Where I am, there are only two artist model available. If you had only two choices like me which would you prefer a Clapton or a Malmsteen Model Strat?

Without question the Malmsteen Strat.

I have to didagree, Clapton

Depends on what style of music you play. Personally, I'd choose the Clapton. What type of stuff do you play normally? If it's blues, or anything blues based, I'd go with the Clapton. But if you play metal or you just like to shred, maybe the Malmsteen is for you.

there are a lot of these questions lately and really, they are pointless.

if it was a question of standard vs deluxe, or 57 reissue vs 62 reissue I could understand it but malmsteen strat vs clapton strat?

would you like cheese or a window? would you like a telephone or a donkey?

completely different things, and the only thing that will tell which is best for YOU is YOU.

what style do you want to play?
which one feels the best to you?

All this thread will do is get folks who like Malmsteen and the guitar to recommend the Malmsteen Strat, and those whose preference lies with Clapton to recommend Clapto's sig series.

If these questions are going to be posted, at least be more specific on what you want to play, and what you are looking for in a guitar. A "which is best" question on its own is of no help or benifit to the poster or readers.

This is about the music you play and a lil more theClapton model has noisless pickups,a tbxand 25dbmid boost that can give you a les paul type tone and a v neck,The malmsteen has dimarzio pickups a c neck and heres the big one a scalloped neck which if you are not used to you are going to hate it .If you dont know what a scalloped neck is it means the frets have been scooped out.So unless you are a die hard shreddar go with the Clapton based on the guitar not the artist,

Apples or mayonnaise?

Seriously, man, those two guitars are so far apart in features, there is no way to compare them. Are you looking at them just because they're artist models? That's no way to buy a guitar.

Not a hard choice at all! Clapton!!

I would say... Clapton!

There is a bit of technique to develop when playing scalloped fretboards, but once you get it down, it's not that bad, but not great for chording, IMO.

That said, Make mine an EC.

_________________
Being able to play and enjoy music is a gift that's often taken for granted.

Don't leave home without it!

Out of those two i would probarly go with the Malmsteen model due to it's fatter neck. I really don't have any problems with the scalloped neck att all i even scalloped one of my own strats just a couple of days ago (pictures will be shown in another thread on Monday)

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

Neither...I've played both and I don't like either one at all. Given only those two choices, I'd go with a Mexican Standard instead (which is exactly what I have...a '96 Mexican Standard).

My question to you is, is there a reason why you have to have a signature model Strat versus any other model such as a Standard or American Standard or something else? Most folks who choose a Signature Series (in theory...assuming they haven't been swept away by the marketing and hype) do so because of that models specific features and how those features are suited to their playing style and not because one is perceived as being better than another. In the case of the Malmsteen Strat for example, you might choose it because you want a scalloped fretboard.

My advice to you is to play both...and every other Strat they have in the store and decide which one -you- like. Personally I didn't like the Clapton strat because to me it felt like someone strapped a "Louiseville Slugger" to a guitar body. And the Malmsteen...I don't get the whole scalloped fretboard thing to begin with. But my tastes have NOTHING to do with your tastes and preferences...nor do the tastes of anyone else here. Only -YOU- can decide which is right for you...and the only way you can do that is by playing several guitars and deciding for yourself which one you like best.

L8r,
Jim

If you have never played a scalloped fretboard then you may be in for a major shock if you buy a Malmsteen strat without playing it first!

A few years ago I bought a Ritchie Blackmore Strat with a factory scalloped fretboard... Bought it online from Japan. Nice guitar with some real hot pickups but I could not PLAY it! I've been playing guitar for 32 years but found the scalloped fretboard impossible to get used to. Sold that RB strat within a few weeks of buying it. FOR ME it was way too difficult to develop a light enough touch to chord the scalloped fretboard without pulling everything sharp. Perhaps you will have a lighter touch and be able to adapt better... or if speed lead is all you want to play then the Malmsteen will be a delight for you.

I just recently bought a Clapton strat and love it. Neck is a bit thicker than my slender 1990 MIJ "C" profile neck, but the thicker neck is not a show stopper to me -- and I have small hands. Was worried the "V" neck would be too chunky. Not the case at all...

GOOD LUCK!

Clapton all the way.
Nuff said

_________________
The time has gone, the song is over, thought I'd something more to say.

Move.

jk, I'd rock a malmsteen even though the clapster is a nice instrument.

_________________
-Kc
"Payin' dues."