More than 150 lots from Eric's personal collection, including over 70 guitars and 70 amps which have helped create Clapton's legendary sound, will be available at auction by Bonhams next week. This is the first time the rock icon has donated his historic amplifier collection to auction and gives fans a rare opportunity to purchase a piece of Clapton history.
The auction is being held to benefit The Crossroads Centre, Antigua. A spokesman for the Centre says, "The Crossroads Centre is very excited to be the beneficiary of Eric Clapton's guitar and amp auction at Bonhams which will directly assist those who are in need of addiction treatment. As we know, recovery from addiction is possible and with quality treatment and support, is often lifesaving."
The auction will be held in New York, on Wednesday, March 9.
Eric Clapton has commented on the sale: "I am very happy that Bonhams have agreed to host my third guitar auction in aid of The Crossroads Centre, Antigua, the drug and alcohol rehabilitation centre I founded in 1998."
Included in the sale are instruments and amps by Fender, Gibson, Marshall, Martin, Music Man to name but a few. Some of the historic amps are associated with Clapton's career from the 1970s to the present day. It is the first time that such a large and interesting collection of amps has ever been offered on the auction market. With estimates on amps and guitars spanning from $300-30,000, there's something for fans and collectors within every budget range.
The auction also includes guitars generously donated by famous musicians such as Jeff Beck, J.J. Cale, and Joe Bonamassa.
Highlights include one of Clapton's main stage guitars from 2005, which formed one of a pair he memorably used during the Cream Reunion Shows in London and New York - a custom built black Fender 'Eric Clapton Signature' Stratocaster, estimate $20,000-30,000; and a pair of circa 1970 Marshall vintage basket weave speaker cabinets, used during the 1970s whilst appearing with Derek And The Dominos, estimate $8,000-10,000.
Check out the Bonhams auction catalogue here.
PRE-SALE VIEWING
New York: Bonhams - 580 Madison Avenue, NY 10022
Saturday and Sunday, noon-5pm
Monday 10am-8pm
Tuesday 10am- 5pm
Wednesday (day of sale) 10am-1pm.
Eric Clapton Eric Clapton – Crossroads
Live In Japan 2009
