It is currently Mon Mar 16, 2020 2:40 pm

All times are UTC - 7 hours



Post new topic Reply to topic  [ 18 posts ]  Go to page 1, 2  Next
Go to page 1, 2  Next
Author Message
Post subject: Clapton strat (not Custom Shop) Vs a New American Strat
Posted: Tue Mar 08, 2011 6:32 am
Offline
Hobbyist
Hobbyist

Joined: Tue Mar 08, 2011 6:20 am
Posts: 2
How would a secondhand Clapton strat (not Custom Shop) compared to a new American Standard or American Special? Is the construction the same? I know each has special features. Would it be better if desired to add Clapton electronics to either of the other two?
Also, were changes made during the Eric Clapton Signiture Start (Not Custom Shop) production run - if so, what and when? I am going to purchase one of these but not sure which! :D


Top
Profile
Fender Play Winter Sale 2020
Post subject: Re: Clapton strat (not Custom Shop) Vs a New American Strat
Posted: Tue Mar 08, 2011 6:48 am
Offline
Professional Musician
Professional Musician
User avatar

Joined: Tue Jul 17, 2007 4:54 am
Posts: 2573
Location: Laurel, MD
I can't speak for the other people two guitars, but my Candy Green Clapton Strat is amazing. It's my most versatile guitar.

My suggestion would be to play all the them and see which you prefer.

I hope you find what you are looking for and good luck.


Top
Profile
Post subject: Re: Clapton strat (not Custom Shop) Vs a New American Strat
Posted: Tue Mar 08, 2011 6:48 am
Offline
Hobbyist
Hobbyist

Joined: Sun Mar 06, 2011 8:34 am
Posts: 50
Location: Bedfordshire, UK
Have you tried any of these models out? If not that's the first thing you should do.

Each one will have specific specs that will make them feel and play differently. I was sure I was going to buy a Clapton strat until I actually played one!! It just didn't feel right for me. The American Standards I played also didn't do much for me. When I tried the American Deluxe everything about it just seemed right.

What I'm trying to say is, you need to test them out for yourselves and see what one puts the motion in your ocean!! :wink:


Top
Profile
Post subject: Re: Clapton strat (not Custom Shop) Vs a New American Strat
Posted: Tue Mar 08, 2011 7:46 am
Offline
Hobbyist
Hobbyist

Joined: Tue Mar 08, 2011 6:20 am
Posts: 2
Thanks for the replies so far – I have played the American Standard and the Special but not the Clapton. The Special seemed a little Harsh and the Standard did not seem to have Depth! I play Blues and Rock. I love playing clean and the ability to add Mid depth. I own a Fender Blues JR Tube Amp & will be using it with the guitar of choice.
Besides the difference in electronics and pickups which can be modified, are these guitars constructed the same (eg. Micro-Tilt, Nut, Truss Rod, Saddles, Tuning Keys, Wood Finish, Neck Sanding, etc.). The specs are at times confusing and do not use the same details!
Any assistance you can lend would be greatly appreciated & I am very sure others have the same questions!
Thanks Again For Your Replies! :D


Top
Profile
Post subject: Re: Clapton strat (not Custom Shop) Vs a New American Strat
Posted: Tue Mar 08, 2011 7:50 am
Offline
Aspiring Musician
Aspiring Musician
User avatar

Joined: Wed Jan 06, 2010 5:19 pm
Posts: 300
Location: Aberdeen, Scotland
The Clapton strat has a blocked trem (piece of wood wedged between the body and the trem block) to add sustain, meaning you can't use the trem. I'm prey sure you can remove it. the Clapton strat also has a vintage six point trem and a soft v neck. That's the main points of interest between them.


Top
Profile
Post subject: Re: Clapton strat (not Custom Shop) Vs a New American Strat
Posted: Tue Mar 08, 2011 8:09 am
Offline
Professional Musician
Professional Musician

Joined: Fri Oct 10, 2008 6:45 pm
Posts: 2770
Location: Kansas
Yes, you can remove the block on a Clapton and set it up so the trem is functional.

I should point out that the American Special Strat does not have a micro-tilt neck adjuster.

Regarding the Clapton, some people like the soft V neck shape; others don't. You really have to try one out to see if you would like it. It also has vintage-sized frets and vintage style tuners.

As far as specs changing over time - huge question that really can't be fully answered in a single post. Here's a Cliff's Notes version:

Clapton Strat - Lace Sensor pickups from 1988-2001; Vintage Noiseless pickups since mid-2001. I also believe that the earliest ones have a slightly sharper "V" shape; that would only be the first 3-4 years though.

