Eric Clapton's c. 1964 Gibson SG
Musician
Eric Clapton
(English, born 1945)
Maker
Gibson
(American, founded 1902)
Artist
Marijke Koger
(Dutch, born 1943)
Artist
Simon Posthuma
(Dutch, 1939 - 2020)
Datec. 1964
ClassificationsMusic
DescriptionEric Clapton's c. 1964 Gibson SG electric guitar, no serial number, in a custom psychedelic finish. This guitar was stage played by Eric Clapton throughout his career, known as Clapton’s "The Fool" guitar. The psychedelic finish was created by founding members of The Fool, a Dutch art collective, Marijke Koger and Simon Posthuma. The guitar was sanded and primed before completing their design with oil-based enamel paints. The body and neck of the guitar are mahogany with rosewood fingerboard. Clapton used The Fool as his primary guitar during his time with English supergroup Cream. Clapton’s signature “woman tone,” described as almost vocal in sound, came through this guitar. This guitar can be heard on recordings such as “Sunshine of Your Love,” “I Feel Free,” and “Strange Brew.” The guitar was heavily used on Cream albums starting with Disraeli Gears (1967) and in numerous live performances.
Eric Clapton (b. 1945) is an English rock and blues guitarist often considered one of the greatest guitarists of all time. Clapton joined the Yardbirds in 1963, before moving on to John Mayall & the Bluesbreakers in 1965.
In 1965, Clapton formed the supergroup Cream with bassist Jack Bruce and drummer Ginger Baker. With Cream, Clapton recorded four successful albums before disbanding in 1968. Clapton and Baker then formed the band Blind Faith, which also featured Steve Winwood, and recorded one album. Clapton made a short touring appearance with Delaney & Bonnie before striking out as a solo artist. He formed the band Derek & the Dominoes for one album, before resuming his solo career.
Clapton has won 18 Grammy Awards and is a three-time inductee to the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, once as a solo artist, and with the bands Cream and the Yardbirds.
