Five Spot: Guitar Aficionado Reviews Every Guitar in the Eric Clapton Crossroads Guitar Collection
OFender, Gibson and Martin have each previously offered Eric Clapton model guitars, but the introduction of the Eric Clapton Crossroads Guitar Collection this March was historic because it was the first time that these three companies have joined forces to release Clapton models at the same time. The Eric Clapton Crossroads Guitar Collection consists of five different guitars inspired by various instruments that Clapton used during defining moments of his career.
From Fender's Custom Shop comes an accurate replica of his 1956 Fender Stratocaster nicknamed Brownie, while Gibson presents a replica of the cherry-red 1957 Gibson Les Paul known as Lucy, which also belonged to George Harrison. Martin's offerings consist of three new models: the 000-28EC "Crossroads" Madagascar Rosewood and two 000-45EC "Crossroads" models, available with either Madagascar or Brazilian rosewood back and sides.
Production of all five models is very limited. The "Brownie" Stratocaster and "Lucy" Les Paul are each limited to 100 guitars worldwide. The Martin 000-28EC is limited to 150 guitars, and the company is producing only 55 000-45EC models with Madagascar rosewood back and sides and just 18 000-45EC models with Brazilian rosewood back and sides. Guitar Center is the exclusive retailer in the United States for these instruments, which started shipping on March 21, 2013.
The release of the Eric Clapton Crossroads Guitar Collection comes during a very busy and guitar-oriented period for Clapton. His latest album, Old Sock came out in mid March, and on April 12 and 13 he hosted his fourth Crossroads Guitar Festival, which took place this year at Madison Square Garden. In March, Genesis Publications started shipping the limited-edition book Six String Stories—The Crossroads Guitars, which features Clapton's accounts of the various guitars he sold in auction to benefit his Crossroads Centre addiction recovery facility. Proceeds raised by the sale of the Eric Clapton Crossroads Guitar Collection will also benefit the Crossroads Centre.
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