Eric Clapton’s (not so) Secret Guitar Mod

The Eric Clapton Signature Stratocaster stands out as a legendary instrument celebrated for its exceptional features, most notably the TBX Tone Control and Mid-boost circuitry. Crafted in collaboration with the iconic guitarist Eric Clapton, this signature model offers a level of tonal versatility rarely seen in other guitars. The TBX Tone Control provides an unprecedented range of sound shaping possibilities, allowing players to seamlessly dial in sparkling highs or warm lows with ease. Additionally, the Mid-boost circuit empowers musicians to push their solos to new heights, delivering a dynamic and expressive tone that truly captures Clapton's signature sound. Whether you're strumming soulful blues or unleashing fiery rock riffs, the Eric Clapton Signature Stratocaster, with its innovative TBX Tone Control and Mid-boost features, guarantees an extraordinary playing experience for musicians of all styles.
Table of Contents
00:00 Intro Jam
00:28 The Uniqueness of the Clapton Strat
01:29 No Other Strat Sounds Like This
02:43 The Magic of Lace Sensor Pickups
03:22 TBX Tone Control & Mid Boost
05:26 How does the Mid Boost Sound?
08:32 TBX Tone Control (Overdrive Tone!)
10:55 Getting These Tones (at different price points)
11:42 Thanks for Watching!
12:01 How to Support Us
Purchase an Fender Eric Clapton Stratocaster:
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CREDITS
Host/Co-Production: Mason Marangella
Videographer: Nico Sotomayor
Video Editing: Mason Mejia
Co-Production/Design: Mason Mejia
Audio Editing: Hunter Harrison
#stratocaster #ericclapton #guitarpedals #electricguitar

[@VertexEffectsInc]

Table of Contents 00:00 Intro Jam 00:28 The Uniqueness of the Clapton Strat 01:29 No Other Strat Sounds Like This 02:43 The Magic of Lace Sensor Pickups 03:22 TBX Tone Control & Mid Boost 05:26 How does the Mid Boost Sound? 08:32 TBX Tone Control (Overdrive Tone!) 10:55 Getting These Tones (at different price points) 11:42 Thanks for Watching! 12:01 How to Support Us Purchase an Fender Eric Clapton Stratocaster: USA - sweetwater.com/store/detail/StratECBLK--fender-eric-clapton-stratocaster-black-with-maple-fingerboard Custom Shop - sweetwater.com/store/detail/CSClaptonBK--fender-custom-shop-eric-clapton-signature-stratocaster-black Purchase a TBX Tone Control & Mid Boost Kit: fender.com/en-US/parts/controls-switches/stratocaster-mid-boost-kit/0057577000.html Purchase a Demeter Fat Control: demeteramps.com/product/mb-2b-midboost-fat-control-pedal/

[@kristopherk5454]

The TBX tone control is a stacked tone control with a detent at 5. From 1-5 it works like a typical 250k pot and from 6-10 it switches over to a 1 Meg pot and you get extra brightness. There is no mid-boost in that circuit. The mid-boost is the second tone control where it it boosts the 500Hz range from 0-25 db. Great demo of the wonderful sounds and application, but lacking in the details. Also, the saturation and sustain you get out of the mid-boost is due to the amp or pedal getting a boosted signal not distortion in the output of the guitar.

[@russellzauner]

Reminds me of that time Hartley hid the splitter in the tone knob.

[@timclarke2398]

I hate to be that guy but when you play Layla add a g note inbetween the chords on the run back up to the start of the riff, now that I'm typing it might've been for copyright reasons but knowledge is power

[@edwardkenney1522]

I bought a parts caster a few years ago. It has lace sensor hot gold pickups. It needs a nine volt battery which I found unusual. Is there anyway to tell if there is a TBX booster in the guitar without opening it up? I suspect there was some modification hence the nine volt.

[@metalmover]

We don’t need to practice….there was a piece of gear we didn’t know about.

[@kunkmiceter]

Story of my life. 😂

[@anthonypanneton923]

LOL!

[@rtaylor1105]

🤫

[@VertexEffectsInc]

100% buy gear, maybe you'll get better while you're at it? What do you risk?

[@anthonypanneton923]

@@VertexEffectsInc absolutely. there's no such thing as too many guitars or too many pedals!

