You weren't on board when we discussed the history of those three guitars. A very interesting build...they were, at that time,(2003) ordered....."as built for the artist".

Can't say to what extent his currrent production reflects what went into those, but Alain tells me that the neck is a tad bit more tapered in profile than the 'standard' Clapton. It reflects what had been called a 4/96 profile, apparently in reference to a change in specs Eric made about then.

Alain says that it is a great guitar.

Doc

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"Another day in paradise!"

Can you guys tell me if these Starts have a nitro finish?

Thanks

I would expect so, but we wait for Alain on confirmation.

Doc

yes

I'm currently doing some setup work for a good customer, who owns a non-masterbuilt EC Strat. He'd like to have me swap out the TBX for a standard tone control. Being an EC completist, he wants to have the same cap and pot as those used in the masterbuilt version.
I'd be grateful to anyone who could help with this information.
I've got a precious hoard of NOS Sprague vitamin Q caps ( 33's & 47's) that I offered to use, but not knowing what's in the masterbuilt version, he's hesitant to accept these parts.
I've spent several hours looking for cavity shots or published specs, to no avail.
Thanks for any informed replies.

Ask Mike Eldred: "I want to pull the TBX out of an Artist Clapton and replace it with the standard tone pot and caps in the Masterbuilt. What are the specs?

Personally, if I were that kind of purist, I'd put in a request for a Masterbuilt guitar by Todd Krause on the order of what has been described above. If its meets Alain's criteria, its good enough for the rest of us, and certainly your customer

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"Another day in paradise!"

While the prospect of owning a Masterbuilt Strat is vastly appealing, the cost, both in financial terms and domestic tranquility (The Wife Says "You bought ANTOTHER GUITAR, and it cost how much???) can be prohibitive.
Hence, the desire to put a non-Masterbuilt Strat nearer to the spec of it's exhaulted kin.
Ever check out the Les Paul message boards? There are some members there whose desire to get a standard model closer to vintage specs take extreme measures; far beyond a tone cap & pot.
Once again, if there are any cavity shots or documented part values, both my customer and myself would be grateful.
Kind thanks one and all.

Your reply certainly holds validity and does not warrant refutation particularly in the spouse department.

I've gone ahead and posted it on Mike's web as previously noted.

Of course, a true reasonable fascimile thereof would also require removal of the signature from the headstock as well in that Eric has ordered them as such for years now.

The face is stock and the rear bears the standard Fender Custom Shop logo only. You can see that validated by any well positioned video camera angle.

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"Another day in paradise!"

Hey I did not know this post returned with all this juicy info. Hey Doc so Clapton does not have a TBX in his Strats anymore.

First, a brief disclaimer; obviously, I've not had first-hand experience, either with EC's own guitars, or with the Master-built series.
My online research uncovered some information obtained from Lee D. who as we (should) all know is EC's long-time tech.
He does verify that the TBX is no longer a part of the current arsenal, and that it's been replaced with a standard tone pot & cap.
If I can dig up the link, I'll post it ASAP.
Thanks to one and all for the replies posted (thus far) to my inquiry.
Still hoping for that control-cavity porn! (not so subtle hint to those of you fortunate enough to own a MB)

For some time now. Masterbuilts are delivered as he plays them.

The Custom Shop Signature Series as well as the Artist Series guitars still have them. That's the latest from ME some weeks ago on the matter.

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"Another day in paradise!"

Of course you would not have knowledge of the length and breadth that this particular topic has been discussed in these pages over the past 18 months. A great deal of what I have contributed is from the 2004 Crossroads Auction catalog which I own. Doing a Forum research would occupy your time for hours on this matter. Thus I have taken the liberty of posting your question on ME's Forum .Hopefully we will have it for you there.

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"Another day in paradise!"