There's a beautiful midnight blue Custom 2008 EC strat out there for sale. In the pictures when you look at the back of the headstock you see Clapton's "signature." But at the top of the headstock there is no Fender V custom shop decal. It seems the others I've looked at all have that decal on the back top.

It has a COA with it but I couldn't make out the serial number.

Your thoughts?

Could be a special order.

_________________
No no and no

got any pictures?

_________________
It's a mix between Jazz and Funk, it's called "Junk"

http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?Vi ... 0108680995

gave up on trying to copy the pics

Weird, every Clapton strat I've ever seen (c.s. or production line) has had his signature on the front of the headstock w/the serial # on back as well as the CS sticker if that was the case. I noticed it did have a CS neck plate though...

Unless there is a way to take it apart, I'd be wary.

_________________
The mind is like a parachute; it doesn't work unless its open-FZ

The first two letters of the serial # are CZ. It appears that the date on the COA is 2007. Email the seller and tell him that his posting is presently under review by 'experts' on the Fender Forum who asking to see a photo of the production tag which is just visible in some of the photos. In addition, want a clear closeup photo of the face of the COA showing what is written thereon, date, #, and signee, as well as the neck plate.

In this fashion, you can verify the guitar with the Shop and inquire as to why the headstock lacks the logo. As a Custom Artist model, it would not carry a luthier's signature. Clapton's guitars are Masterbuilt most often by Todd Krause so be wary of the B.S. from the seller on that one. It's close, but no cigar.

His quotes Musician Friend as asking $3499 for the guitar. Wildwood Guitars is showing this basic model in black, white, red and green at $3500.
All have CZ5 serial numbers.(Their Custom Artist Strat webpage....bottom line of guitars) All have the logo on the back of the headstock as well as the signature.

Also remember, there's a question of second owner warranty on a private sale. You'd need to review the new Custom Care policy on second owner guitars.

_________________
"Another day in paradise!"

I'll email the seller and report back.

FWIW 2 smaller online retailers, that I've done business with, had themfor $2,400 and change. Probably '08s, but don't know if they have them in stock anymore.

I checked a bunch of Custom Strats at Sweetwater and everyone of them had the custom shop decal on the back of the headstock.

The maple of that neck is very very plain for customshop. The only way i'd touch that guitar was if i could see the part numbers in the pickup cavity and neck heel. Check whether they match the part number in the hangtag and then check the serial in the hangtag against the neckplate serial. For all the world it looks like a regular signature series with a customshop neckplate.

_________________
No no and no

I've updated my comments a bit. I understand your suspicion about the lack of a figured neck, but the simpler guitars on Wildwood webpage appear the same. The question arises more about the lack of a decal on the back and why the seller didn't right the matter immediately on receiving the guitar, gifted or not.

Remember what happened with my Gilmour. They goofed on the line and assigned a wrong number to the CA, which they corrected for me.

Doc

_________________
"Another day in paradise!"

All of the above is good information. When it comes to a CS strat, when in doubt opt out!

[quote="jmr986"]


I just reviewed the new Custom Care policy. They will welcome you and register your guitar but you would not be eligible for a lifetime warranty. You ought to review Fender's warranty policy for yourself, as well.

_________________
"Another day in paradise!"

Here is the sellers response to my questions:

do not have another photo of the COA, but the serial number matches the guitar if that is what you're worried about it came from the Custom Shop if you really want me to take another photo of it I wiill if you are seriously interested. And this guitar is a Fender Custom Shop built in the Custom Shop and has not been touched it is all original and nothing has been changed from the Custom Shop. Serial # is CZ511336.

Do the partnumber codes (under the neck pickup and neck heel) match the partnumber on the hangtag? If so then yes its safe.

_________________
No no and no

You express confidence in the veracity of the seller's representation with respect to the build and only question why the headstock lacks the logo, and if the asking price is reasonable.

The responses your are receiving address the fine points of determining whether or not the seller has changed something unbeknownst to you, hoping that an unsophisticated buyer will take the bait. I don't know that this seller's time or knowledge is worth having this guitar disassembled to prove the details which wise men would reasonably desire to have confirmed in these kinds of transactions.

Presently, he is asking $1K below two online catalog prices. It would be to your advantage to get to vendors who sell CS guitars and inquire.

If the price is in the ball park and you have confidence in the build, buy it. Reason: as a second owner you have no warranty benefit from Fender, and more than likely, someone simply missed the boat on the production line.

If you find dealers prices which are comparable, it would be more prudent to purchase such an instrument new so, as a first owner, to be able to register your guitar with Fender and take advantage of the lifetime warranty and all the perks accruing from the new Custom Care program.

BY THE WAY: There's an '88 7-Up Green Clapton on that line of offerings which appears to be in near mint condition which I would grab if I were in the market for another one of that vintage at that price. They were top of the line in that era and were essentially Custom Shop built in those days. I purchased an '89 in Pewter on Ebay last summer for about $1850 and I don't regret it. I prefer the Lace Sensor guitars, but that's my thing. The '89 in that line has a lower price offering, but if you look at the bridge saddles, they appear rusty in comparison and it is also a hybrid, admittedly, by the seller.

If I were going contemporary I'd have Todd Krause build my guitar along the lines of what are known as "The Triplets" .a special order of three, built in '03, two of which are owned by members of the Forum. It is a dimed (as built for) Clapton but that would put you in the $5K range which you might not be ready for.

Remember one other thing. At this price range, you're talking precious cargo and, if you plan to play out with them, you'd have to be aware, always, of your gear. So pick your spots, and keep something less risky around for the seedier locations.

Keep us posted.

Doc

_________________
"Another day in paradise!"

CS decal. His response was:

"Dear jmr986,

"its very rare but some are produced without them. I have a custom shop Beck Strat and 60's Strat either one of them came with a Custom Shop Sticker on the headstock, and I got them both from the factory. So, I don't know why exactly but I can guarantee this is brand new never touched or alterted!"

Seems to know his guitars, and appears to be very forthright. But I think I may steer clear. I'm sure they'll be others ... sigh