Slowhand Eric Clapton's iconic yet mysterious Gibson ES 335

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In Tony Bacon's 'The Gibson 335 Guitar Book', Jerry Donahue, the American guitarist known for his work with Sandy Denny, Fairport Convention, Chris Rea and others, recalls a memory from when as a teenager he worked at Selmer's music store on Charing Cross Road in London:
“I sold Eric his red Gibson 335 not more than two weeks before his final performance with Cream at the Albert Hall,” Donahue recalls. “It was one of my main highlights of working at Selmer’s. We had a nice conversation during the process, and just as we were wrapping it up, Eric mentioned the upcoming shows in a manner that felt as though he was about to offer me a complimentary ticket or two. But I told him I’d already bought tickets, and he seemed pleased. You can imagine my amazement and joy later as I sat watching Cream come on to the Albert Hall stage, Eric with the 335 strapped on. He played that guitar for the entire evening. I was filled with pride.”
Tony Bacon's book also records what Eric Clapton himself said about the guitar in the Christie's 2004 auction catalogue:
"“This is the second electric guitar I bought. I had a pinky red Telecaster, and then this … I bought this brand new, either from Denmark Street or Charing Cross Road … I went and bought [this] guitar [as soon as I saw it] with the first money I managed to save up [by] playing with The Yardbirds … I’ve had it ever since.”
Clearly, these two memories do not agree. It's a long time ago, so this is hardly surprising. In this video we'll have a look at a few indisputable facts.
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Enjoy your guitar!

[@cobystark]

You are the best KZbinr for us Eric Clapton super fans! Thank you for all the great content and making videos on the questions I’ve always had!

[@mybluesguitar]

I appreciate that, coby. Thanks so much.

[@bernhardnizynski4403]

My father bought me an ES335TD in mid 1963 - there is no way I could ever forget that purchase, the shop where it was purchased and the year!

[@mybluesguitar]

What a fabulous gift!

[@5150show]

Eric was always proud , as you have mentioned mate , that he had achieved some success to even afford a guitar like this in the first place . Outstanding video ❤

[@mybluesguitar]

Thanks my friend.

[@michaelchaiken2299]

There's some additional recollections from Harvey Mandel in Edoardo Genzolini's new book "Cream: Clapton, Bruce & Baker Sitting on Top of the World: San Francisco, February-March 1968" (2023) offering context to the John Peden photograph you highlight in the video. Mandel was playing with the Charlie Musslewhite South Side Sound System at the Fillmore Auditorium on August 22, 1967 and remembers lending EC his sunburst 335 after he broke the high E on The Fool SG during "Stepping Out". He played the 335 just long enough for guitar tech Bert Schrader to replace the string and then switched back to the SG to finish the song.

[@mybluesguitar]

Thanks for sharing that, Michael. It makes for a very convincing explanation.

[@Doones51]

I saw Cream in November 4, 1968 at their last American show in Providence, RI. Their finale at the Royal Albert Hall was their next gig. Eric was playing a red GIbson 335 or 345 at the Providence show..

[@mybluesguitar]

Wow, that's interesting. Thanks for your comment

[@natrelacoustix]

35 year's ago I had the pleasure of working in the same studio as Jerry during session work. On one particular down time break he recounted this exact story of EC. Jerry came across as a sincere decent guy (and fantastic guitarist) and I have no reason to disbelieve what he told me that day. Eric on the other hand, I've never had the pleasure of meeting, but by his own admission can't remember much of what he did during the 70's, or the 80's for that matter.

[@mybluesguitar]

I don't think I'd forget selling a guitar to one of my idols. It would be etched on my memory forever.

[@shawnmcvey7789]

I saw a pic of Clapton with his 335 when I was like a kid. Finally got one in Antique Walnut a few years ago. It's my forever guitar.

[@master335]

I couldn,t get a cherry colored 335 ,but i got a beautifull wine red 76 modle 30 years ago. Still my number 1.

[@mybluesguitar]

Cool

[@mybluesguitar]

Nice!

[@simonpark843]

I tend to think someone who worked in a music shop would remember meeting Clapton and selling him a guitar, so I'm going with that version of events.

[@mybluesguitar]

I'd remember it, if it was me

[@walterfechter8080]

All I know is this -- when I first heard Cream's version of "Crossroads" I was never the same -- either as a player, or as a listener. Eric's solos on that particular tune were simply bruisin'! It's obvious to many, the Gibson 335 is an incredibly versatile guitar. Many thanks, My Blues Guitar and Tony Bacon!

