Courtesy of Gibson
Gibson is producing a new limited-edition Eric Clapton signature model guitar based on the 1964 Firebird I model that Slowhand played during the 1960s and ’70s.
The guitar features a vintage sunburst finish and was created using the exact measurements from original 1964 Firebird models. Each instrument boasts a backplate signed by Clapton, a replica of the strap Eric used, and a replica of the guitar’s original case. The guitar also will come with a certificate of authenticity booklet.
“I remember one night, in particular with the Firebird,” Clapton recalls of his old guitar. “It was a Cream show in Philadelphia, and it was one of the greatest gigs I ever played.”
Only 100 Eric Clapton Firebird models will be sold worldwide, 50 in the U.S. through Guitar Center stores and GuitarCenter.com, and 50 internationally via select Gibson dealers. According to Gibson.com, the guitar’s list price is $7,999.
A pre-sale on the Clapton Firebird I model began Monday. The instrument’s release is timed with the 2019 edition of Eric’s Crossroads Guitar Festival, which takes place September 20 and 21 at American Airlines Center in Dallas. The new Clapton guitar will be on display at the fest in the Guitar Center Village, as will the Gibson ES-335 Eric used on many of many classic recordings, including Cream’s rendition of blues great Robert Johnson‘s “Crossroads.”
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