Electric Guitar for sale - Eric Clapton ES335 Gibson Crossroads Guitar

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If you are looking at this guitar, you probably already know everything you need to know.

Since its introduction in 1958, the Gibson ES335 has always been regarded as one of the most desirable electric guitars ever made, and by the 60's had become even more so by virtue of the high profile of Eric Clapton. Inspired to purchase one in 1964 while playing with the Yardbirds (For Your Love, Heart Full of Soul), the cherry red 335 became a staple in Clapton's guitar arsenal for the next 4 decades. The guitar was perhaps most famous for its use during the "Cream" years, and achieved special notoriety as the guitar he played on one of his most spectacular recordings - "Crossroads" - from the Cream "Wheels on Fire" album. The original guitar was purchased at a Christie's auction in NYC on June 24, 2004 for $847,500 making it arguably the most valuable Gibson in the world.

Sometime after the auction, Gibson and EC had discussed the possibility of producing a replica of the guitar. The owner of the guitar partnered fully with both Gibson and EC to ensure that this dream came to fruition, and took the guitar to the Gibson Custom Shop in Nashville for meticulous measurements and inspection. The process used included digitizing the neck with a laser beam to ensure dimensional accuracy, aging the finish to simulate 40 years of loving use (I don't call belt rash loving use), replicating the Hare Krishna sticker given to EC by George Harrison, and stenciling the "distressed" case with the "CREAM" logo.

Only 250 of these historical guitars were produced by Gibson for worldwide sale, including 175 for US distribution and 75 for overseas distribution. The 175 US guitars sold out in two days. Now, there is speculation that the owner of EC's Fender Strat "Blackie" is partnering with Fender and EC to create another relic guitar.