• Model: Eric Clapton Artist Series Stratocaster – Version 1
• Finish: Olympic White
• Body: Alder
• Neck: Maple
• Fingerboard: Maple
• Neck Profile: Soft V
• Scale Length: 25.5"
• Fingerboard Radius: 9.5"
• Frets: 22 Vintage-Style
• Nut Width: Approx. 1.650"
• Inlays: Black Dot Markers
• Pickup Configuration: SSS
• Pickups: Fender Lace Sensor Gold Single-Coils
• Electronics: Active Mid-Boost Circuit
• Controls: Master Volume, Master Tone, Mid-Boost
• Switching: 5-Way Blade Pickup Selector
• Bridge: Vintage-Style Stratocaster Tremolo, Set Flush / Blocked to Clapton Specification
• Tuners: Vintage-Style Fender
• Pickguard: 1-Ply White
• Hardware: Nickel / Chrome
• Country: USA
• Year: 1997

This is a very cool later Version 1 Clapton Strat and, importantly, still carries the original-style Lace Sensor Gold pickup setup that many players specifically look for on these earlier examples. Olympic White with a maple neck is about as classic as it gets, and the soft V profile gives the guitar that instantly recognisable Clapton feel in the hand.

The electronics are really what define this model. The Lace Sensor Golds are smooth, clear and far quieter than a conventional vintage Strat pickup, while the active mid-boost circuit allows the guitar to move from glassy clean sounds into a much thicker, more vocal lead tone without changing guitars. It is a genuinely useful system and a major reason these earlier Clapton models still have such a following.

The guitar is also extremely clean overall for its age. The one notable issue is a fairly substantial cosmetic neck-pocket crack. It is purely cosmetic and does not affect the structure or playability, but it is visually obvious enough that it needs to be highlighted clearly. Outside of that, the guitar presents remarkably well.

Very good condition. There is a fairly large cosmetic finish crack around the neck pocket, which is purely cosmetic and does not affect the structural integrity or playability of the guitar. Aside from this, the guitar is exceptionally clean and would otherwise present close to mint for its age, with only very light signs of use.

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