My Friend BOUGHT A Customshop Strat | Clapton 'Blackie'

Hi folks, as promised a special guitar on the channel from the Fender custom shop. What did you think of it? I was suprised at how much i grew to like the idea of having alot of boost built into the guitar - but it would take some time to get used to knowing where all the tones are. If you havent seen the last video with steve and the les paul you can check that out on the channel. Thanks for watching!
Steve's KZbin:
/ @stevenpricehereford
You should check Steve's Soundcloud link for his originals and covers:
/ user-965087508
#Clapton #Fendercustomshop #Blackie
My Reverb Shop: reverb.com/uk/...
My bandcamp: pauldavis2.ban...
My facebook: / pauldsmusic

[@davidsillars3181]

Oh heck. That sounds amazing. The sounds from that are jaw dropping. Of course the guy playing it has chops. Excellent.

[@Paul-D]

Thanks for watching 🤟

[@pajguitar]

First saw EC in Dublin, 2004. Was a few feet away and couldn't believe how his strat was going from clean to so loud without pedals. At full pelt could actually feel and taste the tone. I got the pick he used for the gig ( which i clung on to in a wallet terrified of the " EC and his band 2004 " writing coming off until i could get it back to the UK. He had a tweed style amp made by cornell. The settings were volume - full - bass,mids and treble all on 7ish. I bought a CS EC strat not long after - and is still as good today as then. When ive been in cover bands, ive had to abandon the clean channel on full and use pedals ( for things like Pink Floyd songs etc ) or amp gain channel switches and it still works fine, just the boost wont be so prominent . Anyone attempting the EC tactic of clean channel on full for gigs might want to get an amp attenuator as it can leave you and everyone in the room with tinnitus and paint peeling off the wall. This guy playing is pretty much spot on with his analysis

[@Paul-D]

Thanks for watching 🤘🤘 Cool youve still got the guitar all these years later. Its definitely a guitar set up that you have to get to know i felt

[@KRAZEEIZATION]

I’ve a 1997 “blackie” Signature and it’s a very clever circuit but it doesn’t work with every amp. I’ve the Lace Sensor Gold in mine. I really love the deep V neck on the guitar.

[@keoni927]

Thanks you guys for a great demo of the Clapton Strat. This is one of the best demos I've seen on youtube and there are quite a few out there. What amp were you using in this demo? You really have Clapton's tone figured out. Mark Knopfler's as well. I've heard lots of guys say they don't like the Clapton Strat but from what you showed us in this video I'm guessing all those guys were probably not using the controls properly nor were they using an amp with the volume turned up like Clapton does. That's the whole trick right there. Thank you for explaining that to all of us. Great job!!!

[@Paul-D]

Thanks for the comment and taking time to watch 🤘 it is for sure an instrument you have to get to know. The amp was just a boss katana head and marshall jcm900 212

[@mattilangofficial]

No-one inspired me more than EC. On my new album I play a 1990 Blackie and and 2010 Blackie. The sound is so unique. Thank you Eric for the soundtrack of my life 🎸🎸🎸

[@jubjub905]

The Elite Strat from ‘83-‘84 had a 6db mid boost. Clapton wanted the boost that had but wanted even more. He wasnt the first.

[@feelthebowes]

FANTASTIC playing! Obviously a great study of Clapton’s style of playing… You can tell just by his finger positioning. Looks exactly like ECs hand on the fretboard!!

[@Paul-D]

Im sure Steve would appreciate the kind words, He has studied Claptons and others playing for many years.

[@feelthebowes]

@@Paul-D He does a great job in this video of mimicking some of the most legendary playing very accurately! Knopfler as well!

[@DeOmnibusDubitandum76]

The CS wood selection takes the guitar to a top-drawer level. One can play it unplugged and can appreciate the resonance by itself. I own a EC custom shop and one of those limited editions with EC's favourite car colours, and the Ltd edition is even more resonant that the CS! The vibration match of the neck and the body really makes a huge difference. Instruments to cherish forever.

