User:CoreyRupp/sandbox

Overview
This is a page dedicated to three different models of the Fender BLACK1 Stratocaster guitar-the Special Edition 500 run, Custom Shop Limited Edition 83 run, and John Mayer's personal BLACK1 Stratocaster. With the exception of John's personal BLACK1 Strat, the guitars were released by Fender in 2010 and 2011, respectively.

John's personal BLACK1
In October 2004, John visited the Fender Custom Shop in Corona, CA and built the BLACK1 along with the Master Builders, notably John Cruz and Mike Eldred. John has been quoted saying that the "germ of the idea for the BLACK1" came after playing one of the Fender Custom Shop Stevie Ray Vaughan "Number One" Tribute Stratocasters. Mayer liked how the body of that guitar resonated and attributed it to the lack of paint and/or lacquer. The guitar features a severely worn black nitrocellulose finish, sanded down neck, custom-wired pickups, and gold hardware featuring pearloid tuning heads reminiscent of the ones that were on Stevie Ray Vaughan's "Number One" guitar.

John first recorded with the BLACK1 on his album "Continuum" (2006) on his cover of Jimi Hendrix's Bold As Love and on I Don't Trust Myself with Loving You. John has also mentioned that it appeared on a recording of his song Over and Over which never made it onto "Continuum". The BLACK1 can also be heard and seen on "Where the Light Is: John Mayer Live in Los Angeles" (2008), and heard on "Battle Studies" (2009).

Special Edition 500 run
Fender released the 500 run in 2010. John implores everyone to "make your own trouble on it" and, through their own musical experiences, to give it the same kind of extreme wear and battle scars that his personal guitar bears.

Custom Shop Limited Edition 83 run
The Fender Custom Shop along with John Mayer, have reproduced his BLACK1 Stratocaster to every detail. Limited edition Incase gig bag and hard case included with a personally signed letter from John and a DVD featuring multiple interviews with John, René Martinez, and a photo gallery. This is the first time a Fender Custom Shop instrument has ever been replicated. Limited to 83 pieces globally. The number 83 is synonymous with John. He has a song entitled "83" off of his cd, "Room for Squares" (2001).