I'd go with the EC Strat.

Hi Rob: I've a feeling one or two of us are missing something - what does the question mean, please?



Hi tk1212: thing is, all three of those players' sig guitars have significantly different pickups installed, and that's the the thing that's going to contribute most to the sound. Though also, all three have used many different pickup configurations over the years, so in each case it depends on which sound you are talking about.

As far as Gilmour is concerned, he's had several different pickups in the Black Strat, and some of his trademark recorded sounds weren't even done on a Strat at all. So when we think of the "Gilmour sound", there is no one sound we can point to - and that's before we take the effects chain into account.

I think Dave could sound like himself on either the Clapton or the EJ Strats, and that means you need to choose the one you like best when you try it. I've played a couple of EJs and for my money it's one of the nicest production line Strats in the catalog. I really like the vintage-y chime of the pickups (on the maple 'board version) and the neck is gorgeous in the palm. And there's one or two other tiny details I like as well, such as the absence of stringtrees. However, there was one fella with a very top drawer guitar collection who posted on this Forum that he really, seriously didn't like the EJ - so it truly comes down to personal taste.

The neck on the Clapton is nice too, and depending which incarnation you find and exactly how you like your soft-V it will probably suit you nicely. Far as the sound is concerned the choice for or against this one all comes down to how you feel about the pickups and the mid-boost (which of course you don't have to use).

Neither of those guitars is the same as Gilmour has used on stage or in the studio. But I bet he'd have absolutely no trouble getting the Shine On sound from either of them, and you won't either, if your fingers are up to it!

In short, these are fine, fine differences we're talking about. You HAVE to try them for yourself and let your hands and ears be your guide.

Does all of that help in any way at all?

Good luck - C

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Thanks Ceri for the detailed response.
I totally undertsand your point. I am planning to go checking some stuff out. Ideally, I'd rather buy used, but I guess it is far easier to sit at a big guitar store and try 12 guitars all at once. I'd probably start there, and see if I find something that I really like.