Fender Artist Series Eric Clapton Stratocaster Electric Guitar Torino Red
A player's Strat built around what Slowhand actually wants in an instrument. Softer contours, lightly aged hardware, and Fender's Custom Shop pickup set deliver a voice that's refined without losing grit. Comfort meets credibility.
Critics
Pros & Cons
Pros
- +Softer contours and reduced shoulder horns enhance comfort for hours of playing
- +Custom Shop pickups provide refined clarity without losing grit
- +Lightly aged hardware adds character while maintaining structural integrity
- +Plays like a premium instrument at a reasonable artist-signature price point
Cons
- −Signature artist premium commands higher price than non-signature versions
- −Soft V neck isn't ideal for players who prefer modern comfort contours
The Verdict
The Eric Clapton Stratocaster stands as a masterclass in artist signature design. Rather than chasing novelty, Clapton and Fender identified genuine playability improvements—softer contours, reduced shoulder horns, lightly aged hardware—that benefit any player. The Custom Shop pickup set balances Slowhand’s legendary clarity with modern output standards. This guitar plays like it costs considerably more.
Where most artist models trade credibility for branding, the Clapton Strat delivers on both fronts. The signature doesn’t feel cynical; it enhances an already excellent foundation. Whether you’re chasing Clapton’s voice or simply want a refined Stratocaster with thoughtful appointments, this instrument delivers.
The price premium over standard American Professional models is real. But the build quality, pickup voicing, and attention to ergonomic detail justify the investment. This is the Stratocaster for players who view their instrument as a long-term partner, not a commodity.
At an EJ Score of 100, the Clapton Strat represents peak execution in the artist signature category. Buy with confidence.
Specifications
| Body shape | Double cutaway |
| Body type | Solid body |
| Body material | Solid wood |
| Body wood | Alder |
| Top wood | Not applicable |
| Body finish | Gloss Urethane |
| Orientation | Right handed |
| Neck shape | Soft V |
| Neck wood | Maple |
| Neck finish | Satin |
| Joint | Bolt-on |
| Scale length | 25.5 in. |
| Material | Maple |
| Radius | 9.5 in. |
| Fret size | Vintage-style |
| Number of frets | 22 |
| Inlays | Dot |
| Nut width | 1.65 in. (42 mm) |
| Configuration | SSS |
| Bridge type | Tremolo/Vibrato |
| Bridge design | 6-saddle vintage-style syncronized tremolo |
| Tailpiece | Not applicable |
| Tuning machines | American vintage |
| Number of strings | 6-string |
| Country of origin | United States |
