Martin Eric Clapton "Crossroads" Signature Guitars : Presented By Guitar Center

Eric Clapton demonstrates the limited edition Martin Crossroads guitars and classifies them as "perfect." Guitar Center, in partnership with Eric Clapton and C.F. Martin Guitar, has commissioned a limited edition of three of the finest and most desirable Martin instruments ever made - each hand-crafted to Eric Clapton's personal specification by the C.F. Martin Custom Shop. Constructed from the finest and rarest tone woods, they are available in three versions: a 000-28EC Madagascar Rosewood, a 000-45EC Madagascar Rosewood, and a 000-45EC Brazilian Rosewood available at Guitar Center on March 21, 2013. guitarcenter.com/clapton

[@robertwhelan4620]

Hearing Clapton describe himself as a "journeyman musician" is the understatement of the century.

[@tinman500]

Robert Whelan Yeah but any musician who is good at what they do is very modest and that's also what makes them ok in my books Clapton Dimebag Dio Knopfler Page Iommi ect ect etc all stellar guitarists but they were or are meek and down to earth just regular people, that's what makes them so likeable

[@killersawant]

Or maybe he is telling the truth @robert whelan

[@Chicorodrigo781]

Seems pretty accurate to me mate. He's got extremely limited abilities. But good on him for the success he's had.

[@bluecoral9720]

If you can't afford a Martin, don't buy one. Clapton still likes the basic models and that is the best takeaway from this interview. Once you own a Martin, you'll love it. Fantastic insights from Clapton.

[@johnaustin3108]

A Martin it is. I'm not reading any other comments.

[@fredyardley1522]

Eric Clapton, his playing, his attitude as a musician, his deep catalogue of recorded music, is now so deeply ingrained into my playing that the minute I pick up an electric guitar I become Clapton....well, on the inside anyway. I am the same way with James Taylor when I touch an acoustic guitar. Add to that my love of The Beatles and that pretty much sums things up for me. I think I have chosen well.

[@prathameshbhambure]

You sure have chosen well! Eric and The Beatles are parts of my heart. Great heroes that we have, Fred!

[@bigkuyac2224]

Watching Eric play and examine the guitars is inspirational. He's always been one of my guitar heroes. After reading his autobiography I discovered he was great friends with Jimi whom he said he loved 😋was one of the only players to admit that most his inspiration came from the old blues players 😃

[@craigp2008a]

I really love watching him in these little sessions with the guitars; he does some of his most inspired playing in years because he it's just him toying around without worrying about a formal arrangement. It shows what a great student of the instrument he remains to this day!

[@benjic80]

So humble. I was 9 in 89 and saw a vhs concert my Dad loved. I was hooked. I was a guitarist before I ever had one. Thanks Eric.

[@StevenCarinci]

Clapton of all the great guitar players is best on an acoustic. One can totally hear how comfortable he is when he plays an acoustic and the real secret behind his electric playing style.

[@JamesLovesRocks329]

I can not get enough of this video. He rarely ever just sits down and plays Luke this. A rare treat.

[@Jamesfoofighter]

I wish they would have released the whole session in one video. I'm sure he played more than was released.

[@CooManTunes]

2:15 - the laugh of a person who HAS enough money to buy the 45.

[@zackamania6534]

My experience with these types of guitars are that the real talented young players can only afford Martins in the $700-1500 dollar range. The only guys that can afford these $4000 dollar Martins (or more for the rich saps that buy "SIGNATURE" models) are these older doctor and dentist types that can't play for shit and therefore aren't getting the full value out of their high end guitars. I'm lucky in that I have a great 2002 OOOc 16RGTE that I picked up for about $1200 bux. It sounds so good and plays so well that even some of these guys I play with that DO HAVE the $ 3000 models always come up to me and tell me how much they love the "trip aught"-as I call it.

[@charlesmonti4120]

+CooManTunes I think he laughed because they give him guitars

[@dadude7]

+ZP Pierce That's not a mass generalisation at all, is it? Lol

[@zackamania6534]

dadude7 No boss. It's just my own personal experience. But it does require a good deal of wealth to be able to own multiple 3-4K guitars, and if youre not making a living out of your playing, then it is more of a collector's game for these guys. That's all ....

