Eric Clapton’s (not so) Secret Guitar Mod

[@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.

[@bikersoncall]

@@timclarke2398 My guess is that the one note would definitely not fool the C sensoring software.

[@mateuszt6498]

I have the MIJ "totally not a Clapton" Fender with all the Clapton electronics, my god what a fantastic setup, it is the one guitar to play all the sounds on, and the lace sensors are truly great pickups.

[@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.

[@billbob4856]

Just finished modding a Bullet Squire with a salvaged pre-wired pick guard from an EC strat I found on Ebay (Stratosphere parts). It took some effort with a router for the circuit board and battery to fit, had to dremel the jack hole in the body out some more (and angle the new jack correctly on install), and put Fender saddles on the bridge, but this thing ROCKS now. It can go brighter than a normal strat w/ the TBX control maxed and the midboost really does get close to a Gibson tone. Close enough for me anyways. You don’t need the midboost on max either. 3-4 goes a long way. 10 is usually overkill but nice to know it’s there.

[@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.

[@PeterSavad]

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

[@VertexEffectsInc]

Agreed!

[@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!

[@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.

[@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 😊

[@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!

[@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!

[@spiratustreviso9885]

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

[@jfxberns]

Great demo of what Mid-Boost / TBX does, how it works, how it sounds and examples of Clapton tones. Well done.

[@peevee605]

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

[@MarkWamhoff-k8v]

I enjoyed your tutorial of the different tone circuits of the Clapton Stratocaster. The explanation with demonstration for the guitar's flavors of tone and sound. It was fun to listen and explore another wonderful creation from Fender and E.C.!

[@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]

🙏🙏🙏

[@oicsaywhat]

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

[@VertexEffectsInc]

Yes!

[@mattilangofficial]

Got a 1990 Lace Sensor, too! 🎸🎸🎸

[@blueskycrying]

I also have a 1990 Strat plus deluxe not a Clapton signature but still an amazing guitar

[@naefbasile1677]

This very knowledgeable gentleman has produced a very informative video. There is something I should say about the LACE pickups. The interior of a LACE pickup is extremely different from the noiseless pickups having the traditional magnet posts. The LACE pickup is drastically different in sound from the noiseless pickups that have the traditional alnico pickup posts. If you look at a photos of the inside of a LACE pickup on the LACE site, you will understand just how different a LACE pickup is. The sensors inside of LACE pickup are radically different technology. I am mentioning this because when Cream reunited in 2005, Clapton’s “Blackie” had the traditional noiseless pickups with Alnico pickup posts. There has to be reason why he used a “Blackie” without LACE pickups. I wanted to point this out, because during the 2006 Cream reunion, his guitar sounded better than it has ever sounded--with traditional magnetic posts on noiseless pickups. There has to be some reason why he prefers the traditional pickup posts. I am bringing this up because until you have seen the inside of a LACE pickup, you may not know why they sound so different . They have their OWN sound, different from a traditional magnetic-posts pickup. The 2005 reunion of Cream has Clapton using the traditional magnetic-posts in a noiseless pickup. The sound was the best I have ever heard from Clapton live. Just be aware that the “Blackie” pickups Clapton used for the 2005 reunion of Cream were not LACE pickups. You can stream the 2005 reunion concerts from the “ARTFLIX” streaming channel.

[@charleshd7657]

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

[@ArturoGarcia-yq9ut]

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

[@VertexEffectsInc]

Thanks for listening

[@Zach-Rosicka]

Love this sig! Great demo, Mason! Sounded fantastic✅💪

[@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!!

[@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 🇬🇧

[@LarryFoley-g4m]

Clear and concise. Best demo skills, I’ve seen!

[@davidharding200]

I enjoyed this. Nice work

[@jonorourke4857]

Have one with Noisless pups. Fantastic guitar which works best with a dirty amp - or a clean one with low headroom. Like if you turn up say a Fender BDV to 8 and play this through it, that boost get's really thick and beefy with the TBX in the middle. Really a very very good guitar.

[@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.

[@Dr.RajBaaaa]

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

[@OldRunt]

I'm on my 3rd EC strat and have scoured the web for info on it actually working. This is the first time I have heard this explanation. Thanks!

[@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.

[@Theweeze100]

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

[@SoloDallas]

Bravo, beautifully explained and demonstrated

[@DaveMac-sw3of]

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

[@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.

[@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!

[@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!

[@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.

[@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!

[@bradparker9664]

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

[@OldManRoo]

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

[@VertexEffectsInc]

Thanks a lot!

[@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!!!

[@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!

[@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!

[@luckeyblues]

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

[@VertexEffectsInc]

Glad you dig it!

[@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.

[@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!!!

[@shechshire]

I want it in Torino Red with the maple fretboard. Looks beautiful & sounds beautiful.

