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Charity Auction Item: Eric Clapton Owned, Played & Signed Stratocaster

17 Jul 16

On July 23, one of two Fender Stratocasters played by Eric Clapton at the Royal Albert Hall for his 70th Birthday Shows in 2015 will be sold by Heritage Auctions on behalf of former Asleep At The Wheel guitarist Johnny Nicholas. The guitar was offered to the family by Eric to help raise money for medical bills when Johnny’s wife was diagnosed with Leukemia. Sadly, Brenda Nicholas lost her battle with the disease in mid-June. However, it is the desire of the Nicholas Family and Eric to see this very special guitar sold to raise money for the family’s outstanding medical bills and continued Leukemia research.

A noted blues player, Johnny was a member of the Grammy winning Asleep at the Wheel before he and Brenda settled in Texas Hill Country to raise their family. During his time with the band, Johnny became close friends with Eric. Their friendship has endured to the present day.

Todd Krause built the tobacco sunburst Masterbuilt Stratocaster for Eric at the Fender Custom Shop in 2014. Heritage Auctions describes it as “nearly new with the exception of a few very light scratches on the back from Eric’s playing the guitar.” The pickguard was signed by Eric in black Sharpie and is dated 2016. The sale also includes the Custom Shop COA, original hard case, case candy and tool kit.  

Online proxy bidding is open now. The auction takes place in Dallas, Texas at 1:00 PM Central Time, Saturday, July 23, 2016 with live floor and phone bidding.

CLICK HERE TO VIEW THE GUITAR 

Auction Results:  The guitar sold for $45,000 to an anonymous telephone bidder according to a press statement from Heritage Auctions on July 23, 2016.

From Live At The Royal Albert Hall: Slowhand at 70, here’s Eric playing one of two stratocasters, one of which is now being sold in a charity auction on July 23, 2016.

Heritage Auctions Lot #85129
Eric Clapton Owned, Played and Signed 2014 Fender Stratocaster Sunburst Solid Body Electric Guitar
Serial # CZ524487
Weight: 7.4 lbs

Heritage Auctions Homepage: http://www.ha.com/