[@mybluesguitar]

Thank you, Walter!

[@MrMjp58]

I have to say IMO, that Eric has never sounded or played better than he did at that farewell concert. For me, it’s one of the pinnacles of rock guitar.

[@ConglomerationCat]

Funny you mentioned that because for years, I've always felt the same thing. Even though they thought those two nights weren't up to par. The way Eric played those shows almost sounded like that was the last time he would play with that kind of energy and speed. I could be wrong but the way he solos on I'm So Glad and Sunshine, there's just this element that says farewell to that level.

[@cc352]

Completely agree. Even though he still had good stuff with Derek and the Dominoes and early solo material, the aggression and fury during the Cream years were gone and never to return.

[@ConglomerationCat]

@@cc352 Yes, exactly....I still get goosebumps when he starts to solo on Sunshine at the Royal Albert Hall... So incredibly loud and such character.

[@thediamonddog95]

He sounded like a beast on Live at the Fillmore, as a part of Derek and Dominos.

[@brianwells4507]

In my personal opinion being a lifelong Cream fan, it's the '64 Firebird I that does it!

[@thecaveofthedead]

Nice. According to your evidence, JD's recollection seems very likely to be true. Also, meeting Clapton and selling him a guitar, then seeing it on stage, is a more singular memory than Clapton buying a guitar - something he did many many times.

[@mybluesguitar]

It's a very valid point that the memory of chatting to one of your heroes and then selling them a guitar is something that would be seared into the memory of most aspiring guitarists.

[@archolino]

🗳️ JD 🩵

[@jitheriot8733]

@@mybluesguitar But why would we doubt Clapton's memory of purchasing his second guitar, "The one he always wanted"? In a June 1967 Guitar Player interview Clapton mentioned he was playing a double cutaway Gibson that he also used with Mayall (unsure if that's referring to the SG or not. If it is, then he got the SG much earlier than I think most people thought.). Additionally Chris Dreja made mention that Clapton bought a 335 because he liked the way his sounded. Why would they both lie? What gain is to be had here? Donahoue on the other hand absolutely puts himself in a position of gain by his story being accepted as truth. For the record I am in no way accusing anyone of lying. I mean it is possible that he bought both guitars and both memories are correct. And, yes, I've heard that Clapton can't remember this and that during the 70's and 80's, but he wasn't doing drugs in the Yardbirds. By his admission he didn't start doing drugs until he was with Cream. Most people who get deep into drugs have trouble with memories during the period of drug use, but not before. Lastly, If this being "Clapton's second guitar" was a point in the auction information, you can be assured that the insurance company and auction house vetted that information. There is no way in hell they would open themselves up for liability due to a fraudulent sale on a near-million dollar instrument. If they were unsure, they would not have made the statement for the auction.

[@mezzoca8110]

His memories are all other the place. His most famous live solos are said actually to be from his Gibson SG.

[@VoxMax1200]

Yes. his main guitar during 1967 was an SG!

[@berndkoelbl3852]

This is the best work i ever saw (heard) about this `forever going` theme. Thank very much !

[@mybluesguitar]

Glad you like it!

[@randallhaney7909]

I am pretty sure that the music store salesman Jerry Donahue, would have a more vivid memory of who where and when, pertaining to this guitar Than E.C. would have on the subject. Whereas E.C. over his career; Has bought borrowed and been given; probably hundreds of guitars, (from all over the planet) But to Jerry Donahue this was a very special singular event in his life. So I will trust Jerry's recollection on this Just Say'n

[@Johnny-oy9fh]

Eric's greatest period...

[@jeffholliday8304]

I love the photo of him with the Yardbirds playing at 335. I’ve never seen that one before.

[@mybluesguitar]

One of only a handful, I think, Jeff. Amazing the contrast with today, when everyone has a high-quality phone with them at concerts.

[@luisbe88]

Just wanted to point out that his ES-335 comes up at 3:35 in the video 👌

[@jupitorious7925]

Well noted !!

[@mybluesguitar]

Blimey! Really? I could claim to have designed it that way, like all the weird facts about the Great Pyramid...but I didn't. Thanks for pointing it out, luis.

[@Guitar_Smasher]

Saw Cream in Denver, 1968. (I was 15) He was playing a Firebird, which you don't see many photos of Him (Clapton is God) with!