[@micktheman6]

This guitar really comes alive when you don’t want it to sound like a strat. Perfect for Clapton.

[@VertexEffectsInc]

Yes!!!

[@Jamesfoofighter]

Clapton said back in the day 'you can't make a Les Paul sound like a Strat, but you can make a Strat sound like a Les Paul'.

[@micktheman6]

@@Jamesfoofighter true but you can do the Peter green mod and sort of get that sound

[@Mazut0]

​@@JamesfoofighterI'd say its vice versa, some pickups in coil split sound more Fender than Fender

[@vayabroder729]

Slowhand sounds better with a Gibson but he’s got some funky tones with Strats.

[@PeterSavad]

A great era for Clapton. I loved that tone, hearing those solos rip on the radio was a treat!

[@VertexEffectsInc]

Agreed!

[@maharishijetset4609]

Loved the demo… I’ve had this guitar since 1992 and think it is amazing. It was so nice to hear someone speak so positively about it: as I didn’t believe anyone liked these any more. I’m not a massive fan of EC’s sound (ironically) as he plays with a lot of drive (usually/in the 80s) and I think it hides the amazing clean 3D sound it produces. Sounds superb using my JTM running clean with a little reverb.

[@VertexEffectsInc]

I used a 66 Fender Bandmaster here on this video, not much gain, everything from the guitar.

[@Charlie6String56]

Fell for the Clapton Strat in 1989, love the lace sensor pup, but they kept dying, when they came out w/noiseless I converted. Now I’ve got 3 of ‘em. Great video Mason!

[@TheDilligan]

If anyone hasn't listened to Clapton's new definitive edition of "24 Nights" it is just incredible. The guitar playing and the tones are amazing. And I believe that would have all been on this guitar.

[@VertexEffectsInc]

Great tones on that Album - did they re-release the video?

[@TheDilligan]

@@VertexEffectsInc Not that I am aware of for video. But the new album is like a 3 disc version. 47 tracks. Disc 1 is standard Clapton. Disc 2 is all blues. Disc 3 is accompanied with a full orchestra.

[@dixiefallas7799]

I was there when it was recorded for the radio live it’s the complete show. It’s on KZbin. Cheers 🇬🇧

[@dixiefallas7799]

I’ve got tbx on my Fender Boxer P/J bass made in Japan. I wonder if it’s made by the same guy! Cheers 🇬🇧

[@oicsaywhat]

Still my man guitar since 1990, most versatile guitar I’ve ever owned .

[@VertexEffectsInc]

Yes!

[@mattilangofficial]

Got a 1990 Lace Sensor, too! 🎸🎸🎸

[@stickman55100]

That was truly enlightening! I had heard about a boost circuit in the EC Strat, but you clearly illustrates that it’s so much more. Great playing, too!

[@VertexEffectsInc]

Wow, thanks so much!

[@marcofuochi9444]

I've been looking for a review on EC' Strat as clear as this for many months... I like your playing and your way of explaining things. A huge thank you, Mason!

[@marpsr]

Bought my USA Standard Strat Plus in 1987, still love it! Gold Lace Sensors and TBX!

[@VertexEffectsInc]

Heck yeah!

[@kevinblythe2192]

Yeah. I owned a Strat Plus but sold it in the late 90's. Still regret selling it, even today, though I now own an Eric Clapton Strat.

[@charleshd7657]

Thanks! Was looking for that video for so long :). Perfectly informative and executed

[@martingalicia36695]

Great video! I love how you played tunes from the Pilgrim album. The Clapton Strat is the best signature guitar Fender ever made.

[@VertexEffectsInc]

Thank you very much! I agree!

[@cooper5882]

I own a Clapton Strat and is one of my favorite guitars . Its like the swiss army knife of guitars .

[@VertexEffectsInc]

Yes, indeed!

[@agriff4795]

Actually, the top tone control is the treble-bass expander(TBX). The 2nd tone control is just the mid boost (0-25 db).

[@VertexEffectsInc]

Hope you enjoyed the video!

[@xdoctorblindx]

I'm surprised Mason doesn't admit that he's got this so remarkably wrong. This should be pinned, because he is misinforming his entire audience.

