2005 Gibson ES-335TDC Eric Clapton Cherry

One of only 175 guitars produced for sale in the USA

2005 Gibson ES-335TDC Eric Clapton

This Eric Clapton ES-335 is one of only 175 guitars produced for sale in the USA (there were an additional 74 for export markets) which replicates the guitar Eric Clapton originally purchased in 1964 and played through the life of the Yardbirds and Cream. The guitar weighs just 8.80 lbs. and features a sixteen inch wide, one and three-quarter inches thick, single-bound laminated maple body with semi-solid construction, maple central block and two 'f' holes. One-piece mahogany neck with a nice comfortable nut width of 1 11/16 inches, a standard Gibson scale length of 24 3/4 inches, and that oh-so-perfect '64 thin to medium profile (å la Clapton) that goes from 0.80 inches at the 1st fret, 0.80 at the 3rd, 0.83 at the 5th, 0.85 at the 7th, and 0.92 inches at the 12th fret. Single-bound rosewood fretboard with 22 original wide jumbo frets and inlaid pearl block position markers. Headstock with inlaid pearl "Gibson" logo and pearl crown inlay. Two-layer black over white plastic truss-rod cover with "Custom" engraved in white, secured by two screws. Serial number "67473" impressed into the back of the headstock. "Hare Krishna" sticker also on back of headstock. Individual Grover Roto-Matic tuners with half-moon metal buttons. Gibson 'Nashville Tennessee' oval orange label inside the bass f-hole with the style "Eric Capton 335", the serial number "039" and Eric Clapton's signature all in black pencil. Five-layer black over white plastic pickguard, secured to body by two screws. Two 'patent-number' humbucking pickups each with the original rectangular black label "Patent No. 2,737,842" on the underside and outputs of 7.90k and 8.02k. The end of the neck tenon has "039" stamped in blind. Four controls (two volume, two tone) plus three-way selector switch for pickup selection all on lower treble bout. Black plastic bell-shaped "Bell" knobs. ABR-1 Tune-O-Matic retainer bridge with nylon saddles and factory stop tailpiece. Housed in the original Gibson six-latch, black hardshell case with yellow plush lining (9.50). The case is stenciled in white with "CREAM Delicate Handle With Care" on the top, "Delicate Electronic Instrument / Handle With Care" on the underside and "EC G ES" on the side. also present is the original orange tape strip with the serial number "39" written in black marker. Complete with all of the original 'Case Candy': Gibson Custom, Art & Historic Certificate of Authenticity Model Number "E. Clapton 335" Serial Number "039" signed by Rick Gembar, General Manager; Gibson Gold Waranty (complete) Date "5/20/05" Model No. "E. Clapton 335" Serial No. "039"; 22 page Gibson Custom Customer Care Guide; TKL case tag dated "MAR 18 2005"; Case key in unopened plastic envelope.

The Gibson Eric Clapton Crossroads ES-335 is a very limited edition Custom Shop model (only 175 produced for sale in the USA, 74 for export markets) which replicated the guitar Clapton originally purchased in 1964 and played through the life of the Yardbirds and Cream. Cosmetic details unique to this instrument include the serial number, "HARE KRISHNA" sticker on the rear of the headstock, stenciled hardshell case, and belt wear on the back.

Eric Clapton purchased his Cherry Red Gibson ES-335 in 1964 and used it throughout his career until it was sold by him at auction in 2004. It became known as the “Cream Guitar" as during his tenure with the band, a roadie painted the word “CREAM” in large letters on one side of its case.

While with The Yardbirds (October 1963 - March 1965), Eric Clapton’s bandmate, Chris Dreja, was often photographed playing it. Eric Clapton began using the Cherry Red ES-335 more frequently in the latter part of the decade. Eric posed with it for publicity photos for Cream’s farewell concerts at London’s Royal Albert Hall on 26 November 1968 and played it during the second show (he used his Gibson Reverse Firebird during the early show). Clapton also used this guitar when Cream recorded “Badge” and other tracks on the band’s Goodbye album and during the filming of the Rolling Stone’s Rock And Roll Circus in December 1968. Eric used the guitar extensively while in Blind Faith (1969). From 1970 on, Eric Clapton used this guitar on stage from time to time and it was taken to all post-1979 recording sessions. For example, Clapton played the Cream Guitar on “Hard Times” on his Journeyman album in 1989. The Cherry Red ES-335 was also used extensively during the his 1994 - 1995 Blues Tour. Clapton played the guitar for the final time in public on 29 June 1996 at the Prince’s Trust Concert in London’s Hyde Park.

Eric Clapton sold his beloved Cherry Red Gibson ES-335 at auction on 24 June 2004 to help raise funds for the alcohol and drug rehabilitation facility, Crossroads Centre at Antigua, which he founded in 1997. It sold for a staggering $847,500 and was purchased by the U.S. music retailer, Guitar Center.

On 1 August 2005, Gibson Custom in conjunction with Eric Clapton and the Guitar Center, released a worldwide limited edition of 250 replica guitars. The “Eric Clapton Crossroads ES-335” is a detailed reproduction of the Cherry Red ES-335 once owned by Eric. It was issued with a replica of the famous “CREAM” guitar case, a label signed by Eric Clapton inside the body and a certificate of authenticity. A portion of the proceeds from each sale went to Crossroads Centre at Antigua. (#2350)