[@Paul-D]

The only thing i dont personally like is the tiny tiny frets haha

[@DeOmnibusDubitandum76]

@@Paul-D Very true. Impressive bending technique by EC to bend like that with that metal floss on the fretboard!!!! :0)

[@handle433]

Clapton Stratocasters are the misunderstood Swiss Army Knife of guitars. I watched a Norms video where Micheal Lemmo played one with the boost all the way up for the whole video. People who say that it doesn’t sound like a Stratocaster don’t fully understand how to use it. If you don’t understand the tools on your Swiss Army, it’s just a knife!

[@Paul-D]

Definitely - they take some proper working out and playing with the levels

[@1355Anthony]

I admit, I was a V-Neck hatter, then a friend had me barrow his older Martin, and admittedly took a few days, but man I really like the V-shaped Neck now. It’s just completely comfortable.

[@petegasper2806]

Be aware that the Clapton Stratocaster with the boost of has 12 DB mid boost. The same as a hot Gibson Les Paul. As Humbucker power doubles with every 3 DB mid boost a 15 DB mid boost guitar has the double Humbucker power of a 12 DB mid boost guitar ( Gibson Les Paul) a 18 DB mid boost guitar has 4 times the Humbucker power of a 12 DB mid boost guitar. A 21 DB boost guitar has 8 times the Humbucker power of a 12 DB mid boost guitar. A 24 DB mid boost guitar has 16 times more Humbucker power than a 12 DB mid boost guitar. At 25 DB mid boost the Clapton Stratocaster is more than 17 times more powerful than a Gibson Les Paul Humbucker wise. The reason it starts at 12 DB mid boost is because it has Humbucker pick ups. Vintage noice less pick ups are Humbuckers. The Lace senzor pick ups that were there earlier were even more powerful than the Humbucker pick ups in the Clapton signature Stratocaster. So this is as far away from a Stratocaster you can possibly come. Clapton himself does not see it as a Stratocaster. He writes in his self biography he used a Stratocaster for 8 to 11 years. He started playing the Stratocaster in 1974 ( yes his earlier solo albums were recorded with a Gibson Les Paul ( see page 179 in his self biography ). In 1982 Clapton was fed up with the Stratocaster and signed for a Company called Strings and Things. They made his first signature guitars and had great Humbucker guitars. Clapton at this time was looking for the most powerful Humbucker guitar available. A year or 2 later Fender offers Clapton the most money ever given to a guitarist to sign with Fender. Clapton answers ” If you can make Me the absolute most powerful Humbucker guitar in the world I sign with Fender ”. Fender suceeds with making the absolute most powerful Humbucker guitar the world has ever seen and Clapton signs with Fender. Thats the guitar Clapton has used since early 1986 and became the Clapton Stratocaster in 1988. Its without a doubt the absolute most powerful Humbucker guitar in the world still today. Clapton played a Stratocaster from 1974 to December 1985 but has to deduct the contracted time with Strings and Things and therefore Clapton says he played a Stratocaster for 8 to 11 years. If you buy this guitar be sure to have a very powerful amp as a normal amp Will break down immidiately from the brutal power of the Clapton Humbucker Stratocaster.

[@solotralafolla]

Wonderful. I have a normal EC no custom shop. And I loved

[@Paul-D]

Right on

[@EC_IS_Here]

Now thats good playing...LOved the video How amazing clapton was, did it lokoing at the sky with his eyes closed

[@Paul-D]

And still playing lots of gigs to this day, legend

[@07989074102]

I’d love this guitar in the burst finish 👌

[@Jamesfoofighter]

Great vid. I believe, though correct me if I'm wrong - Clapton has the TBX removed from the models he receives, as he was never using it. The 'boost' is always on - when at '0' it's still working and providing a 6db boost.

[@Paul-D]

Im not sure on that one to be fair have to look it up, Would seem odd if he did considering its supposed to be to his specs haha.

[@Jamesfoofighter]

@@Paul-D it wasn't mentioned in the recent gear tour his tech did for Premier Guitar, but he did mention the 5 way switch was only a 3 way on Clapton's ones he uses on stage.

