Gibson Announces Eric Clapton Crossroads 335 ModelGuitar Center Purchases Signed Guitar Models for U.S. Distribution and Benefit of "Crossroads Centre" in Antigua.  June 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.
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. | 