American Special - this is a new model; it has only been out since January 2010.

American Standard - this one came out in 2008; it has a slightly different neck shape than the earlier models, a revised trem (different trem block and bent saddles), and a few other updates from the previous version (which of course had updates over the original version).

Bottom line - try to play all 3 and pick the one you like the best. You could always add the American Deluxe to the mix as well - it will be priced in-between the American Standard and the Clapton. You could also try out the American Vintage and Hot Rod Vintage models, and the Eric Johnson Signature.


Top
Profile
Post subject: Re: Clapton strat (not Custom Shop) Vs a New American Strat
Posted: Tue Mar 08, 2011 8:33 am
Offline
Professional Musician
Professional Musician
User avatar

Joined: Thu Oct 11, 2007 3:31 pm
Posts: 2638
Location: Pacific North West, USA
IMHO, comparing a EC Strat to a American DX or a Special is like comparing those two guitars to a Tele. An EC Strat is quite a different beast as already pointed out very well by others on this thread. Also, when one considers doing the EC 25db boost in an American DX or a Special, you need to be aware that it is not a real simple conversion. Plus there is the problem of stashing the battery and circuit board under a pickguard that was not routed for such extra goodies. You can make it work but it is a bit of a hassle.

_________________
Xhefri's Guitars
www.xhefriguitars.com
Image


Top
Profile
Post subject: Re: Clapton strat (not Custom Shop) Vs a New American Strat
Posted: Tue Mar 08, 2011 8:59 am
Offline
Professional Musician
Professional Musician
User avatar

Joined: Thu Oct 08, 2009 7:58 am
Posts: 2187
Claptons has a different neck profile and different pup's. Quality may be the same, so its all a matter of preference and price tags.

_________________
"Epitaph on a blues musician’s tombstone: “I didn’t wake up this morning”" Davy Knowles


facebook.com/313DBC


Top
Profile
Post subject: Re: Clapton strat (not Custom Shop) Vs a New American Strat
Posted: Tue Mar 08, 2011 9:43 pm
Offline
Amateur
Amateur
User avatar

Joined: Sun Nov 02, 2008 2:31 pm
Posts: 165
Location: worldwide_productions
The Clapton Stratocaster is Basically a 57 reissue with the extra TBX tone control ,,, so i would prefer a Clapton over any new american standard for sure


Top
Profile
Post subject: Re: Clapton strat (not Custom Shop) Vs a New American Strat
Posted: Tue Mar 08, 2011 10:57 pm
Offline
Professional Musician
Professional Musician
User avatar

Joined: Thu Nov 04, 2010 12:13 am
Posts: 1174
Clapton Custom Shop all the way, no mods needed.


Top
Profile
Post subject: Re: Clapton strat (not Custom Shop) Vs a New American Strat
Posted: Wed Mar 09, 2011 9:13 am
Offline
Rock Star
Rock Star
User avatar

Joined: Tue Mar 01, 2011 3:10 pm
Posts: 5646
Location: Gateway to the West
Play them all, then buy the Clapton Strat :lol: Yes the early EC's had a sharper V neck, my '89 is quite extreme, and the body contours are more pronounced, similiar to the 57 Vintage Strat reissues than say an American Standard from the same time period. And the customs shop EC's body contours are even more pronounced as well and about the same as a real 1957 strat.

FWIW

T2

:mrgreen:

_________________
-----------------------------------------------------------
What time is it? It's Fender Time.


Top
Profile
Post subject: Re: Clapton strat (not Custom Shop) Vs a New American Strat
Posted: Wed Mar 09, 2011 9:23 am
Offline
Professional Musician
Professional Musician
User avatar

Joined: Thu Oct 08, 2009 7:58 am
Posts: 2187
I played a used Clapton strat a month or so ago. Good price too, less than $1k. I was excited to play it because I wanted to feel the V-neck. I was a little disappointed though. The V-shape seemed to end between the 7th and 9th frets and become more of a C shape. The V helps when playing chords and some licks, but I expected that profile to go up as far as the 12th or 14th fret.... Great tone though and I love the vintage noiseless PU's.