[@brianremington]

those doctors that "cant play for shit" are guys that love music, want a great guitar and work all the time so they don't have time to practice or they are just now getting into it. Knocking them is like putting down fat people for going to the gym.

[@aSm0jUiCe]

This guy is old but still can make it. He has talent.

[@dwebster50]

Love to watch him finger style and listen to his voicings. A great player can find the voice inside a truly wonderful acoustic. I am not a Martin guy , but I do appreciate them. Eric , is truly a great one and has been on a great journey. Thanks for posting.

[@billylindros3023]

Sad to see so many nasty comments about Eric Clapton. What have you accomplished in your life? He is a great guitarist, both electric and acoustic and has been for over 40 years. His Unplugged album introduced many people to lots of classic acoustic blues classics that they would never have heard. And he worked with Martin to reproduce a guitar that he loved. I don't think he is hurting for money. He donates his guitars to raise money for drug and alcohol treatment. Sorry you can't afford one but maybe your time will come. Martin had been in business since 1833 and it's nice to see them continuing to work on better guitars all the time. Most high end guitars by other makers are an attempt to recreate the classic Martins. Buy the best guitar you can and play it like you love it - it's not a tool, it's an extension of your soul.

[@kpag3030]

Billy Lindros Closer to 50, but who’s counting. Lol

[@theshadowtalks]

Billy Lindros 4 years later.."What have I accomplished in my life?" I'm your daddy!

[@ayushmanbhalla8737]

with you man..... he z been a legendary blues guitar player...... n rock guitarist too..... after the demise of hendrix he was the only one who composed outstanding songs with great lyrics...... salute to his work...... he serves the best blues......

[@kewinabea5439]

@@ayushmanbhalla8737 HAHAHAHA as if jimmy page or ritchie blackmore don't exist right? stfu

[@bensagal-morris8072]

kewin abea Fuck Ritchie. Great guitarist, not a blues guitarist, but he doesn’t write compelling lyrics and he’s an asshole. I can do without his pretensions.

[@MrMaxDesBois]

Damn i could listen to him play accoustic for hours

[@sharky302]

My 000-28 just keeps getting funner to play and the wood opens up to bring that awesome tone to me for my daily guitar fix . Clapton hit the nail on the head .

[@evandhoffman]

What a master. He's just playing around and it sounds amazing.

[@shedjammer87]

Those guitar have drastically increased in value simply, by him picking them up and playing them.

[@1DShoe]

Every time I watch him play, I want to go pick up a guitar. Nobody else does that, consistently, for me.

[@azmike3572]

What, not even The Ventures? 🙂

[@752brickie]

He bends more strings in one little run than I have in my life. What an amazing player !!! Have admired him since the days of the Yardbirds !

[@enricosala5316]

I could stay watching this video in loop all day long... May in front of a good cup of tea and a rainy day❤️

[@playmovingpictures]

Love Eric's humble pride. And how he says OOO will never get there 😎👍🏻 Pure genius Eric Bravo to you. God bless Eric and long live Sir Eric

[@whitehair8824]

Eric is the man!!! He has already been vindicated in what he spoke about...love and peace to you Mr Clapton from Scotland

[@kerryburns6041]

Extraordinary ability, yet you remained an "ordinary" man. Extraordinary! Thanks Eric, for all the music.

[@synergy882]

Both Martins have such rich tones-I like the OM-also because it’s bright and so has a lot of versatility. I love the way he plays them-I wish I could do that on my little guitar. They do get better with age as long as you play them-but he has the touch that makes them sound their very best. ❤️

[@mkg28]

Saw a lot of comments on people bashing others that can buy expensive guitars that THEY believe are not up to THEIR standards of playing. Look, if people got the money buy a guitar that they want, then let them buy it. Guitars and music are my passion and hobby so I find a way to afford nice guitars. If you want the guitar or a piece of gear bad enough you will find a way to save up for it. I don't go on vacations or trips, I'm not married or have children, so I guess it's easy for me to save up. I just bought a 000-28ec sunburst and can't wait to get it. Music is about the only thing that brings me joy in life so I don't mind putting money into my hobby.

[@maxmilligan5672]

I love my Martin 00028EC but I guess I will never get a chance to thank him for the enjoyment it has given me and of course Eric's music.