[@xdoctorblindx]

It's also quite embarrassing that he doesn't HEAR that he is wrong while he is demoing the guitar and producing the entire video. You'd have to have never played guitar in your life to think that the TBX control boosts 500Hz. What it does is practically the exact opposite...

[@agriff4795]

@xdoctorblindx well, he isn't wrong concerning the effect that each knob has on the tone, just a technicality(which I am known for) but his description is pretty accurate.

[@Annunaki_0517]

Yes, exactly this. I have owned an original elite strat from new, and none of this video made any sense to me, he got the controls totally wrong. The middle tone knob is the normal tone control from zero to five, from 5-10 is the treble boost, the “third knob” or “second tone” knob is the MDX mid boost from zero to ten, with zero being the regular strat tone. There is no “internal compression” control anywhere in this circuit.

[@haymakersboston]

I haven't played my Blackie much recently, but it was my main axe when I was playing in a punk band (believe it or not). I would always say turning up the TBX would reduce the 'suck'...

[@VertexEffectsInc]

Heck yea!

[@djmc8505]

haha that's awesome!

[@chrismaines1285]

This is the model I have always wanted! Love all of the tone versatility.

[@DBakar]

I nave the 1983 Fender Elite. It’s a prototype but it has all the TBX and whatnot. I had it since the 90s.

[@DaveMac-sw3of]

Excellent Video on the Eric Clapton Guitar Style and the ( Secret Weapons ) / Electronic Modifications !

[@FuriousMess]

finished a partscaster a couple months ago that I put the Fender Clapton Boost in. VERY interesting tones from it. Glad to have taken the plunge.

[@VertexEffectsInc]

There's nothing else quite like it!

[@jwhitty14]

Totally nailed the 80's clean Rockman sound that every studio seemed to be using back then. Excellent video.

[@VertexEffectsInc]

Thanks for watching!

[@mattlangill1100]

Fun history lesson on this cool circuit! I worked on a Strat with this mod, and wow what a great tone with versatility.

[@VertexEffectsInc]

They can be great!

[@peevee605]

Stellar playing. Great tone. And Claptons strat. Great stuff.

[@davidharding200]

I enjoyed this. Nice work

[@spiratustreviso9885]

So beautifully played. You have an incredible touch on the guitar. I really enjoyed this video. 5 stars!

[@philf4086]

Mason, I've always really liked that Clapton Strat, there aren't many videos breaking it down like you did here. Thanks! Especially liked your playing on Change the World.

[@VertexEffectsInc]

🙏🙏🙏

[@giulioluzzardi7632]

They were the model up from the standard strat in the mid /late 80s, sold loads in UK. It is worth every penny. That Guitar sounds great through any amp, it can make a cruddy amp sound good. Thanks 4 the demo!

[@billmcnabb1037]

Nice demo. I learned what the tbx actually does. I’ve worked in several guitar shops over the years and we sold these and I knew they were nice. Now after all this time I know. Thx!

[@VertexEffectsInc]

Nice! Glad it was helpful!

[@ArturoGarcia-yq9ut]

Great playing style on Clapton's TONE!!! 🎸👍

[@VertexEffectsInc]

Thanks for listening

[@SoloDallas]

Bravo, beautifully explained and demonstrated

[@josephrogers9796]

I just completed My Eric Clampton mid boost on my Stratocaster. The sound is great and still learning. I had put together an AC receptacle with silicone diode and resistor to eliminate 60 cycle hum. No hum with tone pot all the way up and same with volume pot.

[@traviscrofton3480]

I have the Fender Deluxe Powerhouse Strat (early 2000s) and from everything I’ve read it’s the same exact circuitry, just with a slightly lower mid boost (which can be changed by swapping out resistors). So for anyone looking for a guitar like this, that’s definitely another option to look at. Thanks for the video and explanations!

[@robhorsey9906]

Well done video as usual! One of my dream guitars is a Pewter Clapton Strat with Lace Sensors. I believe the paint was a Mercedes color, and it just fit in so well with Eric's whole aesthetic at the time. Plus I really love the neck on these.

[@VertexEffectsInc]

Yes, and he has a Mercedes Blue color as well. Loved the 7 Up Green version as well.

[@ronroskowske6047]

I've had my Pewter EC Strat since 1990! Love it!

[@LuvHrtZ]

Wonderful description and even better playing.

[@VertexEffectsInc]

Wow, thanks!

