Do you have a cool £17,499 burning a hole in your pocket? If so, Gibson has just the thing for you—a meticulously crafted reissue of one of the most iconic guitars in blues and rock history. The limited-edition Eric Clapton 1958 Les Paul Custom is here, and for collectors and die-hard Clapton fans, this might just be the ultimate purchase.
A Guitar Steeped in History
The story of this legendary instrument dates back to Cream’s first American tour when Clapton acquired a three-pickup 1958 Les Paul Custom, serial number 8 6320. This guitar played a pivotal role in the recording of Disraeli Gears and accompanied him on multiple tours, including performances with Delaney & Bonnie. It remained in his arsenal throughout the late 1960s and 1970s, becoming a vital tool in his blues and rock explorations.
In 1979, Clapton passed the guitar on to fellow guitar great Albert Lee, who has continued to cherish and play it for decades. Now, Gibson is offering a rare opportunity for fans and collectors to own a faithful recreation of this historic instrument.
The Ultimate Tribute
This limited-edition guitar has been meticulously crafted to match every detail of the original. From its aged aesthetic to its sonic character, the recreation captures the essence of the instrument that defined an era.
One of the most distinctive features of the guitar is its middle pickup, mounted with the screws oriented towards the neck—exactly as Clapton had it. Every scratch, dent, and worn-in feel has been painstakingly replicated to offer an authentic playing experience.
Aged to Perfection by Murphy Lab
Gibson’s Murphy Lab, renowned for its expertise in vintage guitar aging, has meticulously recreated the wear patterns that both Clapton and Lee have imprinted on the original instrument over the years. The result is a guitar that not only looks but feels like a well-loved, battle-tested classic.
Exclusive Collectible Features
This isn’t just a guitar—it’s a collector’s dream. Each Eric Clapton 1958 Les Paul Custom comes housed in a custom Duck Brothers-inspired case, evoking the same vintage charm as the original. Along with the guitar, buyers will receive a second pickguard, personally signed by both Eric Clapton and Albert Lee, presented in a collectible wooden display case.
Additional premium items include a Certificate of Authenticity booklet featuring a photograph by Chuck Stewart, a black leather Archive Series strap, and a Gibson Custom switch plate medallion, further enhancing the exclusivity of this release.
A Limited Run for True Collectors
Only 150 of these exceptional guitars have been handcrafted by the expert luthiers of the Gibson Custom Shop and Murphy Lab in Nashville, Tennessee. This extremely limited production ensures that each instrument remains a treasured piece of music history.
For those looking to secure one of these guitars, early access is available through February 24th at Gibson.com and the Gibson Garage.
Eric Clapton’s influence on blues and rock is immeasurable, and with this reissue of his legendary 1958 Les Paul Custom, Gibson has provided musicians and collectors alike with a rare opportunity to own a piece of that legacy.
