Fender Custom Shop Eric Clapton Signature Stratocaster - Black Reviews

I had posted a negative review on this guitar
Due to a cosmetic problem on the neck.
Since then my friend and sales engineer
Justin Dunbar replaced it . The new guitar is perfect
So far I can only say positive things about it.
The neck feels great , and it plays really nice.
Thank you Justin , you have put up with me for a long time , I can't tell you how much I appreciate
That.

First, I have been a Stratocaster fan since long before I could even hold one decades ago, so I am biased. But this will be accurate anyway. Also thanks for the service from Dustin Keesbury and Cameron in guitar tech support! They really helped and Dustin answered an email or two that were silly questions but he was really friendly as always, since like 2014.
After saying that I am a strat guy you would think I would have had 20 of them but I have had 5 of them new since my first in 1999. Why? Because I didn't really need to buy more as each one was great for me. But the first Custom Shop Clapton Stratocaster I got to see in person in 2005 was instantly the ultimate model for me. Now 15 years later I have one. It was a demo and they worked with me on the price even more.
First, the description of the guitar said it had scratches etc. but it was overstated and it was in excellent condition. I couldn't find anything wrong except one mark. I discovered that the mark was actually what I believe was dried mucus and it scratched off with a gentle thumbnail, gross. But under the paint was fine!
I did have trouble with a intermittent static noise, but it was not a quality issue. It happens to even good parts. A bit of deoxit 5 killed it and it loosed the tight pots which is a good thing anyway. It was set up perfectly. It feels a little "tighter" and as though the construction was more precise than the regular production model. Also the neck is perfect! The most comfortable shape I have had, and although the frets are the more vintage size, they feel more substantial and are finished much better than the regular model. Much better! The guitar does everything you want for Clapton tones of course, but it's perfectly capable of any strat tone, minus the trem as stock. Of course you can change the trem if you want. It's just a great feeling and sounding guitar, and at the reduced demo price is absolutely worth the extra if you are serious that it's the guitar you want. I also have a American professional Stratocaster with the trem set properly for bending and it's the best regular model I have ever had, completely stock.
A note on the pickups. I have seen again and again from people that the vintage noiseless pups supposedly lack chime and dynamics. I heard that about the V-mod pups too. If you play either pick up and you don't hear the great sound of a strat you were expecting, it's absolutely your fault. You have something set wrong. These pickups and the boost are awesome. And, using the boost just on zero or just 10, is a mistake. You can really tweak it more than on or off.
This is the best feeling, playing, and sounding strat I have played and I would recommend it to anyone who loves the Stratocaster. You might have to save up, but you won't regret it!

It has been somewhat reported that the Custom Shop drifted for a while there but if this guitar is any indication they are back on their game; this instrument is superbly built and finished. The neck is a total delight and was beautifully set up. This is pretty much the exact guitar that Mr Clapton reaches for in every respect and he is the quintessential Strat musician in my book so that is surely good enough for me. If you want a Strat that does Strat perfectly then look no further.

The Ultimate Hot Rod of Fender Stratocasters Every single thing about it is Outstanding Looks feel Tone Exceptional Performance from a Real Genuine Professional Fender Stratocaster

I have several guitars….Les Paul Customs, other Fenders (Strats & Teles), SG, PRS Custom, & Ibanez Custom. This is by far the easiest to play. I never had a V neck before but it is great. If you like a thick neck then this one is not for you. I have small hands so this neck is great for me. It's also very light unlike the Gibsons which is great. It's nice but pricey. While it's nice, I'm Not sure if I would save up for it if I were on a budget which is the reason for the 4 stars.

I am deeply saddened by this review
I had high hopes for this guitar.
It has quality issues that Sweetwater calls normal
I disagree . There is this raised spiral grain pattern
embedded in the wood on the shoulder of the neck which feels rough to the touch when playing it.
I am greatly disappointed with it. This is is supposed to be a top of the line built.