[@hugomartinho2555]

Love this thing! I upgraded my strat with the clapton preamp and that guitar became my number one. The active tone control and the 25db midboost opens a lot of possibilities. Another great plus is the fact that you can lower the volume on the guitar without losing high end, the preamp does the "treble bleed" thing. I also ditched the 9v battery for a Fishman lithium battery pack (works as a back plate) so I can recharge the preamp with a cellphone charger. Cheers! HM

[@VertexEffectsInc]

Nice!

[@Chloe-cv6wm]

Its not an active tone control. Its a treble/bass boost which is done passively. The midboost is active.

[@trevorgwelch7412]

I bought a Clapton Strat and a 1965 Fender deluxe reverb amp and an OCD pedal . ✨✨✨🎸✨✨✨⚡️🇺🇸🎼🎼🎼🎼 I had a Custom Shop Malmsteen Strat - Amazing . Robin Trower mid. 1970's was pure genius .

[@jackbutler69]

I installed one in my Strat deluxe several years ago. Definitely one of the best mods I ever did

[@VertexEffectsInc]

Right on!

[@bradparker9664]

Well. I'm sold. One of those is going in my '93 Strat Plus. Great video.

[@gergemall]

Great sound . Thanks ❤

[@ric9452]

Great job my man 👍🏽👍🏽👍🏽

[@eaglewindrider7700]

Sounded awesome 👍🔥🎸🦅

[@francissavage3768]

@Mason thanks so much for the wonderfully informative video here amongst a sea of superb content you always manage to deliver. I really enjoy your insights here on KZbin and excellent playing both by you and the guests whom you collaborate with. Likewise, I was an early adopter and still massive fan of the Vertex Ultra Phonix still my go to OD on my rig. That thing is a Beast! It is fantastic tone in a small space, a classy phat toned pedal Mason, which I am delighted with. I have been considering getting the Fender EC Mid Boost in my go to Strat these past couple of months. My numero uno is a 1996 American Standard Strat that I have been modding frequently over the years. Presently I have it set up with the two stock standard Fender USA single coil PUps it came with in Neck and Middle position. I was never a fan of the original nasally single coil in the bridge position and at first tried a couple of different Pearly Gates, before finally settling on the Lollar Imperial for my bridge. I play frequently with Envelope Filters as well so the humbucker really opens up with my Mutron much more than the single coil ever did here. So clearly these are not standard noiseless pickups, (as I understand it), something you came back to extensively throughout the video on the EC Strat. ¿My question is would installing this EC Mid Boost tone configuration be unwise or worth the gamble to try out given the aforementioned present guitar configuration of my Strat? I have always really loved that throatiness in the tone that this Mid Boost delivers when you crank it up. I only learnt recently this was a fairly key element to ECs more overdriven Strat tone and again the crunchy elegance of which your playing here demonstrated nicely across various songs from the eras of the EC catalogue. I am just curious to what your thoughts might be given I have a Lollar in the bridge and not noiseless PUps should I decide to try this mod. Again much appreciated all you bring to the community. Francis

[@VertexEffectsInc]

You can buy this kit and install in a pedal or buy a pedal that's pre installed and it might be a less invasive way to see if you like it without having to route out a guitar for the PCB and Battery.

[@loupascarelli]

Love it all !! My playing days are over .. Great info ..

[@MrSkizicks88]

I’m so glad you made a video on this! My number one guitar since I was a kid has this inside. I bought it used and didn’t know it was in there until much later on. Recently it has started having issues so I need to fix it. Even thought about gutting it and putting in a totally different pickup system, but I can’t part with the sound! Your video was very insightful and has convinced me to try to fix what I have, thanks!

[@VertexEffectsInc]

Thanks so much for watching!!!

[@mnewln1800]

Red sensor in the neck position BUUUURNS! My favorite!

[@BuddyBlues]

I’m here for the Claptones! Maaaasonnnn got me on my kneeesss maaaaaason I’m beggin’ darlin please

[@VertexEffectsInc]

Hahaha!

[@newdaniel03]

Yessss I absolutely love the TBX circuit on my Clapton Blackie. Super versatile! I usually like the Tone kob to be at around 6-7 with a slight mid bump, and around 3-4 on a neck pickup for some mellow jazz tones. So sweet!

