Unless you were hiding in a hole yesterday you probably caught mention of Fender’s latest press release announcing the upcoming debut (slated for November) of their new Limited Edition Custom Shop recreation of Eric Clapton’s iconic black Stratocaster –– affectionately known as Blackie.
The ‘Blackie’ replica, which is part of Fender’s Tribute Series of guitars, is based on Clapton’s mainstay instrument throughout the 70’s & 80’s––a Fender Strat from the mid-50’s that Clapton apparently pieced together on his own with parts from various other guitars. Clapton went on to use the guitar on many of his most popular recordings, and of course the instrument was a constant companion while touring, as well.
The original ‘Blackie’ was finally auctioned off by Christie’s in 2004, with the highest bidder being Guitar Center, Inc (yep, that Guitar Center,) who bought the guitar for just under one million dollars (with proceeds to benefit Clapton’s Crossroads Centre, Antigua charity.)
The new Custom Shop ‘Blackie’ will be available exclusively through Guitar Center, and with an incredibly limited run of just 185 instruments in the United States it’s expected to sell for a whopping $24,000. According to Fender’s Press Release––
This historic addition to the Custom Shop Tribute Series will replicate BLACKIE® down to the smallest of details—from the worn-to-the-wood body, to the neck re-shaped by Eric’s hand as he played a thousand heartfelt solos, to the unmistakable cigarette burns on the headstock.
Fender is apparently taking this release very seriously, as they’ve already created an ‘Official’ Blackie page on their website (good find, Khriz,) including a rather dramatic countdown ticker to tick off the days until Blackie’s appearance in stores (dubbed “Black Friday,” Nov. 24th, 2006.)
And who can blame them––at $24,000, and with Eric Clapton’s name attached, the guitar is bound to make a big media splash, though it really does beg the question: exactly who is this guitar aimed at? As an average guy, with an average income, I really have to wonder who it is that buys these “pre-determined” collector’s items.
But hey, it’s all for a good cause… a portion of the proceeds is slated to go to the Crossroads Centre, Antigua charity.
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October 20th, 2006 at 12:34 pm
Thanks, Cary.
I really thinks is insane paying $24,000 for a guitar, and I’d like to know what portion of the price goes to the Crossroad Centre.
And the countdown…. WTF are they thinking? :D
October 20th, 2006 at 12:40 pm
Hehe… I asked myself the same question, Khriz ;)
October 23rd, 2006 at 10:56 am
$24,000 outrageous? How much does a real 50’s strat cost? A buddy of mine has a 62 strat that he bought in the 80’s for $3000, and has pretty much left it in it’s case. It’s worth $60,000+ now. Japanese collectors eat this stuff up. It’s supply and demand.
OT…. but I played a wonderful Fender Relic Telecaster at Buffalo Brothers: (EDIT: Dead Link) It is quite possibly the best guitar I’ve every played. At $3200…. it’s a steal.
October 23rd, 2006 at 12:04 pm
Hehe… pretty amazing what people will pay for, isn’t it––I mean, I could see if it was a real vintage Strat, but shelling out that kind of scratch for a replica just seems insane. I guess this one’s either aimed at the overseas collector’s market (that Yen sure goes a long way, eh?,) or the yuppie mid-life crisis weekend warrior demographic ; )
BTW, that Tele Relic is absolutely gorgeous… thanks for the link! I’m a Tele freak myself, and you’re right––$3200 seems pretty reasonable… particularly in comparison to $24,000!
; )
October 27th, 2006 at 2:47 pm
I still haven’t determined if this guitar is personally autographed by EC. I think there’s an autograph decal on the headstock, but without even a real autograph, how can they begin to justify $24K.
I think only Orthodontists will buy these, to hang up in their mini Hard Rock Cafe office reception areas
Ya gotta head over to Ed Roman’s site and read his rants about reissues and Guitar Center.
JP http://www.stratoblogster.com
November 3rd, 2006 at 4:07 am
You guys gotta see what these are going to go for in the future. It’s about investment. Maybe you can’t afford it and it doesn’t make sense to your wallet. But, previous tribute models including the SRV and Hendrix sold for under $10k and now sell for $20k-$30k after only decade or so. When Clapton is gone, it will problably increase in value, easily. And the numbers are severely limited. There have already been dozens of deposits paid. They will sell.
As for Ed Roman, I’ve seen his site and his store. His rants are both idealistic and naive not to mention spawned out of ignorance. He has a beautiful store with tons of overpriced guitars. He’s just jealous he couldn’t get nearly a million bucks to buy Blackie himself. Bitter old coot.
November 21st, 2006 at 11:25 am
What a piece of history ! If I had $24,000 or in my case about £14,000 I would buy one but there you go I cant afford it ! Rob from the United Kingdom
November 29th, 2006 at 1:00 pm
This guitar truely is a piece of history. If anyone is interested, there are currently only 8 left. If you are interested in seriously inquiring to get one, mail me at battleaxedisciples@yahoo.com. I can get it for you for $20,000, plus tax. Serious inquiries only, please.
October 16th, 2007 at 7:30 am
Still cant get over that price. Its kind of a tease. Its a dream guitar for me, but the average player will never afford it. Even if I could afford it, I wouldnt pay it because how can you enjoy a guitar after paying 24 grand for it? I’d be afraid to take it out of its case! lol But you can probably get (or even make) a Strat just as good for about 22 or 23 grand less!
BTW, I believe Fender’s SRV “Lenny” replica is being sold for something like 17 grand. Do they just arbitrarily come up with these insane prices or what??