Eric Clapton "Blackie" Replica by MCG

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This build took 22 labor hours to complete! It was probably one of the most painstaking aging jobs I've ever done. It definitely turned out to be one of my favorite replica's so far and has such a cool vintage feel to it. It not only looks genuinely old, but it feels and sounds old as well.
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[@jeffijeff]

0:55 Probably how the original guitar used to look like, after a gig in the 70's and 80's

[@The_Lord_Of_Confusion]

xD

[@codythedoggo7671]

Lmao

[@daltonlove204]

Jeffojeffyjeff genius

[@adil4ever]

LMFAO

[@RNicolasRuvalcaba]

Before the gig, during intermission and after the gig LOL!!!

[@jakem5292]

0:51 didn't expect it to be that much like the original

[@dragonballs512]

Jake M lol

[@codysifford5470]

Jake M savage lol

[@eddiegodoy5120]

Jake M lol

[@JkNttr]

Jake M lol

[@FriendlyNeighborhoodBallsack]

Jake M lol

[@commandrdude646]

0:54 I bet Blackie's looked like that before

[@markking7889]

LMAO ! ♫

[@guitarislife9831]

....👁️👄👁️waaaww lol 👍

[@happyads9439]

Haha yeah man, like Tony Montana's desk more like😂😂

[@michnyy]

Impressive... but could you make a Eric Clapton's SG called "The Fool"?

[@adamorsulik7558]

Good shout!

[@CaptainCraigKWMRZ]

A fool would be outta sight!

[@darraghcoffey294]

Please do a rory gallagher stratocaster replica

[@liamodonnchadha2328]

Great video. Would love to see a Rory Gallagher strat replica

[@wolfbane4875]

Liam Odonnchadha that would be epic

[@hunterreid5727]

Do an Eric Clapton Brownie Stratocaster replica

[@JPproductions303]

Prolly the same process except sunburst

[@LuizFelipe-px5ot]

Mills make a Rory Gallagher strat please!

[@tavicotavio]

Standard sunburst strat + set it on fire

[@GuitarlosCarlos]

SIMPLY COMMISSION HIM & THE INSTRUMENT IS YOURS CARLOS GUITARLOS 90042

[@Camstrat-bo2dl]

Luiz Felipe Yessss!!

[@marioverde7267]

Yeah, the heavy relic 🤘🏼

[@stevefrancis6898]

Take a sunburst strat put it on the top of your car go through a car wash for a week and then throw a cup of tea onto the pickups smack each retaining screw with a hammer, you'll have it

[@1777DK]

That razor blade levelling leaves me in ave every time.

[@chie1709]

Mills made the Black1 for me and let me tell you, he is immaculate with his neck/fret work. He does relic-ing, yes. But he also has fantastic craftsmanship with his guitars. He’s straight up and artist but also a luthier. You won’t regret the purchase.

[@darthsensei3838]

Hey there I had him make me blackie. Do you know know if he’s still making guitars?

[@chie1709]

@@darthsensei3838 first, congratulations for getting a Mills Custom Guitar! I’m not sure if he’s still making guitars now. I have not checked back with him. How’s Blackie going for you?

[@darthsensei3838]

@@chie1709 I gig with it constantly. I had been trying to contact him for another guitar as I’m really putting a lot of miles on it. I was blown away by his replica. I have access to the fender one replica too, and the one mills made is felt and looks identical. I haven’t had any issues I with it so I’d say it’s one of my faves at this point. How is your guitar? Do you still play it?

[@aarons.8656]

Hello to random person scrolling through the comments. I hope you have or had a great day!

[@FrancoAguileradonillan]

hope you have a great day also

[@PaulMcCaffreyfmac]

Thank you :-)

[@ncreb86]

Thanks! You too.

[@PaulMcCaffreyfmac]

I think this is meant for Aaron Marshall rather than me. That's the danger of threads I guess

[@ncreb86]

@@PaulMcCaffreyfmac You have a great day too, brother.

[@dylanpatrick9753]

Man great job! Your craftsmanship is amazing to watch! You should build a Keith Richards macabre telecaster!

[@jakeguitarguy]

Man the Fender Custom Shop has nothing on you! This looks incredible!

[@Victorgil02]

Can you do Billie Joe's "Blue" guitar?

[@Silex8080]

Insane video bro ! Please could you build a replica of the 1963 Jimi Hendrix Strat ?