[@mybluesguitar]

Great memory! I wish I had seen them back in the day. I was a handful of years too young

[@sprague49]

I saw Cream in Atlanta's Chastain Park Amphitheater, Oct. 24th, 1968. EC also played the Firebird I. However, he broke a string a one point and for one song switched to a Les Paul that had a tobacco burst top. The audience applauded as he strapped it on and Eric held it up, said "Les Paul", and gave it a little bow.

[@johnnorth9355]

I was near the front at the second of the evenings farewell concerts (I can be seen on the film just behind the headbanger lol) and I noted at the time that the 335 being used was not new but patinated. That's my two pence worth.

[@AdvenuringTime]

oh yeah, this is going to be a great video

[@mybluesguitar]

Hope you enjoyed it, thanks

[@vincentbuccieri9305]

Wow! I Didn't Even Know there was Such a Model as a 355! And I Have Been Studying Guitars for 50Years!

[@edgarsnake2857]

The ES-355 was made famous as the guitar called 'Lucille' by BB King. A google search will give you the story.

[@mybluesguitar]

That's a great story

[@anonymouscolleague631]

Love EC’s work with this guitar. Would be a pleasure to own one - Maybe the epiphone copy some day!

[@mybluesguitar]

I've never had a semi six-string myself. Would be nice to have one. I had an EB2 a while back.

[@dixiefallas7799]

Epi,s are great guitars mate.

[@jupitorious7925]

I have a cherry red epiphone.. it's a beautiful play. Just replaced the black volume/tone controls with gold ones , looks great !!

[@fostexfan160]

I believe the Jerry Donahue story. Clapton's book was ghost written so mistakes can be made. This, along with memories that are scarred and polluted by his drink and drug ridden years after Cream reinforces the Donahue story. Anyway, lets give Jerry Donahue a thought and prayer. He suffered a terrible stroke in 2016 and apparently will never play the guitar again. Terrible loss of talent

[@slowfinger2]

Here's one for Jerry. Amazing talent. Have a friend with an early 2000's Fender sunburst JD Tele. It's a great guitar.

[@darvinclement8404]

Eric went through a lot of guitars and drugs between 1968 and 2004, his memory could be off on which guitar he bought and when. Tele’s, ES’s, Les Paul’s, SG’s, and Strat’s. The guy has played them all in his career!

[@pgrovners]

Having read Claptons biography, I think a few substances have been in consumed since the 60s that would make EC memory a bit vague.

[@5150show]

I’m gonna go with Eric’s recollection mate

[@AdvenuringTime]

He could of mixed it up with the Kay electric 335 copy guitar that was one of his first electrics. Would make sense with the rest of the story

[@AdvenuringTime]

@@thenameless3271 Just a thought but what if Clapton and Dreja shared a 335? So both stories could be right with Clapton buying a 335 in the Yardbirds then selling or lending it to Dreja then having to buy another one when he wanted to use on for the RAH show? However if there were 2 335's seems unlikely that Clapton wouldn't mention it. A twist on the story could be he did buy it with the Yarbirds, but after Dreja had his broken he lent his own to Dreja and played les Pauls until he wanted it back?

[@mybluesguitar]

Interesting idea

[@OlliOksala]

Yeah, Eric talked about his ES-335, the first real good guitar he bought with his own money, in interviews from 1967 and 1968, months before Cream's Farewell Concert. There's no reason why he would have lied about the guitar already then.

[@rickrocknrollliconti3729]

I saw cream twice. I saw video of cream when he was with cream he always had a red 335.

[@mybluesguitar]

Great to have seen Cream twice

[@BaconTomatoCheese]

That’s some tasty licks on that Thunderbird at the end of the video, my friend!

[@mybluesguitar]

Glad you like it. Thanks so much

[@jeffholliday8304]

This is a deep dive in the musical history of Clapton. Hey bro, it’s Jeff from Tennessee man. I thought I was Clapton’s biggest fan but I know I take a second fiddle to you I think Donahues story is the correct one

[@mybluesguitar]

Hey Jeff! It's great to get into the details of these things. All I can say for sure is that if I worked in a store and sold a guitar to one of my heroes it would be a milestone moment in my life and I wouldn't forget it. That's not to say the JD's story *is* the correct one, just that I am pretty sure that if it was me I'd remember it. But who knows? A receipt or an entry in a sales ledger would clear things up.

[@REM1956]

Man, that Firebird I just sounds fantastic in your hands. Great playing and tones.

[@mybluesguitar]

Thank you kindly!

[@patriottothecore6215]

Great vid. Lovely playing at the end 😊

[@mybluesguitar]

Thanks so much. Glad you like it.

