Fender Custom Shop Eric Clapton Stratocaster “Blackie” Prototype – 2004 – Germany Guitar Show – Vintage Noiseless Transition Era – Extremely Rare

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This is not a standard production Eric Clapton Custom Shop Stratocaster.

After opening the neck pocket to investigate several unusual details — most notably the Eric Clapton signature located on the front of the headstock, unlike the majority of later Custom Shop Clapton models that feature the signature on the rear — we discovered an important handwritten marking in the neck pocket:

“Jan 15 2004 Clapton Germany Guitar Show”

This strongly suggests the instrument was built for, or associated with, an early 2004 European/Germany trade show or exhibition related to the launch period of the Custom Shop Eric Clapton Stratocaster line featuring the newer Vintage Noiseless pickup configuration.  

Historically, 2004 is an important transition period for Clapton Stratocasters. Fender had recently moved away from the earlier Lace Sensor era and introduced the Vintage Noiseless pickup platform, which became one of the defining specifications of the modern Clapton Strat.  

What makes this guitar particularly intriguing is that it displays characteristics not commonly seen together on standard production models:

• Front-facing Eric Clapton signature on the headstock
• “Clapton Germany Guitar Show” neck-pocket notation
• Early 2004 production date
• Transitional-era Custom Shop specifications

From a collector’s perspective, this instrument fits into the category of what vintage dealers often call a “show guitar,” “transition piece,” or pre/full-production exhibition instrument” — the kind of guitars built during launch periods, trade shows, artist presentations, or early specification rollouts.

While Fender documentation may be required for absolute factory confirmation, the markings and construction details strongly indicate this is not a typical off-the-shelf Clapton Custom Shop example.

Specs & Features
Model: Fender Custom Shop Eric Clapton Stratocaster “Blackie”
Year: 2004
Finish: Black
Origin: Fender Custom Shop – USA
Special Marking: “Jan 15 2004 Clapton Germany Guitar Show”
Body: Alder
Neck: Maple Soft “V” Profile
Fingerboard: Maple
Frets: 22 Vintage Style
Scale Length: 25.5”
Pickups: Fender Vintage Noiseless Single-Coils
Electronics: Active Mid-Boost + TBX Tone Circuit
Bridge: Blocked Vintage-Style Tremolo
Tuners: Vintage-Style
Hardware: Chrome/Nickel
Case: Original Fender Custom Shop Case Included
Accessories: COA, paperwork, and case candy included

Condition
Near Excellent condition
Only two very small dings on the back side
No cracks, breaks, or repairs
Electronics fully functional
Neck is straight and plays flawlessly
Frets in excellent condition

Why This Guitar Stands Out
Early 2004 Custom Shop Clapton example
Possible Germany Guitar Show / exhibition instrument
Rare front-headstock Clapton signature configuration
Transitional Vintage Noiseless era
Collector-grade historical appeal
Complete package with COA and accessories

Historical Context
The Eric Clapton Custom Shop Stratocaster was officially introduced in 2004 as a high-end Custom Shop interpretation of Clapton’s famous “Blackie” concept, featuring Vintage Noiseless pickups and Clapton’s signature specifications.  

Examples associated with launch periods, guitar shows, artist events, or specification transitions are rarely seen on the market and often display details that differ slightly from later catalog production instruments.

Important Notice – Please Read Before Buying
This guitar is being represented based on physical markings and period-correct specifications observed during inspection.
No claims are made beyond what is documented in the instrument itself.
Please review all photos carefully.
Additional neck pocket and internal photos available upon request.

What You See Is What You Get
The guitar shown in the photos is the exact instrument you will receive. No stock images are used. Please review all photos carefully before ordering.

Ask Before You Order
Feel free to contact us with any questions regarding condition, provenance, or specifications.

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