[@GabrieleSantoro]

You can feel the lightness of the first -45 when he plays the first notes. That guitar is light as a bubble. Impressive.

[@scottfulps2065]

A true master playing masterpieces.

[@gitarbest]

Eric, you are my hero. Love you forever

[@CircusNormal]

Most guitar review videos just dont do tone any justice but this one you can really hear the quality.

[@YuNOmeme]

no that's just clapton...

[@robmds8256]

+Sr.Splittington no bro the guitar is a beast you can tell the quality of a guitar by the sustain capability . just try to listen at 00:45-00:50 part the sound is sustaining for about 10 seconds. if he hit that a bit more it will continiously ring for about maybe 20 sec.s or more.

[@user-gt2zg5on7n]

TOTALLY agree

[@naothi]

Cos it's Eric Clapton

[@benmiddleton9984]

Nothing beats a Martin and Eric Clapton proves that

[@guitarman9447]

September 25 in Tampa. Can't wait. Got our seats. Best guitarist ever!!!

[@fongy200]

Gary Oldman to star in an Eric Clapton bioptic!

[@DatMetalBoi75]

C Fong I can actually see that

[@Bryan8329]

Eric actually did the music for Gary's directorial debut Nil By Mouth

[@stonebay2111]

He would be the only one who could pull it off

[@orinpatterson9993]

Yeah if the film starts when Eric is 70. Gary and Eric are both old man

[@loveone4292]

So he can start learning guitar right now😆

[@jonbruneel2425]

1:37 Clapton flipping off the haters

[@timtamtheturtleman4598]

I don't know how you noticed that but lol

[@guitartim1010]

Not This Guy Again

[@guitartim1010]

Not This Guy Again

[@saidmuhammadizzat4994]

It's his favorite chord. He always use it on layla

[@perrysein1]

Love listening to his STORIES too! Thanks for posting.

[@cocaswa]

I love how he talks about how much easier a good (/expensive) guitar is for anyone who already know how to play a bit. I don't like the whole "A good guitarist can play anything!"-state of mind. Sure, that is true, but it IS a lot easier and more fun and more rewarding to play a proper guitar.

[@BrianWMay]

He's right. I have two Martins, a D-28 and a 000-28 and both are MUCH easier to play than anything in the last 60+ years. I regard both as 'proper guitars' like the man said. His opinion carries a lot of weight in my world.

[@rael6168]

Coen you're wrong. Clapton with a Keytone will always sound better than a ordinary home-player with a Martin.

[@manifestgtr]

This is going to sound kind of elitist and fucked up but here goes. To me, it’s a matter of what a guitar player “deserves” to be playing. A good sounding guitar is a good sounding guitar...price doesn’t matter there. But you watch a guy making a $200 Alvarez weep with emotion and I always think to myself “this guy should be playing a $5000 guitar...” as opposed to the dentist who buys one and strums a few chords in it whenever it strikes his fancy. Much in the same way you see a top shelf, virtuoso concert violinist demolishing a modern instrument. It’s like...well, if anyone deserves to be playing a 3 million dollar strad, it’s you. Acoustics always struck that chord in me more than electrics. A good player can make almost any strat sound great...custom shop, squier, doesnt matter. A good player can make almost any decent humbucking guitar sound great...but a top shelf acoustic player SHOULD (in my opinion) have a top shelf guitar. Those are the people who would get the most out of them, take true advantage of their playability and work to the guitar’s strengths.

[@RubbelisPro]

At the end of the day, we're all guitar players, not amp players, not pedal players, we're guitar players. Anyone who's got the goods deserves a proper guitar, whether that's $700 or $7000 doesn't matter, it's what you feel is good value for money. When it comes to Martin, to this day they can sell you a better commercially made acoustic guitar than any other company in the business. You can make the argument for smaller brands and such, but if you've been playing a long time and you can get around a gig, you deserve a proper guitar, end of story. A properly made guitar will always play better than the Yamaha shit box classical guitar I learned to play on. And I'll have more fun playing one, which means I'll play more, so it's a win win.

[@darrelltiencken2194]

Every note he plays over flows with character.

