Anyone out there own one of these?

Reviews?

Thoughts?

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CREDO ELVEM IPSUM ETAIM VIVERE

many, many, many threads on this.

I own the Fender Custom Shop version of it, and love it. see my video review:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EyeSL9S3 ... annel_page

also, deleted the 2nd part due to flamers and spammers. the body is alder, not ash. little blooper I need to fix.

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http://www.twitter.com/CAE_Music

I'd love to own one, maybe next axe!! Mike

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The blues ain't nothin but a good man feelin bad.

Since I don't have any rich uncles around...I have an old Squier around which I like the body and neck and I am thinking of making a Squier Clapton-o-caster.

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CREDO ELVEM IPSUM ETAIM VIVERE

that would be cool too. even the older 90s and 80s models go pretty cheap and you still get the same guitar that I own. they can go for bout 600-1000 depending on color.

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http://www.twitter.com/CAE_Music

I've got the Artist series, I have to say, this is the best Strat I have ever owned. I would never trade this one...

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Hey, Boy Blue is back!

Its a good modification. I did it to my MIM, you dont have to route extra cavities for the midboost or battery either. The boost kit is a good tool and gives a nice throaty bark.

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No no and no

As Chanman observed, there are multiple threads on many aspects of that guitar. Is there a specific question we can direct our attention to. Otherwise, a 'Search' of the archives will certainly provide you with practically anything you might want to know comparing and contrasting the Artist, Custom Artist, and Masterbuilt versions of this instrument.

Doc.

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"Another day in paradise!"

I was at Sam Ash tonight and tried the EC artist. I liked the sound coming out of the noiseless. And really liked the maple neck. Fit my small hands really well. I wonder if the Custom Shop is $1,500 better? The EC will be my next axe.

Ask them if they have a Custom Artist in stock and compare them. I found the neck shape on the Custom Artist to be just a tad more slender. Of course, you have the additional 'blue' finishes as well.

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"Another day in paradise!"

Its those damn blue finishes that Im dying for!!! More slender? Hmmmmm

It is generally accepted that the quality of woods,finishes, and attention to detail in the Custom Shop are what contribute to the cost differentials. I would venture to say that the revenue goes to maintaining the program as a separate division of the guitar line and, of course, the salaries paid to the luthiers. I find that these guitars do 'feel' different. That's my personal impression though others herein my think me daft.

Now Fender is offering the benefit of the Custom Care Program which offers services to the instruments not available to the rest of the line. Suffice it to say, it's a big number when comparing the price tags. Of course, if you Masterbuild this guitar, and pay top dollar, you have some input into the final result, and possible any individual tweaks you might prefer. I would specify soft body contours, a deep '57 offset waist relief, and some slimming out of the neck, and a standard tone circuit in place of the TBX (which is the way Clapton gets them)and, which is the way the Custom Artist is supposed to be fitted though sometimes we're not exactly sure. My preference is for the Lace Sensors and I would have those put in the guitar as well. They might not then put his signature on the back of the headstock because the guitar now carries the Noiseless but, then again, he requested that they cease doing that for his personal instruments years ago (Crossroads Guitar Auction Catalog 2004, pg.144.) so,in actuality, the real deal, is having the guitar unsigned

Now here's a stickly little twist. On stage, This guitar is going to appear as a plain old white on black Strat unless someone sticks their nose behind the guitar and finds the CS logo. Only 'you' will know the difference and sometimes, it does NOT pay to advertise. If you get into the blue finishes, an informed player such as found herein may suspect. Now Mike Eldred has spoken of a limited run on the Grigio Silverstone finish which our colleague 'ufboy' is pining for. That would shout 'special' to someone in the know for sure.

That Ebay '07 may be a better deal that the one you rejected. Of course, there's still the second owner issue. You'll also have to reinstall the two springs, set the bridge flush and block the trem to bring it to spec. For $1000 under street price, not a bad deal....and you'll have your logo.

Keep us posted.

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"Another day in paradise!"

I've had my Clapton for 14 years (a birthday gift from my wife!).....
No complaints, it's my main guitar.

Owned a '97, purchased used ("Blackie') in mint condition. Swapped that out for a CS Clapton-based guitar I designed in 2004. Swapped that out for my Gilmour in October '08 after I had purchased an '89 Clapton Pewter) in mint condition that August.

An all around versatile axe.

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"Another day in paradise!"

Id love to own one of these too!