[@simondbarnes]

Enjoyed that. Hadn't really paid attention to how different Clapton's Strats are to a "standard" one despite growing up listening to his music, useful insight 👍

[@Paul-D]

thanks for watching, its a pretty different beast!

[@franckrichard8077]

I ordered mine in August .... the dealer said 18 months before getting it !!!! I know it will worth the wait (I already had a 1998 version with Lace PU), and patience is a virtue .... I just have to study and work hard, in order to have the feeling of deserving a guitar like this .

[@Paul-D]

Wow 18 month wait! Thats more patience virtue then i could stand hahaha. Thanks for checking the vid out

[@curtismeikle3141]

I’ve got a white one (non custom shop) and I love it. It’s the first Stratocaster that I’ve felt comfortable on

[@Paul-D]

I think it takes a certain level of playing to be able to get the most from a clapton strat. Im not quite there but Steve can for sure.

[@EdCoombesDogs]

Loved the intro jam the custom shop is amazing but to be pair thought the player series sounded really good 😁👍

[@rick00770]

Awesome sound, I want one. Big Clapton fan. Been playing for 60 years. Just can't afford . But maybe one day. Awesome playing ,my favorite tone is the 2nd from bridge.

[@Paul-D]

Luckily you can get almost the same guitar that isn't a custom shop, But they're still expensive, then again most things are now and seems to be getting more expensive faster then ever too!

[@riff1964]

Nice demo. I am also a happy CS-EC Strat owner. I do not know if I would say it is light though. Mine is 8lbs 1 oz (with leather strap), I have a 23 year old MIM basic strat that is 7lbs 11oz.

[@ridingblues]

Having a battery for this guitar at first bugged me - for years actually. But it is not a big deal. I hadn't checked the 9v for a long long time and use the EC Strat a lot. It was at 8.8v still so they do last a long time. This video shows the correct way to play it too :)

[@Paul-D]

Thanks for watching 😁

[@simonsmith2642]

I play a 10/56 neck on my 56CS but had dual mag pickups from the shop in it, if you like a V like a 57 soft V try a 10/56 V… Its a cross of everything I love about Gibson and Fender combined the best of all.. I love it and its nice on older bluesy hands. I love 335’s and the 10/56 is like that but less shoulder and a bit skinnier nut. Its very comfy. But Im thinking about a Clapton strat, even with its thinner neck. Because its so versatile. I wish I could get it with a 10/56 neck though.

[@djcurtis9547]

Great tone and Vibrato and playing I'm in the process of Ordering The Fender Custom Shop Eric Clapton Signature Stratocaster To me this Stratocaster is the ULTIMATE STRATOCASTER THANKS FOR THIS INFORMATIVE VIDEO IT CONVINCED ME TO BUY A REAL GREAT PROFESSIONAL STRATOCASTER

[@Paul-D]

Congrats its definitely one of those dream ticket guitars. It does take some getting to know and have to be very hands on with it but it is a strat like none other

[@ALNlemtor]

Nice playing and oh my I love this guitar , it has been Clapton's secret tone for years . Too expensive though. Super great review here again. I think this is the best review on this guitar so far. BTW Paul, you had done a review 2yrs back on Aria mac series and I realized that review was enough and suffices for both Aria Mac series and Aria mac STD. more or less the same. finally restored my mac series but have not done any video on that yet . too lazy me LOL. anyways cheers!

[@Paul-D]

Thanks for watching 🤘

[@mikec3454]

I had the non-Custom Shop version of the Clapton Strat and I loved it. I’m a total idiot for ever selling it haha..

[@mikedr1549]

It's taken me a bit to get used to the vintage frets on mine - but otherwise it's terrific. Definitely has the Clapton Tone in it!

[@Paul-D]

It would take me a very long time to get used to the vintage frets too haha

[@davidlloyd3243]

The circuitry came from a Fender "Elite" Stratocaster, which was a weird deluxe strat from the early-mid 80s... gold hardware, walnut body, upgraded trem, ebony fretboard, push button pickup selectors. Looks very dated today.

[@Paul-D]

Ah nice one ill look them up out of interest. Wonder how one of those got into claptons hands to begin with haha.