[@ralex3697]

His tone is mesmerizing. I don't care about technique, he plays with such feeling One of the greatest for sure EC

[@edoardodardi57]

Exactly!Thats the Magic of Clapton!

[@Lemma01]

"They are unique to one another". Only a genius...

[@timbuk1126]

Those are incredible instruments.

[@RobertCassard]

The signature Martins are great player's guitars. A friend of mine has Martin's Mark Knopfler signature model and it is one of the most perfect instruments I've ever played. Smooth, clear, balanced, and remarkably easy to play, as Clapton suggests in this video.

[@gisssk9236]

He play not too many notes but that note came on is really touch my heart

[@Smooch1Pooch]

I was actually looking for a demonstration of the Clapton signature Martin, just to watch it being played. I like the vintage (color) of the top, the shape of the guitar- not into dreadnought shapes, and what a surprise. Now I'll enjoy the rest of this video.

[@jholid6y]

This guitar salesman is very good, he should get a promotion.

[@gitarbest]

I am crying! I couldn hold back my tears! I lloooooooooove you ERIC!!!!!

[@erictoniaschwab1009]

I wish I could play acoustic guitar like that. Amazing musician.

[@ScripturesUK]

i could listen to this man all day

[@patriotic80]

He’s one of the artist that made me wanna play guitar. I’m a singer but he’s one of the reasons I play also!!!!

[@skippyclarke8473]

People complaining about the guy taking pics , if I was in a room with Clapton I’d take a lot of pics too . The man is one of the all time greats .

[@efremlee6990]

Just a few seconds in and you realise why he is one of the best I'm really not that big of a fan but I have mad respect for his ability

[@nancychace8619]

Lol... "the guitar has to be friendly..." reminds me of my dear old Norman. Kind of built like an old Peterbilt, but through thick and through thin was my right arm for so many years - it's still my friend. Needs a going-over and some new strings, then I could start to dust off the cobwebs 🙂

[@arthurogle7581]

Ric Taylor, Eric, and Robt "Buddy" Whittington have played for Joh Mayall. On Jon's 50th Anniversary show, all 3 guitarist appeared. On the Whittington tune "Jacksboro Hwy Blues" each guitarist took a guitar ride. The expression on Eric's face when Buddy played his solo was priceless. It's as tho Eric said "Buddy outplayed me"!!!! I've know Buddy for many years.

[@EcirpWehttam]

Definitely one of my favourite sounds...

[@12Radius]

Thanks Eric for all the good guitar playin.

[@belo1971]

The best acoustic guitar on the market ! Would love to get one ....one day maybe !

[@markmartin3221]

Seen him in Oakland and Phoenix.. the man is just cool and can play which and whatever song or just noodling around, he’s awesome!! Glad the Brits and Auzzies are our allies. T.E. Is one of me favorites 2

[@pts5217]

He’s so charming and charismatic

[@stevehammond9156]

I can listen to Eric talk all day. I am really dreading the day he too passes into history.

[@AphexAudioTV]

Love this! - If you haven't read ERIC CLAPTON'S GUITAR, go out, buy it and enjoy a great read. Thanks Eric for all you've given us. Aphex salutes you!

[@bobclapper2672]

Eric has always been Great !

[@cmhfl]

I sold a Gibson Hummingbird yesterday for the exact same reason that Clapton mentions at 2:26-3:30. It was so "showy" that I barely played it because I was afraid I might damage it. My guitar philosophy has changed completely in recent years. Before, I used to favour beautiful, flashy guitars, now I want something more basic that I can be a bit rough with and treat as a tool, as Clapton says.

[@MethuselahMusic]

I throw my Taylor 816 around. Just b/c it's nice doesn't mean you can't USE it. Course, it will never be resold. Love that guitar b/c it makes me play/sound better, as EC says. Like butter.

[@mouloudo]

Or you could consider your hummingbird as a tool and really play it

[@MethuselahMusic]

@@mouloudo that's what I'm talkin about...

[@chrissyc9652]

The ring around them is so cool.

[@hang-sangitch]

Great interview

[@kentonschroer2347]

This man is a genius.

[@kensod6034]

God bless you guys... Great job Eric... Love 💘

[@unclexeres]

Once in a lifetime treat, caught Roger Waters show at Earls Court London in 1984. Who was to be the guitar player for this show, helping out an old mate by chance, none other than Sir Clapton himself. It doesn't get much better than that!

