2015 Blackout Stratocaster Fender 10 for 15 Limited Edition
So, this 2015 Blackout Stratocaster is my new favorite Fender Strat.
Recently I’d become a little obsessed with getting a black Stratocaster. It all came about due to discovering Gary Clark, Jr. The video I saw was Gary Clark, Jr. Live playing Catfish Blues. Check it out below.
The song is from the Gary Clark, Jr. Live Album. Check it out on Amazon below. It’s even available in vinyl if you’re still into spinning records!
The rhythm guitarist, King Zapata, was playing a nicely worn black Stratocaster. I’d even considered sending him a message to see if he wanted to sell it!
But, I decided to search on Reverb.com, as I only occasionally do (ahem), and came across THIS (click the link or image below to check out more pictures).
What is this you may ask? Well, I guess the title already gives it away. But, this is a Limited Edition American Standard Stratocaster from the “10 for 15” series that Fender produced in 2015. They did 10 guitars with varying degrees of unique specs.
So, what is unique about the Blackout Stratocaster? A few things. First, it’s not gloss black. It has a light black sparkle finish that Fender call “Mystic Black.” Second, it has an ebony fretboard. Lastly, it’s blacked out with black knobs, pickguard, and pickup covers. Nice!
The pickups themselves are the Custom Shop Fat ’50s that were standard for the era. But don’t mistake standard for plain. I really like the sound of these pickups! They have a nice balance in each of the 5 settings.
So, while I didn’t get an exact match to what King Zapata has I’m very happy with this guitar. The only thing I’m changing is the case. Fender currently have a limited edition blackout hardshell case that I thought was perfect for this guitar.