[@_leopold_butters_stotch_]

I like the lace sensors way better. Check out his sound on the video Live in Hyde Park 1996. Holy shit its amazing. Playing a midnight blue masterbuilt with laces through a 57 Fender Twin amp.

[@Paul-D]

Im not well read on lace sensors or EMGs etc. what would you say is the main difference between the lace sensors, the EMG and the stacked singles and active circuitry

[@_leopold_butters_stotch_]

​@Paul-D Can't really describe it but the Fender noiseless pickups sound lifeless. He started using them in 2001 when Fender moved away from the Lace. His Signature guitars in the late 80's and 90's with the Lace, TBX, and Midboost sound fantastic. Journeyman, From the Cradle, and Pilgrim era guitar sounds more compressed. I just love that tone.

[@PetesGuitar2303]

I have the Clapton midboost circuit in my Oswald Strat, mist admit it gives you so many options, it isnt funny, it is awesome. Would be inyeresting yo compare the Oswald to the EC CS 😊

[@Paul-D]

The oswald would win. I would love an oswald cool to here from an owner

[@PetesGuitar2303]

​@Paul-D thank you for that, indeed Nick makes some incredible guitars, I am looking forward to getting #4 from him in about 9 months. If you check out my channel, there is my sunburst Oswald with the midboost

[@Wabin22]

Ear candy to just sit and listen to you guys play! I think.. and this is my personal opinion, that you could just get any Mexican guitar and be happy with it. Just change pickups if you are looking for another sound, but you don't need to change more :)

[@Paul-D]

Thanks man! Were back soon for a few more shoot out type things 😁 and your right, nice set up - find the pups you like. In my case the 57/62 i put in my MIM and boom. Best strat ever.

[@oncameramastery]

So cool, I'd love to experiment with that mid boost! I'm tempted to buy one, the circuit is only about £80!

[@Paul-D]

Go for it, i think the circuit on its own isnt enough though, need the right pickups and TBX to get it the most from it

[@cmmnsenserules4339]

EVERY strat should have a TBX tone control and the mid boost.

[@Paul-D]

Would definitely take that over a super hot set of pickups as standard for sureeeee

[@Tonetwisters]

Excellent axes, excellent playing. Been digging Claptons since they first came out, whenever that was ... IIRC, the Clapton model was the first with 9.5 radius. I actually prefer the lower boost, earlier Claptons; but this one sounds fab!

[@Paul-D]

They definitely suit a certain kind of player. All the mods are lost on someone who isnt all over the controls haha. Nice neck though thats for sure

[@dustinarnold79]

And my artist model sounds just as good great playing though

[@MichaelAlso]

Great guitar, playing, tone, and chat! What microphone did you use to record the guitar?

[@Paul-D]

Thanks dude, i cant quite remember now i think it could’ve been the line out from the katana

[@MichaelAlso]

@@Paul-D Thank you, sounds great! Not many people nail his sound, you got it!

[@darthsensei3838]

Funny enough his only has a 3 way switch. The one I got (light blue) only has a three way. I’ve never missed the middle positions, but does yours have a 5 way?

[@Paul-D]

Ill have to ask next time i see steve, thanks for stopping by 🤟

[@darthsensei3838]

@@Paul-D thanks for the response. 👍

[@stevenpricehereford]

Yes a five way, correct that Clapton now just uses a three way on his

[@EdCoombesDogs]

Kind of reminded me of a captain and Pete into 😂👍

[@Paul-D]

ill take that as a compliment. love there jams haha, 1 take too!

[@EdCoombesDogs]

@@Paul-D yeah was ment as a compliment

[@samuelbordoley2566]

That’s a beautiful guitar I am dying to get one but can’t justify the price

[@cmmnsenserules4339]

I read an article in Rolling Stone recently saying "if you look up EC in the dictionary his picture should be next to the word OVERRATED".....Which is odd considering EVERY one of the best musicians in history say he's one of if not the best.