[@corycanada97]

True genius!!! He can make anything just sing!!!

[@chrism.4600]

“There just made to play” makes sense to me....... Love my Martin(s)

[@JoshIdstein]

This is beautiful.

[@anthonybymallia7067]

those guitars sound magnificient but the real thing is eric

[@kgsc909]

Happy birthday Clapton!

[@ThrashRoC]

I own now the 000-28ec and i am TOTALLY Happy with this Guitar , its my first Martin , and its like the first REALLY great guitar i own The Sound , the Look , the Feel , its unbelievable and its like Magic (my right index finger starts to hurt a bit , because i think i was playing too much...) I LOVE Martin guitars !!!

[@rcguitarcovers8614]

Ahh, those are very relaxing licks

[@mikemikey4668]

Just saw a car special where Eric commissioned a Ferrari the EC model, a 5 million $ one off. The show claimed he had a net worth of 220 million. All those stadium gigs, all those tours. I thank him for his recordings, which are great. Nice to hear him here describe these great Martins. Thanks a lot!

[@MiegmaishMenas]

+mike mikey Judging from the key on his belt it seems that he arrived in a Porsche.

[@noahsianez1119]

Ahh, to get the seal of approval from the man himself. Must be very heartwarming.

[@TheRealBozz]

The sustain on that first one was impressive.

[@addicuscohen]

Played on of these signatures the other day. And the 45 is like the perfect Martin compared to the newer models. Worth the money for sure.

[@AnGoosen]

Eric is a sound guy, as is Dave Brock also mentioned. We love them both.

[@chas1133]

I never saw so many trolls and negative remarks in a place where it's supposed to be about the music and the ppl who make it...amazing...

[@seanylewl]

This video is all about the guitars, and quite specifically not about the music. It's an advertisement.

[@ralex3697]

They are jealous The man is an icon

[@makssoni4390]

Absolutely 45!!!As soon as I hear the sound, I realize the best of best 45!!!

[@mhajas725]

Amazing I could listen to him just talk all day...:))

[@curtgreco4424]

love you Eric

[@ThrashRoC]

YES its True Martin Guitars are WONDERFUL

[@pedersenist]

I will have like to hear Eric Clapton just play the guitar. It sounds so good

[@jhankri]

Love that triple 0 size. Love Clapton.

[@individrus]

Its so interesting to listen to him!god bless him

[@mishman]

My god, that 45 is exceptional!

[@smcurly2]

It's got a great balance of sound. The midrange really comes through clear and doesn't get lost in the low end... Love it.. I've got a 12 year old D28 vintage, with forward bracing.. Different sound than a 45, but it still makes me feel good playing it . :)

[@wcvalvestem]

Simply enlightening....'nuff said

[@GreyGhost.]

TOTALLY UNREALISTIC PRICE ...... Martin live in a dreamworld.

[@mragunathan1627]

0:13 to 0:46 is similar to the intro he played for acoustic tears in heaven during the 2015 Royal Albert hall 70th Birthday album

[@DanielLDees]

EC sounds so wonderful on these 000 guitars. However, I would love to here him play a D-28.

[@codyzander3748]

Tears in heaven

[@DanielLDees]

the 45 sounds like heaven.

[@bravohotel10]

So true mate. Can you believe I've been playing on a 100 dollar classical guitar for three or so years. I mean, the action was ridiculously high - the neck too thick, the list goes on. After a few years of inactivity I buy a good 000 Martin and my god I should have done it earlier! Progressing very quickly because of it.

[@TopJimmyWinn]

Sounds good!

[@pedersenist]

Nice crisp sound

[@JohanMadsenMusic]

Mr. Clapton is a great guitar player, love this guy

[@ronazbill8087]

+Johan Madsen little wayne thought him everything he knows

[@ursulabornhauser1091]

Love you eric a brilliant guitarist artist dad😊❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤

[@williampayne7678]

Brilliant Guitarist.

[@DMAR7INEZ]

Clapton rules! Martins rules!!!

[@ronaldomitchell]

Awesome guitar

[@rogerbarreto2846]

Perfect indeed!