I recently picked up a 1997 Buddy Guy Artist Stratocaster from ebay (I got the honey blonde one a little over a month ago). Very pleased with it, first time experience with Lace Sensors and vintage frets though. It's a very resonant guitar; steel trem block (passed the magnet test) and very solid construction. The vintage tuners hold very well and the Lace Golds seem pretty responsive. I haven't played it a LOT yet, though... The neck has some flaking on the skunk stripe, but a great tech (Matt @ Mass Street Music in Lawrence Kansas, EXCELLENT service team!) is touching that up for me. It's in the shop getting a setup and fret dress. While I wait for its return, I've been doing a bit of research, but couldn't find the answer to this question: Were the Artist models in 1997 made in the Custom Shop? Team Built or were they just ordinary production models? Any info or links to that info would be greatly appreciated.

Eric Clapton was the first artist to have a signature series guitar in 1988.Jeff Beck and robert Cray in 91,SRV 92, Richie Sambora in 93,Dick Dale in 94,Bonnie Raitt and Buddy Guy in 95.The Fender custom shop was established in 87,All the artist series mentioned started out as just that high end artist series guitars as best I remember.I know there have been limeted number special custom shop Claptons and I am sure others THat I cant think of at the Moment but I know Clapton deffinetley the Crash guitar was one and at least 2 others.But all these other artist models can be ordered from the custom shop but it would have custom shop on the headstock if it was one of theirs.I do know there are 2 Buddy Guy artist series guitars one being high end the other middle of the pack.Dont hold me to it but I am almost sure the polka dot one is the less expensive model. Hope this helps you out.