Black Fender Stratocaster

1987 Edition - ’57 Reissue

I bought this guitar in 1998. A friend was selling it and I made the mistake of checking it out. Once played it had to be had. It’s now over 30 years old, which sort of makes it twice a vintage instrument.

This Strat was my main electric axe for many years and it’s always a favourite when I’m in need of that twangy, sexy tone (and stunning looks). The neck is a very thin C-shape, an absolute joy to play. I’ve tightened the bridge to the body and removed (and probably lost) the whammy bar in order to make it easier to change tunings and use capos while on stage. I love the single-ply pickguard. I’ve recently replaced the 3-way switch with a more practical but slightly less authentic 5-way. Other than that, it’s pretty much how it was when I bought it. It still gets used regularly, both live and in the studio. I seem to remember this is the main guitar on One More Cup Of Coffee on Crossing Borders.