[@wilhelmtheconquerer6214]

Keith Richards's "micawber tele" would be cool to see! Don't think I've ever seen any really faithful replicas of that guitar

[@Hilai619]

Ur skill is so higher and higher! Love ur videos and dreaming about seeing replica of Yngwie Malmsteen's "The Duck"

[@leftymadrid]

Holy crap, that's more like perfection! That's like painting a Picaso, all the details, and patience that goes into doing this art! Hell, now I know why they charge way more for a relic guitar...

[@Guitar_Floyd]

😊it's crazy that it's a completely new guitar but looks like it's been played for decades and how exactly they've repaired every bit of damage, very good work

[@chie1709]

I bought a John Mayer Black1 from Mills Custom Guitar and it’s worth every penny. Not only is his custom vintage craftsmanship impressive, the guitar sounds and feels fantastic. It’s intonation, action, and tuning is consistent and is as good as it gets. Congrats in this new awesome custom, MCG! ❤️

[@madeinheaven8329]

make an exact replica of the brian may red especial (with all its small details)

[@peterhopqk]

Do a replica of Police's Andy Summers Telecaster, that would be awesome

[@me-bk9er]

+1

[@CedricsSpecialLP]

What was so special about that one? Did I miss something?

[@peterhopqk]

@@CedricsSpecialLP Because it's not just a sunburst Tele. It's a '61 Tele that Andy bought from someone before he joined The Police. It features booster, phase switch and a humbucker, which is not on a regular Telecaster, but Andy used it during many Police tours (and studio recordings)

[@CedricsSpecialLP]

peterhopqk Ah okay. Thanks for the information.

[@wasabisushi128kb]

I haven't been with you from the start but watching all your vids, I love seeing the beard growth. Also, your work is just flooring. Awesome job!

[@noaahmilleer8072]

You should build a replica of jimmy pages dragon painted telecaster

[@The1queencollector]

What a craftsman, I am a new subscriber, very impressed. Try making a Brian May "Red Special". I know he makes his own replicas for sale but the challenge would be to make it exactly the way he made it with bike springs, pearl buttons, knitting needle ect. He has had it restored once but it's still full of scars and is still in full use today. It has had a couple of transformations from its early life, not sure you can get hold of a 200 year old fireplace mantle. Brian did produce a book of full specs for the old lady, hell if you made it he would probably put it on his website.

[@thh7164]

Build An Yngwie malmsteen's Duck replica, It would be awesome!

[@marloesbalk5158]

could you ever make a replica of Phil Lynotss (thin lizzy) fender bass ? love your channel

[@froag4003]

varmakiller that would be so cool

[@mikeyconnor]

Hell yeah

[@theelongmann5841]

Yes

[@guildofgamefails]

A Springsteen Tele would be amazing 😍😍

[@mathsoouzaa]

You'd also do some famous bass. Like, Cliff Burton, Jaco Pastorius, Steve Di Giorgio

[@marzzz1]

I have to admit, I am one of those people who doesn't understand the point of doing these "relic builds," but I greatly admire your attention to detail.

[@stewiegriffin4]

It would be awesome to see James Hetfield's Electra Flying V!

[@NULLANDV0ID]

Your wish was granted.

[@stewiegriffin4]

@@NULLANDV0ID you have no idea how excited I got!

[@eog5217]

What are the odds haha

[@CaptainCraigKWMRZ]

Outstanding! Thanks so much for giving us a glimpse into your process. And showing that even relicing isn't easy! Again, thank you.

[@LaMusicade4]

That defines an artist... attention to detail

[@Jason-wo5rr]

Great job my friend! Clapton does include a mid-boost circuit on all his signature series guitars and it’s rumored that he had one in blackie but who honestly knows for sure other than the fender custom shop? Either way you did a great job and a disabled blues punk like me would be lucky to own something like this. Maybe one day when I can afford such luxuries but until the day I win the lottery it’s the odd MIM strat for me (not that I’m complaining. I’m grateful to own any guitars) keep up the great work and I always look forwards to new videos from you.

[@harleck9119]

Maybe you could try to relic your MIM Strat. I planning to do it so

[@American_Jeeper]

From an interview with Lee Dickson about Blackie: -’56 Strat alder body -'57 Strat hard "V" shape one-piece maple neck -2 '56 Strat pickups & 1 '70 Strat pickup -The vibrato was blocked behind the bridge and the vibrato springs were tightened Over the years: -Several fret jobs -Pickup adjustments -A Five-position switch replaced the original Three-position toggle -The Volume pot was replaced But there is no mention of a mid-boost circuit.

[@darthsensei3838]

He had a twin of the original blackie made when he sold it. That one had a mid boost. The actual original 70s version did not have a mid boost.

[@kylethedalek]

@@darthsensei3838 Replica?