[@williammccready7278]

When I saw that Cream had played at the Forum on August 19, 1968, I realized that Deep Purple were also at the shows during the same dates. I knew that Richie Blackmore at the time was also playing a Cheery Red 335, I thought that Eric may have somehow borrowed it for a set, but Richie's guitar was a 1961 dot neck 335 with a Bigsby, so definitely not the block neck, bound headstock that is described.

[@mybluesguitar]

That's right, William, Richie B did indeed use a dot-neck 335

[@brianglade848]

Bernt bert bit bernernerneerneenere.....im so glad

[@mybluesguitar]

Very good way of describing the intro!

[@guitarsofold100]

I have been fascinated with the guitar shown in the video documenting the replication process by Gibson if it was new then he had no regard for its maintenance, it was in bad condition pick covers un soldered dirt an grime under the pick guard it was filthy!! Quite a shock to see..........

[@mybluesguitar]

That's a great video.

[@c9b868]

Nice job with this video, I enjoyed it! The RAH Sunshine solo is outstanding, really hope you get to making a video/tab for that one 🔥

[@mybluesguitar]

Thanks Vic. I find that these documentary type videos get far more views than the tuition ones. Cheers, Mark

[@marctoleds6259]

I do believe that 335 was the same he used in "TRS Rock & Roll circus", in the same 1968. With a golden bridge and silver pick ups and hardware and yellowish binding, it def doesn't looks like a brand new guitar.

[@mybluesguitar]

Pretty sure that would be the same guitar.

[@ghalston5641]

Nice exploration of Clapton’s guitars! I have my own Clapton story (as so many do…). I was 15 in 1972, a yank in exile in Pierrepont, a public school near Frensham in Surrey. A few of us boys got together to form a band and I, with no musical experience, was assigned to play bass…. (Hah!) We practiced then current pop hits from the Stones, Cream and Hendrix and staged a successful Christmas concert in our school, to which we invited students from neighboring Frensham School (yes, the school Nick Mason of Pink Floyd had attended a decade earlier). As spring break came around we were planning a second concert and thought our sound system could use an upgrade, and one of the boys at school thought he might ask Clapton to borrow a couple of amps, since he was from the village where “God” had a country house, and his father ran a small shop Clapton patronized on occasion. So my friend, let’s call him Peter, rung up the village’s telephone operator, and after a brief introductory chat was put through to “Eric”. With us band boys clustered around the phone booth, Peter reintroduced himself to Eric and relayed the story of our school band and its sound problems, asking if we could borrow an amp or two. In short order he hung up and said, “Eric apologized, but all his equipment at the house is built in and can’t be removed.” We were hardly disappointed, as merely being in proximity to a conversation with Eric Clapton covered us with quite enough glory. And the concert was a success in the end. But I was later asked not to return to Pierrepont. To much yank incorrigibility I suppose. As a postscript, the “guitar” I was given to play bass on was a converted homemade six string guitar, painted black. I used that for practice and the Christmas concert, but managed to purchase a cool orange burst Framus bass by spring. Having read Nick Mason’s autobiography recently in which he mentioned one of his Frensham School band mates started by playing a homemade black electric guitar, I wonder now if somehow that one lasted a decade and found its way over to Pierrepont…l

[@mybluesguitar]

That's a great story! Thanks for sharing. Frensham is five minutes up the road from where I live.

[@ghalston5641]

@@mybluesguitarsmall world! I guess Pierrepont failed a while back and is now a bucolic religious retreat. Progress. Your video has inspired me to pick up my Heritage 535 and work on Clapton’s “Reconsider Baby.”😅.

[@blozgurl]

The 5150 show sent me ❤ . Just subbed

[@mybluesguitar]

Thanks so much. I am really pleased to see how much the 5150 show channel is growing. It's much deserved.

[@stuartbradbury5809]

I saw cream in Brighton and he was playing a red 335.

[@mybluesguitar]

Wow, that's interesting, Stuart. Thanks

[@stuartbradbury5809]

@@mybluesguitar I was a teenager and a bit disappointed that he wasn't playing his super cool psychedelic SG!

[@benday1218]

Thanks, this story had passed me by up to now. I'm always interested how forensic Page's memories are of things like this - he must have kept diaries. On balance, I think Eric's memory may be less reliable, sorry to the old boy.

[@jeanpat8946]

wow Lord what a sound!!!