[@Paul-D]

Wow what a lovely thing to have written about you in a major music publication lol. He isnt overrated at all haha

[@cmmnsenserules4339]

Yeahhhh, I feel the journalist is a democrat....you know, not much common sense. 🤷‍♂️. I call it like I see it.

[@erichutchinson6882]

He is the guy who started most guitar players, playing guitar. I would hardly say that's overrated.

[@feelthebowes]

I’ve never heard anyone say that ever. Lol

[@ollielindsay]

His style is accessible and he came around early enough and made major contributions to rock playing, lead playing. He’s an influence on a lot of his peers even if just from a sound/ equipment perspective.

[@kurtlonde5892]

... ich bin überrascht wie gross der Unterschied ist.... die Schwarze macht den Sound magisch

[@civilengineerguitarist]

Good Job

[@Paul-D]

cheers dude

[@Dor_Cohen1]

Yeah that's sounds like Clapton tone

[@Confluent_78]

Wow. Great video. So is it possible to get the Clapton tone with the EC strat with a low volume from a Katana amp ?

[@Paul-D]

Absolutely yes

[@Confluent_78]

@@Paul-D thanks a lot.

[@solotralafolla]

Great video thanks

[@Paul-D]

Glad you enjoyed it

[@hannosolo]

Unrelated to theme. Is there a connection to the F3 and Vulcan?

[@Paul-D]

Its taken nearly 4 years for someone to notice 🤣🤣

[@hannosolo]

@@Paul-D In the mob early 80’s to late 90’s on both. First thing I saw. Great guitar btw.

[@Paul-D]

Ive just got a long standing liking of aviation specifically Cold War era military planes - though I must confess since most of them came out the display circuit years ago ive been much less interested :(

[@jorgequintero2189]

How do you bend on those low frets. With 10s I find it strange…

[@Paul-D]

Me too haha

[@RideAcrossTheRiver]

Use 009s like Clapton.

[@alicegrant3731]

You're a massive fan of Clapton then? Playing style is mighty similar

[@Paul-D]

Steve is a huge fan of Clapton, i am a fan but try and chase Peter Green, Rory Gallagher over clapton :)

[@alicegrant3731]

@Pauly's Guitars & Gear all fantastic. Claptons music 🎶 seems to have been around forever... so much dabbling he's done... probably why he's so relatable to so many

[@Paul-D]

Yeh hes accomplished sooooo much, that and the fact hes lived to tell the tale and to this day gigs alot.

[@GuitaristDog87]

Do you remember what amp your friend was playing that EC Strat through?

[@Paul-D]

almost certain it was a katana artist combo I had then.

[@GuitaristDog87]

@@Paul-D Thank you!

[@petegasper2806]

The 2 problems With the Clapton Stratocasters if you like normal stratocasters are 1. Because of the stacked Humbuckers ( Fender vintage noice less ) it can never sound like a normal Stratocaster. Physics does not allow it. The Clapton Stratocaster has always 12 DB mid boost even without the boost button. So it Will always be a lot more powerful than a Stratocaster. Its weakest position 12 DB mid boost is a lot more powerful than a Gibson Les Paul Humbucker wise. 2. At 25 DB boost its Way too hot. As Humbucker power doubles with every 3 DB mid boost its between 25 to 30 times more powerful than a Gibson Les Paul Humbucker wise. The Clapton Stratocaster is the absolute most powerful Humbucker Guitar in the world. This is as far away from a Stratocaster as you possibly can come. I dont understand why Fender calls it a Stratocaster because it Will fool a lot of customers wanting a real Stratocaster. Clapton according to his auto biography only used a real Stratocaster for 8 to 11 years. He started recording With a Stratocaster in 1974. The earlier solo records and Derek and the Dominos were recorded with a Gibson Les Paul by Clapton ( see page 179 in his auto biography. ), by 1982 he was fed up With the Stratocaster and Signed with a company called Strings and Things. They made excellent Humbucker guitars and even made the first Signature Clapton guitar. A year or 2 later Fender offers Clapton the biggest offer ever to sign With Fender. Clapton answers ” If you can make me the absolute most powerful Humbucker guitar in the world I sign With Fender ”. Fender succeds in building the absolute most powerful Humbucker guitar the world has ever seen. Nothing even gets close even today. Clapton then signs With Fender. Thats the guitar Clapton has used since early 1986 and became the Clapton Signature Stratocaster in 1988. Clapton only used a real Stratocaster from 1974 to December 1985. But deducted With the time he was under contract with Strings and Things and played their guitars he states in his auto biography he only used a Stratocaster for 8 to 11 years. In the eightiees he used the Fender Elite s lot when playing Stratocasters. The Elite has a mid boost from 0 to 12 DB boost. Clapton only used it on its maximum 12 DB mid boost.

