I just traded my eric clapton 2008 for a 2002, the guy wanted a black one, and his was brand new even with the protevtive stickers and all cause i was thinking of reselling it and get more money, anyways, i never fell in love with mine even though I'm a MASSIVE clapton fan...but his I did!!! its amazing, neck is smoother, and seems a lot less dirty, is there any electronic difference in between the 2008 and 2002 models?

I own a 2000 Clapton Strat (Candy Green) and I love it. I've played a few of the current Clapton Strats and I'm not a big fan of the feel of the neck. The finish seems very different than mine or it could be that mine is just broken in.

How do you like the current pickups?

Yeah isnt it weird?!?! I had that 2009 one and neck felt cheap, like I have a 50s reissue mexican strat and the neck I am in love with and I was like...can't be right I like the neck on the cheaper guitar haha, but the neck on the one I traded for the 2002 is SO different, so smooth I love it!!!

The pickups also seem a lot less hot, less dirty, which I like, have you noticed that too?

I feel like the finish on the current EC Strats are too opake white and gummy. The pickups do sound too muddy to me.

The '08 has the Vinatage noiceless pickups? Are they the same as on the '02?
Also what color is the '02?

I have read that Clapton had the TBX tone thingy removed after he went to the vintage noiseless pups because he said it muddied the sound.

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Your pain is the breaking of the shell that encloses your understanding. It is the bitter potion by which the physician within you heals your sick self. Therefore, trust the physician and drink his remedy in silence and tranquility.-Khalil Gibran

yeah they do least in my 08 they do. and my 2002 has vintage noiseless, but they dont sound as dirty and messy as my 08 did, a lt more calm down, and mine is pewter, looks stunning!