[@LuvHrtZ]

Wonderful description and even better playing.

[@VertexEffectsInc]

Wow, thanks!

[@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.

[@mnewln1800]

Red sensor in the neck position BUUUURNS! My favorite!

[@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!

[@rockers2rockers616]

Except it is wrong . Blackie was a Stanđard Stratocaster with no extra electronics .There is a video of Fender custom shop take apart Clapton blackie guitar and it a Stanđard guitar

[@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 ..

[@Patrick-857]

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

[@petegasper2806]

The absolute most powerful guitar in the world with its active circuit giving its stacked Humbuckers ( vintage Noiceless) 1-2 volymt output. Passive guitars have 0,1 to 0,3 volts output. The Clapton signature Stratocaster is always active and does not Work without batteries. It has a preamp that gives it 25 DB mid boost. 25 DB mid boost is 17,78 volt output if you count on 1 volt. 2 volt output gives 35,56 volt output then it also had another 6 to 12 DB boost through its TBX system making it a 31 to 37 DB boost total. At 25 DB mid boost The Clapton signature Stratocaster has 140 times higher output than a Gibson Les Paul with a PAF Humbucker. Thats counting it on a 1 volt battery output in The Clapton signature Stratocaster. If you count Gge Active pick up is 2 volts arge Clapton signature Stratocaster has 280 times higher output than a Gibson Les Paul. Though Gibson Les Paul are known to be very low output.

[@ElliottShannonhouse]

Hey Mason! This is Elliott; we met on the street in San Anselmo last week when the Wibury tribute band was playing. Out was nice to meet you.

[@VertexEffectsInc]

Hey Elliott! Thanks for commenting here! Nice to run into you!

[@mikejproduction]

Very Cool. I've been playing this exact guitar for the last nearly 10 years, and i learned something today with its history and the details of how it shapes the tone i love. It's my main workhorse!

[@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!

[@KRAZEEIZATION]

I bought one in 2020 for a good price. It’s a 1996 year model and I love the V shaped neck. It’s a pity it has 22 frets. Nitro would have been excellent too! I had to replace the bridge pup as it was shot. Luckily I got the exact Lace Gold replacement.

[@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

[@madshamanstudios]

Nice video! I think some of my favorite Clapton recordings were done with this Lace sensor/tbx system. I personally don't think they sound like Strats or Gibsons, and I think your video shows us how they differ actually. Really unique. Somewhere between the single coil and humbucker tone, and that's what makes it cool in its own way - especially in the hands of a Clapton or someone who can really play. I personally love the Eric Johnson pickup set on my 62 reissue, but I'm a die hard fan of true single coil tone!

[@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!

[@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!

[@3Torts]

haha that's awesome!

[@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

[@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. ✌️😎🎸

[@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!

[@jwhitty14]

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

[@VertexEffectsInc]

Thanks for watching!

[@austinfailz]

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

[@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

[@tonelocrian]

Nice playin' Uncle Mason. I liked hearing the Babyface collaboration. Nice progression.

[@VertexEffectsInc]

Babyface is a genius

[@tonelocrian]

I jammed with him once at McCabe's. He told me : 'you sing pretty good, man'

[@3Torts]

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 👍 👍👍

[@IamPoppaGallo]

What I would like to see is an Eric Clapton signature played through your SSS double preamp. That would be a great demonstration.

[@syd4444]

I bought my brother a Clapton Sig Strat in 2002 to repay him for a favour he did for me a few years earlier, unfortunately he past away a few weeks ago and I have inherited it back from him. When I first played it I was very disappointed and wondered what all the hype was about. It felt strange in my hands as I like a fatter neck and a higher action, but having gotten used to playing it, I now have to say it is one of the best Strats I’ve ever played and the tone controls are brilliant. R.I.P. Roger, your guitar is now my No 1 Many thanks little brother.

[@danielhartman5086]

Very sorry to hear about your brother my friend. He is looking down on you with a smile on his face saying Thank you my brother for looking out for my beautiful guitar. Rip.

[@PeteCalandra]

The riff for. Layla was Duane Allman’s contribution to the song. They recorded the guitars on the album using cranked tweed Champ amps. There are videos where Tom Dowd talks about this.

[@VertexEffectsInc]

Was that just a statement for the good of the order, or was there something in the video that conflicts with this? I thought that was all common knowledge.

[@OtherTheDave]

Oh? I didn’t know that. Thanks!

[@PeteCalandra]

Just a statement. Not everyone knows that. @@VertexEffectsInc

[@stevejarosz8136]

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

[@VertexEffectsInc]

You're welcome!

[@RustyRaceHorse]

What made Clapton great was that he could play the guitar, and sing, and write, and he didn’t overdose at 27.

[@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!

[@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!

[@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!!!

[@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.

