Ever wanted to own a guitar designed by the greatest blues guitarist of our time? Now’s your chance. Eric Clapton, with the cooperation of Fender, Gibson, and Martin Guitars, is releasing two replica guitars (fans surely know Brownie and Lucy), as well as his own signature series of Martin guitars. All are available now at Guitar Center.
Brownie
Best known from the back cover of Layla, Brownie was the first Stratocaster owned by Clapton. He bought it in May of 1967, but the Experience Music Project paid much more for it in 1999, with the winning bid of $497,500 at Clapton’s first guitar auction.
The Brownie replica has been reproduced with input from Clapton, Guitar Center, EMP, and the Fender custom shop. Only 100 have been produced, and they’ll run you $14,999.
[youtube width=”640″]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HNpS23xTyCM[/youtube]
Lucy
Originally a 1957 gold top Les Paul, Clapton refinished Lucy in 1967 in cherry red, eventually giving it to his best friend, George Harrison. At the invitation of Harrison, Clapton played Lucy on “While My Guitar Gently Weeps”. Harrison later played it for White Album and Let it Be.
Still owned by the Harrison estate, Lucy was measured and replicated by Gibson Custom, recreating the lightweight mahogany body and unusually slim neck. Only 100 are being created, and they also cost $14,999.
[youtube width=”640″]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CChQUNmi7cg[/youtube]
Clapton’s “Crossroads” Signature Martin Guitars
The CF Martin Custom Shop, in partnership with Clapton and Guitar Center, has also created a limited edition series of some of the finest Martin guitars ever made. Built to Clapton’s specifications, three models are being produced: the 000-28EC ($5,999) and the 000-45EC ($12,999), both Madagascar rosewood, and a 000-45EC in Brazilian rosewood ($49,999).
[youtube width=”640″]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BvwRZCWGah0[/youtube]
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