[@mybluesguitar]

Thanks, jeanpat8946

[@anthonycraig1458]

Jerry Donahue was born in 1946 so would have been 22 when Eric bought the 335 (if it was bought in 1968 therefore not a teenager). Apparently Jerry Donahue has said in another interview that Eric bought it when he was in the Yardbirds, in which case Donahue would have been a teenager. If it was bought in Nov 68, why go to the trouble of stencilling Cream all over the case when it was their last concert? There are too many conflicting stories! As for not many photos being taken of it, Eric did tons of gigs with John Mayall around the country and there aren't that many photos of any of them so it's not impossible that Eric might have used the 335 at times during those years, perhaps just not very often.

[@mybluesguitar]

That's certainly possible, Anthony. When the photo's emerged a year or two ago of Eric with an ES guitar at the Forum I thought that this mystery was solved...until we all realised it was a 355.

[@mr.smithgnrsmith7808]

Great channel dude, God bless you and your family

[@mybluesguitar]

Thanks so much.

[@SlowBluesInc]

Eric’s memory (by his own admission) is very spotty what with years of drug and alcohol abuse and whatever else. For instance, he also referred to the ES335 as the guitar used on the WOF Crossroads recording, which definitely is not true. Clapton has bought how many hundreds of guitars over the years? They probably blend together a bit. On the other hand, if you’re working in a guitar shop and Eric Clapton comes in and buys a guitar from you, you’re probably going to remember every single detail. I would put my money on Jerry’s version.

[@mybluesguitar]

It's not something I'd forget if I was JD.

[@jupitorious7925]

Yes I agree with you

[@clevebaker8399]

I say Clapton bought the guitar at selmers!😉😘😊

[@paull.6026]

I enjoyed this. Nice one.

[@mybluesguitar]

Thanks Paul. Glad you liked it

[@tonyb9864]

Another great video!

[@mybluesguitar]

Glad you enjoyed it! Thank you :-)

[@dukeford]

If Eric bought the red 335 when he was in the Yardbirds, why didn't he use it in Cream after the Beano was stolen? I could never figure that one out.

[@mybluesguitar]

Well, that's a very good question. For their first gig at the Marquee he borrowed the support act's Les Paul Special. Did he go to the gig without a guitar at all?

[@NLBassist]

Advice. On 1.25x speed this vid sounds normal. And what a vid. Love it! Thanks, MBG!

[@NLBassist]

1.5 x speed is even more natural

[@mybluesguitar]

Oh, you mean my slow voice, lol! Ha ha, natural voice-over is not a strong point, unfortunately. Thanks for commenting.

[@NLBassist]

@@mybluesguitar I hope you don't mind my pun. I really, really enjoyed it!!!

[@mybluesguitar]

@@NLBassist Not at all! I laughed out loud!

[@stratman6671]

Not sure Eric ever "bought" that Fiesta Red Telecaster he used in the Yardbirds

[@dukeford8893]

That Telecaster was supposedly owned by the Yardbirds management. Beck played the guitar briefly when he joined the Yardbirds. He wasn't impressed with it.

[@johnperiard9594]

Pullin out my 335 copy tonight! Great video!

[@mybluesguitar]

Thanks John. Nice to have a 335! The closest I have got was a '64 EB2. Same body, I believe. Loved it.

[@deforestthornburgh4464]

And here I always thought he was playing at 3:35 in the Yardbirds besides the regular telecaster.

[@marcbolan1818]

Bacon's books are superb. The 'Birds photo is Dreja's 335 and Clapton never owned one until '68.

[@ZillianZilch]

I think I’d go with the guy who was sober and at work and meeting one of his heroes over a guy who’s memory of the past has been proven to be somewhat hazy given the recreational distractions of the time!

[@mybluesguitar]

I'm with you

[@jitheriot8733]

Clapton wasn't using drugs when he was with the Yardbirds. By his own admission he didn't start using until he was with Cream.

[@glenlapwing8468]

Just fyi, Elvin Bishop still plays the same 345 I saw him with in 1968- plays the same guitar for his entire career!

[@mybluesguitar]

Wow. I wonder how many refrets it's had!

[@billstraub7860]

To me, the guitar parts in Sunshine of Your Love which was recorded in the Spring of 1967 have a Semi-Hollow quality, they don't sound like an SG or any Solid Body guitar to me.

