Eric Clapton and Friends Auctioning Off Dozens of Guitars
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| Eric Clapton's "Blackie" |
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Master Built Crash 3 Graffiti Stratocaster
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Les Paul Studio Signed by Artists at Freddy Mercury Tribute Concert
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Event to benefit Crossroads Centre also includes stage suits worn by Clapton and a 1958 Twin June 16, 2004
On June 24, 1999, Christie's New York organized A Selection of Eric Clapton's
Guitars - In Aid of the Crossroads Centre. Exactly five
years later, on June 24, 2004, Christie's will present the sequel when a group of 56 guitars,
described by Eric Clapton as "the cream of my collection," as well as instruments donated by
musician friends such as Pete Townshend, will be offered. Featuring iconic instruments such as
'Blackie' and the cherry-red 1964 Gibson ES-335, proceeds from the Crossroads Guitar Auction - Eric Clapton and
Friends for the Crossroads Centre will benefit the Crossroads Centre in Antigua.
Referring to the selection of guitars that will be offered in this sale, Eric Clapton said:
"These guitars are in fact the ones that I kept back from the first auction because I seriously
couldn't consider parting with them at that point ... I think they are a really good representation of
Rock Culture ... all great Rock and Blues guitars."
Eric Clapton's Guitars
One of the most illustrious guitars to come up for sale is undoubtedly 'Blackie,' the composite
Fender Stratocaster, circa 1956, which in Eric Clapton's own words "has become part of me"
(estimate: $100,000-150,000). The guitar is uniquely personal to Eric Clapton since he
created the instrument himself, combining different components from three separate Stratocasters
purchased in Nashville in 1970. Clapton has tremendous affection for this guitar, and had an
intense working relationship with Blackie throughout the 1970s and early 1980s. 'Blackie' also
served as the template for the 'Eric Clapton Signature Stratocaster' - custom guitars produced by
Fender in collaboration with Clapton - which went into production in 1988. Included in the sale is
the very first black version, used by Clapton extensively from 1990 onwards, and well known to
Clapton fans (estimate: $8,000-12,000).
A rival to 'Blackie' in ranking is Clapton's 1964 cherry-red Gibson ES-335. This
famous Gibson is the second electric guitar Eric Clapton ever bought, and as such it is the one he
has owned the longest and is most sentimental about (estimate: $60,000-80,000). His interest in
this type of guitar was initially triggered by a record cover featuring Blues legend Freddy King with
a similar model. As soon as Clapton had saved up enough money playing with the Yardbirds, he
bought this Gibson. For Clapton this guitar represented "...a Rock guitar and a Blues guitar ...
The 'Real Thing.'" Although most fans associate the ES-335 with his days with Cream, Clapton
actually used this guitar throughout his career, from his time with the Yardbirds until
today. He says of it: "No other tool in my life has been as long-serving." The guitar will be
offered with its case, which has the word 'Cream' and the initials 'EC G ES' stenciled in white
paint on the exterior.
Of very recent history, although a colorful one, is that of 'Crash 3,' Clapton's newest graffiti
Fender Stratocaster (estimate: $4,000-6,000). It was
designed by the famous street-artist Crash with a vividly colorful pattern. Eric Clapton first used a
Graffiti Stratocaster at the Royal Albert Hall, London in 2001 and they have become his first choice
working guitar ever since. This is also the first of Clapton's collection of graffiti guitars to appear
on the market.
Eric Clapton became fascinated with the guitars of C.F. Martin & Company, which he associated
mainly with the 000-type instruments used by blues guitarists such as Big Bill Bronzy. In 1970,
he acquired one of his first Martins, a 1966, 000-28/45-model, which he bought at the Nashville
Tennessee GTR shop (now George Gruhn Guitars) when he was doing the Johnny Cash show
(estimate: $20,000-30,000). The guitar became known as 'The Longworth,' after the guitar maker
who embellished the instrument with exquisite abalone inlay. It is a guitar that has "a deep
association" for Clapton and one that he used on stage throughout the 1970s. It also features on
the back cover of the '461 Ocean Boulevard' album.
Once on the Martin track, Clapton became intrigued by the models created prior to World War II
and started collecting them. Smaller in body size, these guitars are less powerful, but Clapton liked
them visually and used them constantly when playing at home. The sale offers a 1939, 000-42
Martin, the instrument he played on the 'Unplugged' album (estimate: $60,000-80,000); another
000-42, also from 1939 (estimate: $40,000-60,000) and a 1929, 00-45 (estimate: $35,000-55,000).
Several of the guitars offered for sale carry great stories, revealing Eric Clapton as a man who
constantly intertwines daily life with his instruments and vice versa. The 12-string guitar he codesigned
with Tony Zemaitis in 1969 is an example (estimate: $30,000-50,000). This
instrument, nicknamed 'Ivan,' was modeled after a Zemaitis instrument that Clapton, aged 13, had
seen being played in the streets of London by a Bohemian street musician called 'Buck.' Years
later, he discovered Tony Zemaitis and made this instrument with him. With its massive
body, 'Ivan' is not easy to play but Clapton loved its sound and played it extensively with Blind
Faith.
Other guitars personally owned by Eric Clapton include a custom, gold-leaf decorated Fender
Stratocaster, numbered EC-1, commemorating the 50th anniversary of the model (estimate: $8,000-
12,000); the Gibson L-5-P, 1948, fitted with Alnico pickups (estimate: $20,000-30,000); and the
Fender Stratocaster, known as "The Rainbow Rod," circa 1996, with an iridescent finish, created
by Roy Brizio, the famed Californian hot rod builder (estimate: $5,000-7,000).
Friends' Guitars
The Who guitarist Pete Townshend, famous and notorious for his wild live performances, is
donating a Townshend Signature SG Gibson guitar (estimate: $3,000-5,000). This guitar comes
with an array of accessories especially created for the new owner, including two guitar
cases, a CD recording of Townshend playing the instrument, an official donation letter from
Townshend to Clapton, a certificate of the guitar, and a polaroid of Townshend with it.
Also included is Sonny Landreth's custom 1995 Gibson Firebird (estimate: $1,500-2,500), which he
played during the Gibson show at Anaheim NAMM in California in 1997. Landreth used it for
'Turning Wheel' on the 'South of I-10' album and again with John Hiatt and the Goners in 1999.
Other instruments will include Brian May's Les Paul Model guitar (estimate: $1,000-1,500); J.J.
Cale's 1979 Stratocaster (estimate: $1,500-2,500); a Gibson ES-335 signed by Otis Rush
(estimate: $2,500-3,000); and a Gibson B.B. King Lucille model, signed by King himself
(estimate: $1,500-2,000).
Crossroads Centre
Founded in 1997, Crossroads Centre, Antigua was created to provide treatment and education to the
chemically dependent person, those with other compulsive addictive behaviors, their families and
significant others. Treatment is provided through residential care, family and aftercare programs.
The pathway to recovery is founded on the movement toward a change in lifestyle. Crossroads
Centre, Antigua also operates a 16-bed halfway house called The Bevon House and facilitates a
school-based education series, Breaking the Cycle. For more information, visit their web site at www.christies.com. |