[@RandyFricke]

One of my Strats has an LPB-1 circuit wired in to the bottom tone pot and the second tone pot is global tone control. I have DiMarzio HS-3 pickups in the bridge and neck and I don't use the middle pickup at all.

[@VertexEffectsInc]

Very cool!

[@RandyFricke]

@@VertexEffectsIncThanks Mason. The 9v battery lays in there perfect. I have to unplug it when in use but even if I forget it lasts a long time. I set the guitar up to Jeff Beck specs.

[@victorbeebe8372]

Aloha! I used to have a Black Walnut Stratocaster Elite that had the TBX and dummy coil. That was nice guitar.

[@VertexEffectsInc]

Nice!

[@richardjohnson2331]

I've had a Clapton strat since the 90s. I did change the Lace Sensors out for Vintage Noiseless like the current Clapton strat uses. They are less compressed sounding to me. I also swapped the TBX for a normal tone control. It is such a versatile guitar with the mid boost.

[@Jamesfoofighter]

I believe Clapton has normal tone controls fitted to the versions he receives from the CS.

[@VertexEffectsInc]

They're great guitars. I prefer the Lace pickups to the Fender versions.

[@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.

[@MarzLast]

All the boost circuit and tbx were all from the fender elite 1983/94 used in claptons strat in 86 also in the fender powerhouse strat with noiseless pickups from the 90s .

[@BuddyBlues]

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

[@VertexEffectsInc]

Hahaha!

[@karl1949]

I’m partial to ‘If I could change the world’, that was nicely played and the tone has a rich fullness ~ satisfying sustain over all though hey’ MuchoG ~ Mason

[@2500BC]

Paul Gagon designed the TBX and MDX I heard. He pit those in the Elite and also did the dummy coil in the Elite series (it was a common trick back then). Clapton later asked for more boost and Paul was gone by then as he designed the mid 80’s Charvel/Jackson pickups and…some were made on Fender tooling from CBS closing down the Fullerton plant after selling Fender. A lady named Abby Ybarra made the pickups…she later returned to Fender as did the tooling.

[@VertexEffectsInc]

James Demeter did, it’s explained in the video.

[@2500BC]

@@VertexEffectsInc oh it says in the video? Then it must be true! That’s why I said “i think” as this was what i had understood from back in the 80’s - you’re saying Demeter did the design for the internals of the Elite that launched in ~83? While you are researching that, my understanding is that Demeter did not license the design to Fender as he had hoped, they did their own version. Later on the mid boost was re-done 2 or 3 times for Clapton to add db of gain (and not sure what else). I do not have an understanding of who designed those. I dont know if the tbx and mdx (the first version of the mid boost ore-Clapton) is a close enough circuit to what Demeter designed. So is the pedal a) what Demeter designed but Fender did not use b) the same as the Clapton circuit which was truly designed by Demeter (and not inspired by but designed by Fender) or c) same as Clapton circuit which Fender contracted to Demeter to design? Not trying to marginalize Demeter, just genuinely interested in the truth and giving credit where it is due. Dummy coils were already in use in the aftermarket as were on board preamps and novel tone controls. I’m curious if the design Fender used was a literal design by Demeter or if they ultimately designed something similar but not the same. And I’m curious if Demeter was involved in the modifications to the MDX that lead to the circuit used in the production Clapton models.

[@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]

🙏🙏🙏

[@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.

[@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!

[@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!

[@billthepainter5106]

The EMG DG-20 David Gilmour signature loaded pickguard has a similar setup. He had the set in his Red Strat.

[@VertexEffectsInc]

Yes! Cool preamps too!

[@papawx3]

All Strats from the Plus models on up from 1988 to 1996 had Lace Sensor pickups, TBX tone control with mid boost. The only differences between the more common Plus models and the Artist models were the finish colors and the neck profiles. Some artist models had a scalloped fretboard. I have a near mint condition 1996 Plus model in natural ash that is just gorgeous. It has the Lace Sensor "Golds" in it, which sound the best to my ears over the other Lace pickups. Once you get used to having a TBX tone control, you will always want them in any other Strats you may own. I have put them in my other two Strat style guitars {1990s Peavey Predator, 1980s Fernandes}. I also have a 2017 Eric Clapton model that came from the factory with it, but with Fender vintage noiseless pickups. They sound very different than the Gold Lace Sensor pups, not better or worse, just different. I'll probably swap them out for some Seymour Duncan Vintage Flat poles, my favorite Strat pups of all.

[@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!!!

[@paulpane2113]

Eric was my hero when I was 13 playing Cream in my room and trying to get a sound on my Les Paul copy (Univox). Now I understand 55? Years later…

[@erictripton]

LOL, I have this kit to install in a Malmsteen strat. Being a big Ty Tabor fan, this preamp is part of the secret to get his tone as well as Clapton.

[@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.

[@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

[@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!