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Eric Clapton's personally-owned circa 1928 Gibson L-3 concert-size acoustic guitar, serial no. 85566, retaining its "Gibson Masterpiece Model" label inside, annotated in ink with model and serial number: "Style L3, Number 85566." The guitar boasts a spruce top in a sunburst finish, f-holes, maple body, mahogany neck, ebony fingerboard with nineteen frets and pearl dot inlays, adjustable ebony bridge, and metal tailpiece. Exhibits overall wear, including a surface chip to the soundboard below the neck and some crazing to the finish, but tunes and plays nicely.
Provenance: Lot 30, Eric Clapton Guitars in Aid of the Crossroads Centre, Christie's June 24, 1999. Their lot description notes: "This guitar was given to Clapton by a mutual Mississippi Blues fan and he kept it at home for some time."
Accompanied by a tie-on handwritten label by Clapton's guitar tech Lee Dickson ("Gibson L3, 85566"), Christie's lot tag, "E.C. The Auction" guitar pick, and hardshell contour case lined in green velvet (which has a somewhat musty odor).
Eric Clapton is widely celebrated for his masterful guitar work, and while he's often associated with Fender Stratocasters, his early career prominently featured Gibson guitars. In the late 1960s, Clapton wielded a Gibson Les Paul with Cream, shaping the raw, blues-driven sound that defined the era. He also played a Gibson ES-335 and the iconic SG nicknamed 'The Fool.' Additionally, his acoustic work—especially on the legendary MTV Unplugged album—showcases his deep connection to blues roots, with warm, expressive tones from his orchestra-size Martin, a meticulously crafted tribute to pre-war guitars such as this Gibson L-3.