_________________
"Epitaph on a blues musician’s tombstone: “I didn’t wake up this morning”" Davy Knowles


facebook.com/313DBC


Top
Profile
Post subject: Re: Clapton strat (not Custom Shop) Vs a New American Strat
Posted: Wed Mar 09, 2011 9:29 am
Offline
Hobbyist
Hobbyist

Joined: Tue Feb 22, 2011 3:09 am
Posts: 35
Location: Margate, South Africa
As mentioned . . play them all. You also don't mention the date of the EC strat !?
Offhand, I would say the EC strat probably has a bit more item-specific detail in the electronics amongst other things, in order to closer mimic an EC sound (which would be GOOD), aside from from neck profile which is something anyone can get used to.
If it's in good nick, with a decent neck, take it !!!! 8)
(MY inspired opinion only*)


Top
Profile
Post subject: Re: Clapton strat (not Custom Shop) Vs a New American Strat
Posted: Wed Mar 09, 2011 6:42 pm
Offline
Amateur
Amateur
User avatar

Joined: Mon May 03, 2010 6:27 am
Posts: 140
Location: Japan
Deluxe Dan wrote:
Have you tried any of these models out? If not that's the first thing you should do.

Each one will have specific specs that will make them feel and play differently. I was sure I was going to buy a Clapton strat until I actually played one!! It just didn't feel right for me. The American Standards I played also didn't do much for me. When I tried the American Deluxe everything about it just seemed right.

What I'm trying to say is, you need to test them out for yourselves and see what one puts the motion in your ocean!! :wink:



Not trying to discount anything Dan says here, just add to it. Even if you try a Clapton you should try a few different ones, if you have that option. I was dead set on getting a Clapton model and a friend of mine has a friend that has one. One night he invited me up to have a play on it. I hated it. Now, I can't tell you what year that guitar was but the neck felt like a baseball bat. Even with the V shape it didn't feel anything like I imagined it would. Fast forward a few years, I go into my local guitar shop and they have a '97 Clapton model, used, hanging on the wall....in Olympic white, lace sensors, etc... I fell in love with how it looked but knew in my heart that I'd never be happy with that neck, so I passed it up without even taking it off the wall. Fast forward again about 2 months. I go back in and that Clapton model is still hanging there and the price had come down 200 bucks. "Hmmmm, interesting, take her down off there and let me see her" I was amazed to find that the back contour of the neck was absolutely nothing like the one my friend's buddy had. That guitar just felt right, looked great, and sounded fantastic. SOLD!!! To this day, after having played guitar for more than 25 years and gone through more guitars than I care to even think about, this guitar was the best purchase I've ever made. Now, I'm not trying to steer you towards the Clapton. All I'm saying is if you're going for a used one, try them from different eras before passing judgement, and I would advise that for any guitar you decide on. Try a few of each model before you decide.
MULLY

Second from the right. The other 2 Strats are Warmoth.
Image


Top
Profile
Post subject: Re: Clapton strat (not Custom Shop) Vs a New American Strat
Posted: Wed Mar 09, 2011 10:13 pm
Offline
Rock Icon
Rock Icon
User avatar

Joined: Thu Dec 31, 2009 10:34 pm
Posts: 10760
Location: Athens, Greece
Dear Mullyman, these Warmoth Strats had a DiMarzio Tone Zone humbucker in the bridge; the master volume pot appears to be removed as the pot hole has been covered with a small piece of black nylon adhesive tape.

Image

The Fast Track 1 is identical to the Tone Zone and the Cruiser (favored by Andy Timmons), but it's hotter and more muscular still very bright and clean sounding - not at all like a full-size humbucker. The dual-blade continuous magnetic field creates an even string balance with very little magnet-pull, eliminating the "out - of - tuneness" common to rod-magnet designs.

Image

Sonny Landreth is a huge fan of the Fast Track humbucking pickup. Almost all of his Strats are equipped with a Fast Track 1 humbucker in the bridge position.

Image

The Vintage Hot-Rod '57 has a similar configuration, except for the addition of the Tone Zone humbucker in the bridge paired in parallel with two Samarium Cobalt Noiseless pickups in the neck and the middle. I guess your guitars had the same config as the AVHR '57.

Image


Last edited by chromeface on Wed Mar 09, 2011 10:47 pm, edited 1 time in total.

Top
Profile
Display posts from previous:  Sort by  
Post new topic Reply to topic  [ 18 posts ]  Go to page 1, 2  Next
Go to page 1, 2  Next

All times are UTC - 7 hours

Fender Play Winter Sale 2020

Who is online

Users browsing this forum: Lucascas and 2 guests


You cannot post new topics in this forum
You cannot reply to topics in this forum
You cannot edit your posts in this forum
You cannot delete your posts in this forum

Search for:
Jump to: