hey pls I need help asap if this strat is authentic, as I'm going to buy it today.
Im just a little skeptical cause the fender logo on the headstock looks like a sticker. Thanks
http://www.guitargasing.com/apps/photos ... d=11074974

I don't remember Claptons using waterslide decals above the finish like that but otherwise it looks right to me. The owner has let it go to a "closet classic" type finish by letting the hardware oxidize; it could be they stripped the original finish from the neck and replaced the headstock decal.

EDIT: See new post below - Claptons do in fact use waterslide decals over the finish.

Posting another reply to bring it to the top for the OP can:

I was wrong in my first post.

I looked at a new Clapton at one of the local dealers today and they most certainly do have a waterslide decal on top of the finish.

As I mentioned that particular 1998 is taking on the characteristics of the old Closet Classic finish - not reliced but the hardware has that aged patinia. I'm sure that has also caused the edges of the waterslide decal to be more visible.

I was looking at a 1989 Clapton Strat earlier today and it had that sort of decal on it. Other than that I can't tell you much more about it.

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Yeppers, I found this out too when I posted the pict below. Some of the guys on the forum told me that the EC Strats did indeed put the waterslide on after the finish. That is the way it is on my 89.



The odd thing about this EC in question is the neck plate. Mine came with the diagonal "Fender" logo as found on all the Strat Plus and American Strats in the late 80s and the 90s. This one, while showing rust on the tuners and bridge (this guy must live by salt water, and the slight peeling and separations of the skunk stripe on the neck show signs of use and age) while the neck plate was really clean, having the newer design logo? Even the screws that hold the neck plate on are rusty, but the plate itself looks new with even with the little sticker on it. Wonder what is up with that???

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Xhefri's Guitars
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cause i stay near the sea yes you are right, its east coast of singapore

It's nice looking.
Send your serial number to
customerrelations@fender.com
They should be able to provide you with some information

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He who dies with the most Strats wins.

I sent my serial numbers to Fender Customer Relation on Saturday and they sent me back everything they had on both my MIM Strats less than an hour ago.
Very fast response time.

_________________
He who dies with the most Strats wins.