I thought the stuff about "digitizing the neck with a laser beam" was rather interesting /rick Gibson Announces Eric Clapton Crossroads 335 Model Guitar Center Purchases Signed Guitar Models for U.S. Distribution and Benefit of "Crossroads Centre" in Antigua. Eric Clapton Crossroads 335June 30, 2005 Gibson Guitar announced plans to reproduce 250 replicas of the Eric Clapton Crossroads 335 model, from which a portion of the proceeds will benefit the artist's "Crossroads Centre" in Antigua. "Crossroads Centre" is an internationally recognized treatment center for addiction, founded by the artist. The ultimate blues and rock musician, 16 time Grammy winner, and the only artist to ever be inducted into the Rock-n-Roll Hall of Fame three times, Clapton originally purchased the now famous Gibson ES 335 guitar in 1964 and used it throughout his illustrious career for the ensuing 40 years. The Clapton 335 has gone on to become one of most famous guitars in rock music history, and was purchased by Guitar Center at a charity auction in June of 2004 for a record price of $847,500. Advertisement Guitar Center subsequently loaned the original instrument to Gibson Custom so that it could be meticulously measured and recreated by Gibson's luthiers in preparation for the limited edition "Crossroads" model, which has been approved by Clapton himself. The processes used to reproduce the guitar include digitizing the neck with a laser beam to ensure dimensional accuracy, aging the finish to simulate 40 years of loving use, replicating the Hare Krishna sticker given to Eric by George Harrison, and stenciling the "distressed" case with the "CREAM" logo - as per the original. All of the guitars will be signed by Clapton. Guitar Center has purchased the first 175 of the 250 replicas now in production at Gibson Custom in Nashville, Tennessee, the balance of 75 replicas are destined for export markets. For more information, visit their web site at www.gibson.com.
Yes and they will be on display in Joe Bob's van. Parked behind the Burger King ..In the paking lot at indy....next door to the summer NAMM.
Didn't EBMM already do that when they created the EVH signature model? If I remember correctly, the digitized Eddie's favourite neck with a laser and used that as a template for the production guitar.
.......Guitar Center has purchased the first 175 of the 250 replicas now in production at Gibson Custom in Nashville, Tennessee, the balance of 75 replicas are destined for export markets......... Is this the future for Gibson purchasers?
Why can't wealthy middle aged guys stop buying mega-expensive signature guitars? Reminds me of the Duane Allman Les pauls with the frets banged in the back or the Dicky Betts' that were supposed to be limited edition, or Jiim Page's LP. If you want an ES 335, buy one. Gibson should focus on making their ordinary guitars better built. For the money, they should be flawless like PRS' are.
Paying $3000 for a nice natural flamed McCarty with a rosweood neck (not that I have fondled such a guitar for long periods of time) is not mega-expensive. Mega-expensive is $35K for a plywood Epi Texan with a Detroit Redwing sticker on it!!! detroit?? Maybe the Montreal Canadians or Canucks.
for $18k, that guitar and Henry would have to blow me . . . or Henry would have to at least offer and when I said no thanks, offer his wife . . . or daughter . . . or mistress . . . or hell, I'd just get a Ribekke 335 handmade like I like it for $5k or a Heritage for much, much less to play music.
I heard the list price is $16000 with a selling price of $11999. Considering that Guitar Center bought it, it should be no surprise that they have the US exclusive on these. Has anyone heard if there will be a Blackie Strat as well?
It doesn't have to be. Vote with your wallet and spend your money on any of the other fantastic guitars on the market...or only buy Gibson guitars used. I will never spend money on a new Gibson.
It seems kinda funny that Gibson wants to make an Eric Clapton guitar. I know he has used them in the "cream" days, but it seems he is more well known for his use of fender strats.
It could be that guitar center is drivingthe bus on this model. They send a small fortune for it seems to me good business to hype a signature model that you control the majority of the run to recoup some of your expense of getting EC's 335. Personally when I think Eric Clapton and Gibson I think of a pyschadelic SG or a Les Paul.
+1 this is a halcyon period for tremendous quality of guitars --and at prices the same or lower (and higher) than the Big Two -- of all types and styles.