[@alanhowell3646]

I agree

[@mybluesguitar]

I've actually wondered if there might be a Strat in there. He did have a sunburst one at the time, onto which he'd grafted a rosewood-board Telecaster neck. There are pics of him with that guitar in Christian Larsen's book: clarsenbookpublishing.com/shop/5-clapton-live-history-book/9-clapton-live-history---book-only/

[@dukeford8893]

There's plenty of pictures of Clapton on the two studio sessions for "Disraeli Gears". He's playing either the Fool SG or a Les Paul Custom.

[@edgarsnake2857]

Love the video. I'm pretty blind at this point BUT, wouldn't it be easy to tell from the photos if there was a vari-tone switch? That would narrow some of the questions down...I think. You're probably way ahead of me on that.

[@mybluesguitar]

So sorry to hear that, Edgar. Good point about the vari-tone

[@stratman6671]

Wasn't the red Tele owned by the Yardbirds manager, G. Gomelsky? When Eric left he did not take it with him.

[@mybluesguitar]

Yes, I think it was. Do you know where the stripped-down Tele he used with Mayall at first came from? Presumably that's not the red one? Or was it? And I wonder where it is now??

[@rjmprod]

I always thought this ES type guitar was before cream because the cream guitar as I recall was in SG….

[@mybluesguitar]

He famously played the cherry ES335 on the second of the two shows at the Albert Hall in November '68. For the first show he played the Firebird. While this ES335 is often referred to as the 'Cream' guitar, that title is arguably based solely on its Albert Hall appearance. The real 'Cream' guitar, as you say, would surely be the SG.

[@rjmprod]

@@mybluesguitar well ok then…

[@mr.smithgnrsmith7808]

335, BEST guitar ever made

[@mybluesguitar]

I've never owned one, Mr. Smith. I did have an EB2 until just over a year ago. That was a great instrument.

[@stephenpalmer8072]

How do we know that the Royal Albert Hall 335 is the same one that he bought at Selmers? perhaps he bought it as a spare - or did I miss something?

[@mybluesguitar]

Certainly is a possibility!

[@christophervella386]

Isn’t the es-335 sitting in a case at the Hollywood guitar center?

[@mybluesguitar]

Yes it is

[@joepalooka2145]

I'm leaning toward the Jerry Donahue version. Clapton is definitely mistaken about owning it during the Yardbirds era, and he can't be blamed because it's a long time ago and memories fade. I can't see why Jerry Donahue would make up such a story, which would be a very vivid memory for anyone. I guess we will never get the answer unless somebody comes up with more concrete evidence like a sales receipt. I can understand why Eric would have stashed such a valuable guitar away. He then got into playing Fenders immediately after Cream, as we know from the famous "Telestrat" or "Stratcaster" he played at the live Blind Faith concert in Hyde Park.

[@AdvenuringTime]

What if Eric bought a 335 weeks before the show as a back up because he knew he was going to be playing his 335 again after potentially loaning it to someone for a long time? Could possibly make both accounts true.

[@LAboomR]

I’m an old guy ‘68. I’d love to own this and the “Lucy” les Paul I wonder is this guitar market just for old guys? Kids today play 7 strings & Ibanez stuff I would buy this for the 80 K. Which is the cost of a new Porsche 911 I’m retired so I cannt 🥲

[@mybluesguitar]

Yes, it would be nice to come into some money, enough to buy some historic pieces! Lucy is a beauty.

[@geemac7267]

Hard to tell which story is correct, as they both seem very credible. Somebody is obviously mistaken. I guess it will remain a mystery.

[@mybluesguitar]

Unless some unseen fan photos or a store receipt comes to light??! Maybe. I would love to know

[@Supervillainmc]

Clapton never sounded better. I tend to go with the salesman’s version. Time and Drugs combined takes a toll on memory but who knows.

[@christyherron_]

Has anyone noticed that the knobs changed colour, from original chrome top-hats to solid black plastic? Why would you downgrade the knobs? Another part of the mystery 🤔

[@mybluesguitar]

I have wondered myself why he did that. Maybe lost or damaged one then replaced it with a random set from a store???

[@christyherron_]

@@mybluesguitar maybe - then you’d think he’d spend a couple of quid on the correct ones once he had the time to source them. Then again, I don’t think there’s any such thing as ‘period correct’ for 335 knobs, so it could be that the black ones are originals, but Clapton had swapped to chrome early on, then he eventually decided to put the originals back on again. Or he was under the impression that his weren’t correct and swapped… or he just preferred the black… or… we’ll never know 😅

[@christyherron_]

@@mybluesguitarhe had black knobs on for the Dirty Mac concert, just 2 weeks after the final Cream performance. Is it actually the same guitar?? 🤷🏼‍♂️

[@Danielallanz]

I always thought he had the ES335 long before "farewell cream"..

