/light surface scratches you would expect from a guitar of this age.  The satin urethane maple fretboard, typical for these models, shows some light areas of finish “clouding”/flaking, which is very common on Clapton Strats of this era. Importantly, this does not affect the feel or playability in any way. All of the above has been shown as clearly as possible in the pictures and video and may appear more pronounced under direct lighting.

This guitar has had a full professional setup, including cleaning of all parts, fretboard and fret clean, pots & switch cleaning, and has been restrung with a fresh set of D’Addario XL 9-42 gauge Nickel Wound Strings. It plays beautifully with a comfortable low action.

The guitar weighs approximately 3.74kg.

I have sold a large number of Fender and Gibson guitars over the years, and the Clapton “Blackie” Strat is a true modern classic, combining vintage feel with unique electronics that make it incredibly versatile and a joy to play, you won’t want to put it down!

Other than the minor cosmetic signs of age mentioned, this is a well-looked-after, USA-made Fender Stratocaster that deserves to continue to be played and enjoyed.

I can assure you if this becomes your new axe, you will not be disappointed!

This guitar comes complete with a genuine Fender tweed hard case (with keys), along with a Fender strap fitted with Schaller locking strap buttons, Allen keys, the original Fender specification/user manual, and the TBX swing ticket.

Condition: Used but in good condition