1 Dec 16
Gruhn Guitars has a collection of 29 guitars owned and used by Eric Clapton on offer. The wide-ranging collection features both vintage and modern guitars, each of which is accompanied by a photo of Eric Clapton with the guitar and a signed letter from him attesting ownership and use. The Clapton Collection is on display at Gruhn Guitars in Nashville, Tennessee and online at guitars.com/clapton
Gruhn Guitars was established in January 1970 by George Gruhn. He recalls, “Eric Clapton first visited my shop in 1970 when Derek & the Dominos performed on The Johnny Cash Show. He assembled his famous “Blackie” Stratocaster using components from the four Stratocasters he bought from me and parts he purchased from Sho-Bud Guitars around the corner from my shop the same day. Over the years, Eric and I have remained in touch, made a good number of instrument deals, and he has frequently visited Gruhn Guitars when he passes through Nashville. It is very meaningful to have a friend like Eric Clapton who shares my love of guitars and uses the instrument to such great effect. Everyone at Gruhn Guitars feels incredibly honored to represent him in offering a group of very fine instruments from his collection.”
The Eric Clapton Collection includes two pre-WWII Martin acoustic guitars, Custom Shop / Masterbuilt Fender Stratocasters, recent issue Gretsch, Roland, and Gibson electric solidbody and hollowbody guitars, archtops including vintage and modern D’Angelico guitars, resonator, classical and flattop guitars, a fretless Music Man bass, and an Epiphone Les Paul autographed by Les Paul.
Eric Clapton’s influence and importance to guitar players are immeasurable. He is world-renowned for his musical work in The Yardbirds, Cream, and Derek & the Dominos and as a songwriter, guitarist, singer, solo artist, and collaborator, and is a three-time Rock and Roll Hall of Fame Inductee. His extensive philanthropic efforts have made a dramatic positive impact through charitable organizations around the world including Crossroads Centre in Antigua, a drug and alcohol rehabilitation center founded by Eric Clapton.