[@Paul-D]

And 3 the frets are way too small 😜

[@LanceisLawson]

Tribute guitars are fine. But I'm not so fond of relicing. A player should relic their own guitars through playig and handling and not buy the wear and tear that a famous player might have put on an instrument.

[@Paul-D]

its the never ending debate isn't it haha, I got a friend who literally couldn't stand the idea of relic stuff - (the type that would voice it at any given opportunity lol) then he started spending a lot of time around fender custom shops and Murphy labs etc and now loves it and most of his guitar purchases since have been 'relic' ones.

[@VintageRadius]

@@Paul-D i think it’s under appreciated that for a lot of players the appeal of a relic’d guitar is as much or more about the feel than the look. For me that’s a much bigger driver. I don’t see any hate out there for new guitars with rolled fretboards, but of course that’s meant to mimic the feel of a well played in neck.

[@Jamzocd]

What do you man by Pokey pickups?

[@Paul-D]

Hot/more power

[@RideAcrossTheRiver]

Ceramic

[@petegasper2806]

Be aware that the Clapton Stratocaster with the boost of has 12 DB mid boost. The same as a hot Gibson Les Paul. As Humbucker power doubles with every 3 DB mid boost a 15 DB mid boost guitar has the double Humbucker power of a 12 DB mid boost guitar ( Gibson Les Paul) a 18 DB mid boost guitar has 4 times the Humbucker power of a 12 DB mid boost guitar. A 21 DB boost guitar has 8 times the Humbucker power of a 12 DB mid boost guitar. A 24 DB mid boost guitar has 16 times more Humbucker power than a 12 DB mid boost guitar. At 25 DB mid boost the Clapton Stratocaster is more than 17 times more powerful than a Gibson Les Paul Humbucker wise. The reason it starts at 12 DB mid boost is because it has Humbucker pick ups. Vintage noice less pick ups are Humbuckers. The Lace senzor pick ups that were there earlier were even more powerful than the Humbucker pick ups in the Clapton signature Stratocaster. So this is as far away from a Stratocaster you can possibly come. Clapton himself does not see it as a Stratocaster. He writes in his self biography he used a Stratocaster for 8 to 11 years. He started playing the Stratocaster in 1974 ( yes his earlier solo albums were recorded with a Gibson Les Paul ( see page 179 in his self biography ). In 1982 Clapton was fed up with the Stratocaster and signed for a Company called Strings and Things. They made his first signature guitars and had great Humbucker guitars. Clapton at this time was looking for the most powerful Humbucker guitar available. A year or 2 later Fender offers Clapton the most money ever given to a guitarist to sign with Fender. Clapton answers ” If you can make Me the absolute most powerful Humbucker guitar in the world I sign with Fender ”. Fender suceeds with making the absolute most powerful Humbucker guitar the world has ever seen and Clapton signs with Fender. Thats the guitar Clapton has used since early 1986 and became the Clapton Stratocaster in 1988. Its without a doubt the absolute most powerful Humbucker guitar in the world still today. Clapton played a Stratocaster from 1974 to December 1985 but has to deduct the contracted time with Strings and Things and therefore Clapton says he played a Stratocaster for 8 to 11 years. If you buy this guitar be sure to have a very powerful amp as a normal amp Will break down immidiately from the brutal power of the Clapton Humbucker Stratocaster.

[@Paul-D]

Yup - it sure does dominate anything you try to pair with it as steve well knows trying to pair it with other guitars out on gigs haha