[@mybluesguitar]

That's one version of events. Might be the correct one. Might not. Until some concrete photographic proof or receipts appear then it will be open to question.

[@brentharmonmusicproduction]

Is there a possilbity that Clapton own 2 Gibson ES 335 and he bought them at 2 differenet times and at 2 different place?

[@mybluesguitar]

Certainly possible.

[@Star-Destroyer]

Eric also said that 335 is the one he used on the famous version of crossroads. If he's correct then he would have obviously had the guitar before the RAH final concert

[@rhye999]

That has been proven to be wrong. There's plenty of photos of that gig. He only used the SG for the March, San Francisco shows

[@user-bt3tj6we7b]

@@rhye999 sorry to tell you that i play guitar better than you! much better !!!!!!!!!!

[@dukeford8893]

As others have mentioned, Eric's memory isn't worth a damn, and he bought hundreds of guitars in the late 60's alone. I'd go with Donohue's story.

[@fossilmatic]

Is Schroder or any of Creams other roadies alive? Perhaps tracking down someone who was handling gear would add some details? For me the RAH 335 is the iconic Clapton guitar. Only proven by his live blues tour of ‘94 where he used (the same?) it as well. His decision to not use it for the 2005 Reunion RAH gig, while explained, was baffling.

[@mybluesguitar]

I think a lot of people were hoping for Gibson and Marshall at the concert.

[@mybluesguitar]

P.S. Hard to believe that was nearly twenty years ago.

[@TweedSuit]

Here's my 10p worth... The logic behind this guitar being purchased in 1964 and essentially stored away until Nov 68 is very thin. If you look at the 'known' guitars Eric owned between 1964 and 1968, you really only have the Red Tele, Beano Burst, SG, Firebird, Tobacco Burst and Red 335. He also borrowed several guitars during this time as can be seen from the many available photos. Eric always used the guitars he owned - this was a time before guitarists carried several guitars to gigs. I believe the myth around the Red 335 was a marketing ploy in order to drum up hype for it's auction sale and also for Gibson to re-issue it as the "Crossroads" guitar later on - and we all know it wasn't used for that iconic solo, that was the painted SG. The Jerry Donahue version of events is the most logical - but that story doesn't sell guitars...

[@dukeford8893]

You're missing one. Eric replaced the Beano with another Burst purchased from Andy Summers. That's the guitar used on Fresh Cream. The headstock was subsequently broken off and repaired (badly). It was probably relatively unplayable, so Eric switched to the SG.

[@TweedSuit]

@@dukeford8893 Yes that’s correct. I wonder how different it was to his Beano. I think it was a 1960 as well. He probably switched to the SG because everyone else had discovered the Burst.

[@arthurblackhistoric]

We can't really rely on EC's recollections because he was high on drugs for so much of his time with Cream. When I was roughly the age Eric woulda been during his time with Cream, I only smoked a little weed . . and my memories of that time in my life are hazy enough. Eric was doing a lot more heavy duty gear that just a little bit of weed here and there. I find the subject of Eric's guitar history during his days with Cream really fascinating. Once he decided to exclusively play Fender Stratocasters he lost me completely. In my opinion, and in the opinions of countless thousands of other Clapton fans, Eric lost his way completely and utterly after Cream folded. I'm not blaming his switch from Gibsons to Fenders for this, of course, it's just coincidental. . . . . Or is it? Eric was like a lost kid after Cream ran its course. George Harrison, his best friend, was touring with Delaney and Bonnie and he invited Eric to join the tour, thus exposing him to other music and to other musicians, including Robbie Robertson from The Band who was a Strat player. Eric kinda falls in line with whoever he's hanging with, and I'm supposing he picked up a Strat to fall in line with Robbie. I don't know what EC played on the Derek and the Dominoes album, but it was likely an SG, since he was hanging with Duanne Allman. Both Robbie and Duanne were a lot more secure in themselves than Eric ever was back then, which was why he fell in line so easily.