[@VertexEffectsInc]

Totally agree!

[@stingylizard]

Dig it! Enjoyed the vid👍 Wetook all that out and wired ours like a traditional strat with a set of '65s,just for drill. Never got around to putting it back like stock but now you've inspired us. Cheers

[@albertplaysguitar]

Gotta say, I always enjoy Mason's guitar playing! Very tasteful, expressive, and well executed.

[@VertexEffectsInc]

Thank you very much!

[@michael_caz_nyc]

Agree. ( but I'm in-Love, with my Lollar Vintage Dirty Blonde's ) on my Suhr SSS. My tone-search ended right there. oNe LovE from NYC

[@OldManRoo]

Brilliant demo! You showcased the sound capabilities of the guitar very, very well. Of course I want one now!

[@VertexEffectsInc]

Thanks a lot!

[@davidthompson3136]

I saved some screen video when you played Layla …… 👍😎🇳🇿🎸 Nice. Thanks for a great posting. Super tones. ✨

[@VertexEffectsInc]

Great! They're already cut and saved over on Instagram if you want to check out there!

[@cobar5342]

Very nice video

[@hoboroadie4623]

In 1977, I copied a two-transistor circuit from Popular Electronics magazine onto a little chip of breadboard and gave it to a friend of mine. He spliced it in under his pickguard and it actually worked, and into his OR80 it was really special. Ever since then I have been wanting to do that, and I might finally get to funding the Wierdocaster this year with a Treble Boost built in. It is on the list.

[@VertexEffectsInc]

Do it!

[@clownhands]

Armani suits without socks and shoes on stage, speedballs backstage, Bradshaw wet-dry-wet rigs…the 80s were a great era for Clapton

[@VertexEffectsInc]

I loved it. He also had a Cornish rack in the later 80's which was awesome. Two Soldano SLOs!

[@clownhands]

@@VertexEffectsInc my dad bought a VCR in ‘91 and taped Clapton 24 nights, and then Dire Straits On the Night in ‘93. As a kid I memorized every note and watched these concert videos till the tape literally wore out. Both Eric and Mark’s rigs on these tours were fronted with SLO 100s-as-preamps, and that ultra-smooth articulated high gain tone is literally the sound of my childhood and why a SLO100 sits proudly in my workshop today 😊

[@Michigunner]

Bought one of those back in the 90s. Nice guitar.

[@stevejarosz8136]

Dude…. Thank you. That’s just fabulous.

[@VertexEffectsInc]

You're welcome!

[@nic0vide0]

This is the best explanation of the system that comes with this guitar! I just picked up the CS version of this Strat.

[@VertexEffectsInc]

Amazing!

[@handle433]

Hey, the explanation isn’t correct. The volume knob is normal, the middle knob (TBX) is different. When it is at the turned halfway, it is a normal Strat sound. When turned up from this point it increases treble, when turned down from this point it increases bass. TBX means Treble Bass eXpander. The last knob (MBX) is a boost knob, 0 being +5db and 10 being +25db. MBX means Mid Boost eXpander. Hope this helps!!!

[@jumpskirt]

I bought a used Powerhouse Strat (the poor man's Clapton w. the same midboost control) years ago, and have not looked back! Most all of my strats now have the midboost circuit in them, and instead of the Lace sensors, I just use the Fender Noiseless pickups. I can't recommend this enough. SO versatile!!

[@craigmckinnon242]

I own one of those guitars. When you play Change the World Eric clapton . You did a great job, that sounded absolutely beautiful terrific playing!

[@JamItJohn]

Great video

[@jontypiper9881]

Ohh beautiful playing sir!

[@Patrick-857]

Lace pickups are divisive for sure, but I really like them. They are glassy clean.

[@damensmith9944]

Thanks for the info, I've got a 96 blackie, haven't used it for awhile so you've inspired me to get it out...

[@VertexEffectsInc]

Yes 👍

[@frankied1672]

First one I had was a Signature with Lace Sensors. Then went to a Custom Shop with Noiseless Pickups. Thank you for finally helping me to understand what the TBX Circuit does and how to use the 2 controls!

[@Buffalosoldier-fj6nt]

Did you have both guitars? Can you tell the differences between them , one gold lace sensor plus mid boost and noiseless plus mid boost..which do you prefer?

