Hi all. Like it says, I just scored an '07 Clapton model ("Blackie"), and this guitar flat out rocks! Had a good friend years ago that had the original model with the Lace Sensors, and I really like this one far better.

As stated, my question goes to the "case candy" that's included with this model. Though the ad said it was all there, I'm missing some items. Some I am not certain came with it though. Specifically, the Vibrato arm and the ashtray bridge cover. I know the trem assembly is blocked (appears to be a loosely inserted block unattached, easily removed- should the springs be loosened to provide enough tension to capture the block? I intend to leave this one blocked, I've got active on my '62 Reissue). So I am not certain if the Vibrato arm should have come with it, but it seems so. Also assume the ashtray should be there?

Then the set up, the bridge/vibrato springs are tight, so the bridge assembly is tight against the body. Is this as intended, or should they be loosened enough to capture the loose block of wood that mostly fills the cavity behind the metal block?

Thanks in advance for any answers, really going to enjoy this one (it's very near mint, couldn't have been played much).

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"If you don't know the blues... there's no point in picking up the guitar and playing rock and roll or any other form of popular music".
Keith Richards

Congrats on a nice find, Enjoy!

Thanks, I am enjoying it a lot! Even shifting my playing focus a bit, it is taking me in somewhat different directions (other electrics are an '08 American '62 Reissue and an '08 American Standard).

_________________
"If you don't know the blues... there's no point in picking up the guitar and playing rock and roll or any other form of popular music".
Keith Richards

I've never ever seen an ashtray cover on a new Strat and I've had 2 from new.

Surely they don't come as standard?

The dealer will give you a trem arm if you ask - or maybe sell you one at least.

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Fender Highway & Classic 60s Strats, Fender Toronado, Telecaster, Gretsch Projet, Charvel 3, PRS SE Soapbar II & Custom 24, Burns Batwing and many others!

Usually when a trem is blocked out, the small block should be attached to the back of the cavity with a small screw, and the bridge screws tightened so the bridge is flat and tight to the body.
You should then loosen the springs almost all the way off. Keep a bit of tension on them. Some people remove them, but they are a part of the tone of a Strat, so leave at least 2 of them in.

Thanks for the replies. I've gotten the ashtray covers on the American Vintage Reissues I've bought, so I guess maybe I was assuming it'd be there as it's the same bridge. I may be mistaken. Decided to call a local dealer and simply ask them what comes with the EC model, that'll answer the question. Doesn't really matter except for resale (and I have no intention of selling it). I won't use the arm on the EC, and I've only tried the ashtray cover a few times.

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"If you don't know the blues... there's no point in picking up the guitar and playing rock and roll or any other form of popular music".
Keith Richards

The bridge should be flat to the top of the guitar with the wood block set snugly between the mass block and the back of the routing. Fender cuts those blocks to exact dimensions to facilitate that relationship and the best way to reference it is to have yours compared to a new guitar. We've had pictures of that arrangement posted elsewhere on the Forum.
By the way, IMHO, the best guitar they build.

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"Another day in paradise!"

Never so with the Clapton. I have an '89 and the block is not fixed to the body.

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"Another day in paradise!"

Never so with the Clapton. I have an '89 and the block is not fixed to the body.

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"Another day in paradise!"