Fender Custom Shop Eric Clapton Stratocaster 2005 - Midnight Blue

The Fender Custom Shop Eric Clapton Stratocaster in Mercedes Blue is a fantastic take on one of Fender's most recognizable signature models. Between the gorgeous metallic finish, beautifully figured maple neck, and Clapton's unique electronics, there's a lot to appreciate here. This particular example has been well cared for and plays exceptionally well.

Mercedes Blue is such an underrated Fender finish. In darker lighting, it almost looks black, but get it under some light and the deep metallic blue really comes alive. There's a subtle silver-blue shimmer to it that photographs have a hard time capturing. The maple neck also has some beautiful natural figuring, with light flame visible along the back and fingerboard.

One of the biggest surprises with these Clapton Strats is just how much output they can deliver. I genuinely thought I'd accidentally bumped the volume on my amp when I first plugged this one in! The original Fender Vintage Noiseless pickups, paired with the active 25dB mid-boost circuit, give you considerably more muscle than a traditional Strat when you want it. The TBX tone control adds even more flexibility. And despite all that output, the pickups are remarkably quiet when you're not playing. Everything functions correctly.

The neck is another highlight. Fender's soft V profile feels incredibly comfortable, measuring 20.8mm at the first fret and 23.5mm at the twelfth. The frets are in excellent shape, and a recent full setup with fresh strings has the action sitting nice and low. It's an effortless player with spot-on intonation and smooth, comfortable fretting. Weighs 7.72 lbs on my scale.

Condition is Very Good, bordering on Excellent. The neck and fretboard are exceptionally clean, and the body has only minor cosmetic wear. There are a few small finish dings and a more noticeable chip along the body's upper side edge, which I've photographed. No breaks, repairs, finish checking, or cracks.

Includes the original Fender Custom Shop tweed hard case, Certificate of Authenticity, and complete case candy.

A few highlights:

• Gorgeous Mercedes Blue metallic finish with subtly figured maple neck.

• Original Fender Vintage Noiseless pickups with active 25dB mid-boost and TBX tone control.

• Comfortable soft V neck profile with excellent frets and low action.

• Recent full setup, fresh strings, and fully functional electronics.

• 7.72 lbs on my scale.

• Original tweed hard case, COA, and complete case candy.

The photos shown are real photographs of this exact guitar. I do not use AI-generated imagery, replacement backgrounds, or image manipulation to misrepresent the condition of my guitars. What you see is the instrument you’ll receive.

Like all my guitars, this one’s been cared for and dialed in—no guesswork, no surprises, just a great instrument that’s ready to play. I personally inspect and test every guitar before it ships, making sure it’s in the exact condition I’d want to receive myself. These guitars come from me, not a shop—each one gets the kind of attention and care only a real guitar lover gives. Ships fast and fully insured via Reverb Safe Shipping.

⏳ Quick note: These guitars don’t usually sit. Most are purchased within 3–7 days, and I regularly hear from watchers after the listing has already sold. If this one’s on your radar, now’s the window!