[@frankied1672]

No longer have the Signature with Lace Sensors. Still have the Custom Shop with Noiseless Pickups. That guitar is a keeper. To my ear, the Noiseless sound perfect. Best thing to do would be try both and see which one gets your attention. ✌️😎🎸

[@luckeyblues]

I have one 2004 Clapton strat, with Vintage Noisless pickups, amazing instrument... Great video!

[@VertexEffectsInc]

Glad you dig it!

[@RegularGuitars]

I have a partcaster with the Clapton mod, it's easily the second best strat I've ever played being the first an EC signature from the 90's

[@django02]

I have a EC Strat from the early 90s and on it the TBX is a treble boost control from the middle detent up, not a mid boost control. The lower tone control is the mid boost control which is what gives the really fat tone when you crank it up.

[@VertexEffectsInc]

Thanks for watching!

[@guitarshreder91]

Time to get into designing that circuit.

[@DavidLee-hj2sw]

Excellent 👌

[@stevegamiello6476]

How about the Jeff Beck Strat? I know there really nothing super special about the electronics, but how to set up the Trem like Jeff did, is fascinating

[@dimensionstomorrow]

Thanks for this. I have a ‘91 Strat Ultra, that I’ve had since 1991 (my first guitar), and I’ve never really understood the TBX.

[@tomsexton4880]

Great hot rod for your Strat, I installed one in a 2014” partscaster” Fender noiseless pickups, great upgrade to give you confidence to make your axe one of a kind!

[@VertexEffectsInc]

Heck yeah!!!

[@Dr.RajBaaaa]

One of the Best Ever Fender Strat, I've ever seen. Perfect Strat, for Perfect Clapton.

[@austinfailz]

The EMG DG20 setup does more or less something similar to the electronics in this guitar. Cool stuff.

[@Tonetwisters]

IIRC, the Clapton was Fender's first 9.5 board. I preferred the earliest models that had less mids boosting. The Lace PUPs were unique in that when you bent a note, it stayed loud rather than diminishing as it moved from polepiece to polepiece. (I used to have young ears!)

[@VertexEffectsInc]

Heck yea!!!

[@elberthooker9356]

I’ve got a Demeter dummy coil/mid boost strat setup that I had installed on a strat in the late 80s. It is currently in my parts drawer.

[@Swimant]

Thanks

[@BriantheLionNZ]

I went on a crusade to find the perfect Strat and chose this one, and for almost 20 years have not been able to put it down. The funny thing is, turns out I didn't have a clue how all that TBX stuff worked until watching your video. I thought the TBX only worked on the bottom pot. Thank you for your video, you really capture why I bought this guitar in the first place.

[@Cornholio1981]

A strat is very versatile, I have 2 Fender strats and a few pickguards, installed a little mod wich allows me to change the pickguards like a light bulp with the help of a quick connector, some pickguards have tripple p90's and humbuckers of all kinds. It's very good for recordings

[@williammiller8527]

Wow great video! I have an 83 Elite Tele and thought that was the end of DMX, and all the while they were hiding in Blackie! so much great info!

[@VertexEffectsInc]

🙏🙏🙏

[@alanhean6504]

Thanks dude❤

[@gregzen3458]

great vid. Layla sounded great

[@johnnyxmusic]

Good tones and playing!

[@VertexEffectsInc]

🙏🙏🙏

[@Theweeze100]

Have always loved the sound of these Strats! The “24 Nights” tone is iconic!

[@djmc8505]

Wooo! My favorite guitar. My mother got me a blackie when I graduated college and then I made a couple more later on. 2 of my 3 have different necks on them. Love playing all three. My favorite is either the blackie or one I made with a custom shop Clapton body and a Jimmie Vaughn neck. I've always wanted to try the lace sensor pups. Cheers players!

[@VertexEffectsInc]

Nice 👍 👍👍

[@aminahmed2220]

What a fantastic video have a wonderful day 😊

[@VertexEffectsInc]

🙏🙏🙏

[@havardgomo9294]

I have a Clapton artist signature with Noiseless And a Custom Shop ‘56 Clapton neck with Midboost/TBX and Abby red hot pickup. Great guitars..

[@VertexEffectsInc]

No doubt!

