Rock and blues legend Eric Clapton is preparing to sell off a portion of his 
extensive guitar collection to raise money for his charity.
Included in the sale are 150 instruments and amps by Fender, Gibson, Marshall, Martin and Music Man. Some of the historic amps are associated with Clapton’s career from the 1970s to the present day.
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, estimated to fetch between $20,000 and $30,000.
In addition, a pair of 1970 Marshall vintage basket weave speaker cabinets, used while Clapton was performing with Derek and the Dominos, will also be available.
The auction also includes guitars generously donated by famous musicians such as Jeff Beck, JJ Cale, and Joe Bonamassa.
“We are delighted to be offering such a fantastic collection of guitars andamps from such an iconic musician,” said Stephanie Connell, head of entertainment memorabilia at Bonhams
Ms Connell added that she was hopeful that the auction would “raise a lot of money” towards the Crossroads Centre in Antigua, which Clapton founded in 1998 to help treat drug and alcohol addiction.
Clapton has previously held auctions in 1999 and 2004, with the latter sale featuring Clapton’s treasured Fender Stratocaster – called Blackie – which fetched a record $959,500 at auction.
That 2004 sale, which also included guitars from Brian May, BB King and Pete Townshend, raised more than $7.4 million in total.
Items for the forthcoming auction are set to go on display at Bonhams in London from January 23rd to 26th before the sale takes place in the US on February 9th.
extensive guitar collection to raise money for his charity.Included in the sale are 150 instruments and amps by Fender, Gibson, Marshall, Martin and Music Man. Some of the historic amps are associated with Clapton’s career from the 1970s to the present day.
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, estimated to fetch between $20,000 and $30,000.
In addition, a pair of 1970 Marshall vintage basket weave speaker cabinets, used while Clapton was performing with Derek and the Dominos, will also be available.
The auction also includes guitars generously donated by famous musicians such as Jeff Beck, JJ Cale, and Joe Bonamassa.
“We are delighted to be offering such a fantastic collection of guitars and
amps from such an iconic musician,” said Stephanie Connell, head of entertainment memorabilia at BonhamsMs Connell added that she was hopeful that the auction would “raise a lot of money” towards the Crossroads Centre in Antigua, which Clapton founded in 1998 to help treat drug and alcohol addiction.
Clapton has previously held auctions in 1999 and 2004, with the latter sale featuring Clapton’s treasured Fender Stratocaster – called Blackie – which fetched a record $959,500 at auction.
That 2004 sale, which also included guitars from Brian May, BB King and Pete Townshend, raised more than $7.4 million in total.
Items for the forthcoming auction are set to go on display at Bonhams in London from January 23rd to 26th before the sale takes place in the US on February 9th.