Bonhams to Sell Clapton Guitars & Amps

Bonhams will auction a group of guitars and amplifiers owned and used by Eric Clapton on Wed march 9th.  The sale is previewed by Bloomgerg, and is expected to raise between $400,000 and $600,000 for Clapton's Crossroads Center for drug and alcohol rehabilitation.

According to the article, the pre sale estimates by Bonhams are ow for the 75 guitars and 55 amplifiers being offered.  Previous Crossroad benefits sales at Christie's raised $5.1 million in 1999 and $7.4 million in 2004 with both sales selling every lot. This sale has many less expensive items than the previous sales, and therefore should allow many fans to participate. We will see if the items stay within reason, or if they go sell for beyond the pre sale estimates.

I will try to post the results, as here is another good example, with items, that should assist in provenance parallels.

Bloomberg reports

A 2008 sky-blue guitar designed for Clapton by the Fender Custom Shop, has a presale range of $20,000 to $30,000. It was probably used in concert appearances with Steve Winwood and Jeff Beck.

Other Guitar Gods

For those who worship other guitar gods, there’s a 2006 Fender Esquire Jeff Beck replica model signed by Beck with a presale estimate of $4,500 to $6,500.

Clapton’s amplifiers appear on the market for the first time, Wallace said, flagging a 1957 Fender Twin Amp acquired by Clapton in the 1980s and “reputed to be his favorite amp,” according to the catalog. He used it at the 1992 Bob Dylan 30th Anniversary Celebration and other concerts. The amp has a low estimate of $7,500.

Of course, once you have the guitar and the amp, you’ll need the clothes. Fortunately, Bonhams is offering a three-piece “Stage Suit” in “fine black wool” made by Gianni Versace for Clapton. The presale estimate is $3,000 to $4,000.

 To read the full article, click HERE.

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