[@bentleybarnes-nu8km]

Awesome...let's do Zappa's guitar pre-amp next...had one in my guitar in the 80's could not afford batteries on the road..had to pull it..a schematic would be sweeet...your number 1 Mason thank you.

[@VertexEffectsInc]

That would be cool!

[@LA3Music]

I like to bring this to a session if I do t know what I’m expecting. It is versatile. In the mid nineties converted a MIM Strat into a Clapton cause I couldn’t afford to buy a real one at the time. Still play it a lot.

[@VertexEffectsInc]

Great guitars, no doubt!

[@WeekendWarriorGuitars]

Very interesting. I use a J Rockett Archer Clean with my Strat and it serves as a mid boost. I don't get exactly the same sound from it as you're getting here but it does thicken up the sound in nice way 👍

[@danielfrabotta5501]

Great tones and great playing as well. This is giving me some fun ideas. 😏

[@VertexEffectsInc]

🙏🙏🙏

[@stratfanstl]

Good overview. I have a 1992 Trat Plus with 3 single coil Lace Sensors (bridge=Red, middle=Silver, neck=Blue). They provide the widest range of tones on any of my guitars (Les Paul, ES-335, Melancon custom tele). The red bridge comes close to a Les Paul bridge, the Blue neck is close to a neck humbucker, the Silver is about the same as a regular strat middle (good for blues) and bridge+middle still does the classic quack or honk of Sweet Home Alabama. Later got a Highway 1 strat around 2007 that a dealer had upgraded with Rio Grande pickups. Never sounded right, was shrill with distortion and had too much magnetic drag. Replaced all three with 3 Gold Lace Sensors. Sounds WAY better.

[@aldersmoke1]

That Custom Shop Strat blew the Clapton one away. The Clapton sounds fizzy and harsh, even clean.

[@VertexEffectsInc]

You must not have played many 50's Strats. That's called "jangle" I'll take that in a recording any day for a rhythm part.

[@kyledriscollmusic]

yea I agree, although my criticism would be a bit more subdued, passive is the way to go

[@beargonefission6160]

Okay, but is the TBX into a Lab Series doing the Elite preamp thing well enough for people chasing Ty Tabor’s early King’s X tone?

[@VertexEffectsInc]

Great tone there too, no doubt!

[@kellyhinkelman8591]

97 tbx plus has no battery buddy guy ,3 lace golds.very wide effect s luv it.

[@andrewmacphie8069]

Ach, amazing, that is the best strat I've heard, damn!!! Great job dialing in that tone and sounding great on the demos!!! Which amp did you use in this video?! Thanks! :)))

[@VertexEffectsInc]

Mid 60s Fender Bandmaster with some Delay and Reverb from a Source Audio Collider and some chorus from a Boss CE-2

[@danthedem]

I put the EC midboost kit in all of my strats. And your's has the CORRECT pickups, the Gold Lace Sensors. I hate the Vintage Noiseless pickups they put in them now (I had mine replaced with Lace Sensors and now, Fender Fat 50's pickups). I'm, ironically, selling my EC strat but saving my other strats (which have the EC midboost). I highly recommend anyone looking for that 80's/90's EC live tone to look into a strat with the EC Midboost and Gold Lace Sensors. An amazing tone! Very nice job (both playing and discussing this unique feature) Mason. Glad someone appreciates the EC strat's unique tone and circuitry.

[@VertexEffectsInc]

Such great guitars and the Lace pickups are KEY! Agreed 100000%

[@danthedem]

@@VertexEffectsInc that neck profile made the strat more accessible to me.

[@fperez74]

Hello! What do you think about this mod but with hot noiseless instead of lace sensor? Beautiful played btw!!!

[@dwightvoeks9970]

Great sounding guitar. I can no longer play, i have arthritis in my wrists and it's working its way into my finger joints, but I still dream of a cure and being able to play again and still follow many guitar related videos. I sold most of my collection many years ago but held on to a couple favorites just in case a cure comes along

[@johnjames77]

You sound great ! I am a beginner and I could play Layla like you just did I would not be able to quit smiling.

[@telecasterguitarslinger]

I love that guitar but it’s a pain changing the battery. Great licks Mason !

[@VertexEffectsInc]

Really, I like that it's in the backplate so you don't have to remove the pickguard. I've actually had mine routed so it just covers the battery with two screws.