[@darthsensei3838]

@@kylethedalek according to Gruhns guitars, Eric had a clone made of his original black strat from the 70s but he had the mid boost and tbx added where his original had two 56 pickups and a 72 in the lead. On a side note I ordered this guitar from Mills Custom guitars and it’s one of the best playing guitars I’ve owned.

[@seattleday9690]

I always love Eric Clapton's Blackie strat and his Layla strat.

[@nicolecorbett9877]

0:53 didn’t expect this to be so close to the original

[@jackhopkins4679]

Man you knocked it out of the park brother

[@pmaicol]

You are my inspiration

[@joebaby555]

Your attention to detail is inspiring...wonderful job bravo! 😳

[@flyboymcgee8059]

Sir, the growth of your talent and channel is a grand thing to witness. Been a subscriber for years and your efforts are appreciated

[@NiftyPlymouth]

Wow! Awesome work😎🎸👍

[@thereallbking]

Please do Philip Sayce's Mother strat! It would be so amazing!

[@hekto34]

I loved your frankenstrat build videos, and I'd love to see you make his 5150 Kramer guitar :O

[@davemish4163]

I can't imagine the patience it takes to do all of that relicing.

[@AJS86]

Blackie 2 with the Lace Sensor pickups from the late 80s and 90s had the Mid Boost and TBX tone pot. Current ones like the Crash series have Fender Vintage Noiseless with the Mid Boost and TBX tone.

[@Megarobotsquadron]

Great stuff! The question is....when will we get a Neil young "old black"

[@nunoandradebluesdrive]

Man.. Such a wonderful job you do.

[@billsedge7360]

Now that’s an artist 👍

[@ayronquiazon3421]

Can you make a Keith Richards micawber telecaster

[@greentopvideos204]

Is it possible if you could do the VHII Bumblebee guitar?

[@notrealjustafigment2273]

That would be killer

[@amirnazran1198]

build a billie joe armstrong “blue” guitar

[@paintpasteljade]

Respect

[@ncreb86]

I don't have anything to say but "Amazing."

[@oneworld9071]

Interestingly I was just thinking about Blackie the other day when listening to the "Journeyman" CD....... in 1989 or so a dude had an extra ticket to the Clapton show in Washington, D.C. While I've loved Eric's playing since the late 60's, I'd never considered going to a Clapton concert...... but I jumped on that opportunity. This dude knew a luthier that had built at least one of Clapton's guitars, in Silver Spring or Bethesda, Maryland. We were to see the concert then go to a club in D.C where Eric would jam with the luthier....... getting a lot more enticing, this prospect. I recall the luthier's name was quite similar to "D'Addario", as in the guitar string brand. We're talking the Journeyman tour here....... it was way too much to expect to see Eric play at a club after the show, and the fact that part of the evening didn't materialize? The concert was exceedingly awesome. Eric evidently has frequented the Annapolis, Maryland area for some years...... once heading out to Chesapeake Bay on my boat, my ma was with us....... she points at a beautiful trawler style boat also heading to mouth of river...... "Wow...... check out the name of that boat!!!!! "Blue Guitar!!!!!" Eric's boat indeed :) Mills, your gig and skills are enviable........ nice video to stumble upon.

[@bobsorace8306]

Great job as usual Dillon!

[@pierrygomes]

Maybe, you are the best person who does replicas. Not only on youtube. My only BUT about all I saw is that, I believe the fretboard from the original Blackie was a little dirtier than yours. Well, I would like mine to be a little more dirtier, 'cause I always saw Blackie that way.

[@MrRafaelMatiazoguita]

Great relic working!! Amazing job!!!

[@guillermomelametz6595]

No me canso de ver a:estos artesanos del carácter del Alma de la guitarra sublime Saludos

[@aphcr7306]

*PLEASE DO A TYLER BRYANT CUSTOM SHOP STRAT REPLICA - THE ONE WITH THE SHAWBUCKER IN THE BRIDGE AND GOLD, VINE DECORATED PICKGUARD!!!!*

[@maxfreitas9333]

Perfect MCG. You have a lot of patience!!!

[@simplygreg17ify]

AMAZING patience & job overall...

[@BtR76]

I’d love to see a version of Mike McCready’s ‘59 Strat on here. That would be super cool.

[@jerrymorganjr]

Really interesting way of aging. Nice work!!

[@jaqueslagerweij6882]

would be cool to see a johnny ramone replica mosrite!

[@berkc06]

Wow! I been waiting since last year.

[@demarchiordie]

Another great build and video.

[@thomasmussari2819]

WOW! another great job. I luv your videos .

[@dougerikahazen542]

fantastic work all the way around

[@russnurse2b807]

Great job! Looks like a ton of work.

[@MK_2023.]

You should try to replicate Rory Gallagher's Fender Strat. That thing will surely give you a proper challenge from the paint (or lack of) as well as the electronics inside.

[@MillsCustomGuitars1]

I've definitely been wanting to for a long time, I'm just waiting for someone to order one from me so I can! After seeing Fender's terrible attempt at it I know I can at least do it justice!

[@MK_2023.]

@@MillsCustomGuitars1 I have to admit, Fender really did an awful job at trying to replicate his Strat! I hope someone orders one from you soon, it would be amazing to see your process for such a weathered guitar! Thanks for the video!

[@Victorbrotto]

Hey Mills, first off, as always, awesome replica!! I'am building a frankenstrat and I've been following the ''tips'' from your videos, I have some questions: What do you use to yellow the paint or wood? And what grit is the sandpaper you use to age the chrome hardware, and what kind of motion to make it look authentic? Thanks!!

[@harleck9119]

To age the chrome parts I think it' steel wool

[@oneworld9071]

Re: background music.......the chord changes to "I Shot the Sheriff" are so damn sweet........ there's more going on than just three or four chords I'd initially thought, I was pleased to find in a decent fake book.

[@berndkoelbl3852]

Serious work ! Great Job done !

[@lucas.serafico]

you rule, pal! would like to see ya doing Hendrix Olympic White Strat

[@billonbass2286]

Beautiful. Wery well done.

[@_RLP]

You just got a new subscriber. Stumbled on this by accident and it was a huge surprise.

[@eduardocorga]

Congratulations for the work man! You rule!

[@sixpenske1940]

BRAVO!! this was an awesome job !!

[@spazzyavalanche4563]

And then she’ll ask me do I look alright and I said no biatch you look horrible tonight 😂 You gotta love the Rock 😂

[@JRodizAwesome]

Would be cool to see you do George Harrisons rocky strat!

[@jcd248]

Wow beautiful work.

[@BigLate]

Whoever gave this a thumbs down should have permanent itchy-butt. SMH. GREAT job!

[@bobbyburrows724]

Excellent work for sure.

[@blairstackpole67]

Can you do “the fool” next

[@mellofive-o5036]

You should try Billie Joe Armstrong's Blue guitar

[@paintpasteljade]

The day he does thst is the day i switch to the soulja game

[@drdbailey]

Beautiful work. Inspiring!

[@GlassOnion-lh4hg]

Amazing job!!!!!!!!! Wonderful guitar

[@JayLGuitar]

There is a MDX circuit in the Clapton signature guitar. You can see him use it a lot on stage since he plays on Lace Sensor pickup (and fender vintage noiseless next).

[@donaldmoser212]

I think you mean TBX circuit. The Fender artist series guitars (EC signature) also include an active 25 dB mid boost circuit. The original Blackie didn't include these features. For around the last decade or so EC went back to standard single coil pickups versus the Lace Sensors, once Fender was able to make the noiseless feature of their single coils more effective.

[@jayanthkumar7964]

Heck of a build.

[@ramonainc.2019]

Please make George Harrison's "rocky" and Yngwie Malmsteen's "the duck" guitar, love your videos!

[@Rainman270]

Gawd, is that labor intensive.

[@dogger2186]

The EC Blackie had a Mid-Boost and TBX Circuit with a routed body for the mid-boost PC board under the pick guard and a rear routed cavity for the battery next to the spring!

[@johnwave2827]

I'd love to see a replica/mod with the sensor lace gold pickups and the midboost circuit and the soft v-neck :D

[@BruceColon-BSides]

Brilliant work. Love it.

[@frankdiscussion2069]

The original "Blackie" was just a strat Clapton put together from various strats he'd bought while on tour of the USA. The story goes that Clapton bought several old 1950's Fender Strats (they were cheap back then) gave a couple away and took the best parts off of two of them to build his famous "Blackie".

[@Treadplate367]

Man! This video had me grinning ear to ear. Great work. I’m blown away by your attention to detail! Definitely checking out your Facebook page. Going to put one of your customs on my “someday” list :)

[@gastonf.4997]

Your replicas are perfect dude, keep on the road!!!!!

[@user-po7ij3ju6l]

Hello, master builder

[@Greg-li5pw]

It's amazing❤❤❤

[@jerrymorganjr]

Fine job!

[@emysayer4796]

Love the scribit Stratocaster in the thumbnail lol

[@MillsCustomGuitars1]

What does that mean? lol