[@mybluesguitar]

Thanks Arthur. Appreciate your commenting

[@arthurblackhistoric]

@@mybluesguitar . . Thanks, MBG. I thought I knew a thing or two about the history of Rock and Blues music . . until I discovered the archives on KZbin and the people like yourself who collate them. So much of what I believed I knew for certain has been thrown into question since KZbin blew the doors of my perceptions off their hinges. Y'know there are even self-styled experts who "know everything" about The White Plains and Edison Lighthouse? Those nit-pickers really attacked me en masse over my innocently giving a vocal credit to Tony Burrows on a particular song, when they could actually prove beyond doubt that it was the sax player or the drummer or whoever who sang on that particular cut. And the hits just kept on coming until I'd had a total gutfull of them and deleted the original comment I'd made. Thankfully your channel doesn't appear to have similar fanatics subscribing to it like that other one did. It's gotta make me wonder though, where those guys were hiding when categories to be experts in were being given out. I can imagine the category-giver announcing . . OK folks, just a few piddling, inconsequential categories to go. Who wants Edison Lighthouse? And a guy with broken spectacles held together by masking tape, flinging his hand up!

[@rhye999]

I have always been intrigued by this guitar and have not been able to come to any conclusion. Here's a few other facts🤔: -The photo at 5:01 was apparently taken on the Yardbirds last gig in 1965, which could indicate that it's not Dreja's 335... -After his Beano burst was stolen he said on an interview in 1966 about the Les Paul "Someone stole in at the rehearsal room. I wouldn’t have sold it. It was worth about £400 for me. It was the only one I had and the one I always played. I’m borrowing guitars now. I’d like to get another Les Paul, there are only about six or seven in the country. I might get a Rickenbacker." That could indicate that he did not own the 335 at that point. -Recently some photos were discovered of the 335's case that were taken on the November 2nd Madison Square Garden show backstage. It's undoubtedly the same case he sold on the 2004 auction with the 335... Again, I am not sure which theory to believe but hopefully more photos will surface which will clear things up

[@mybluesguitar]

rhye999, thanks for posting that note about the Yardbirds photo. I did indeed seem to remember it was a late one, but didn't want to say so unless I could find something to that effect. I spent about an hour trawling the net but had no luck. It is indeed an interesting pic, as you say. Because Chris Dreja's (original/first?) block-neck 335 must have been smashed up by that point, which would mean that unless it was repaired (which, actually, surely it would have been?) and Eric was using it, then the guitar in the photo must be a different one. I recall a similar interview where he talks about his Les Pauls in about '67 with no mention (that I recall) of a 335. Was that case in the pic not identified as a 355 case (presumably containing the 355 he used at the Forum on the 19th October?), or was that a different pic?

[@rhye999]

​@@mybluesguitar The case in the photo I am referring to is undoubtedly the case he had with the 335 when he sold it, however as you say, it may have been used for the 355 at that point in time, no way to be sure... From what I've seen, most 355's ( but not all) came with a case with pink lining and not yellow

[@janslavicek3878]

@mybluesguitar Did Chris Dreja own another red (dot neck) 335 later on? Because there is a photo of him playing something like that in the Jeff Beck lineup. Unfortunately there is not enough quality in the pic to determine if it is block or dot neck.

[@dukeford8893]

@@janslavicek3878 Yeah, Dreja definitely had a dot-neck 335.

[@Andrew-Gomez904]

What was the solo that was playing at the start of the video?

[@mybluesguitar]

It's the demo for a lesson on the first half of Eric's solo in Sunshine of Your Love from the evening performance on 26th November, 1968. I need to tab it out for my Patreon supporters, and when i do that I'll re-edit and re-post it.

[@pabloperez4063]

Can uou please program about the stolen lp?

[@mybluesguitar]

Great idea, Pablo. Noted!

[@tattyshoesshigure5731]

Always loved Eric’s playing on a Gibson… love his playing on any guitar tbh, but Gibson guitars do seem to give him something extra.

[@mybluesguitar]

Didn't he say somewhere about finding Gibsons easier to play and that you had to fight a Strat?

[@duspet]

Sadly, Guitar Center has let it fall into disrepair. It’s on display at the Hollywood GC. Fretboard looked dry as a bone. Sad.

[@mybluesguitar]

That's sad to hear.

[@JimmyDevere]

So is Sleepy Time live and Crossroads recorded on this guitar or the SG? I'm not following your conclusion based on the evidence and photos.

[@mybluesguitar]

Both were recorded with the SG, Jimmy. Apologies if it's not clear!

[@JimmyDevere]

@@mybluesguitar Thank you! I appreciate it! I am wanting to purchase a Gibson for this tone, trying to decide on weight and price, do you think the SG is necessary to get the tones? If I were to get an SG, would you put in the same pickups that you have in your LP?

[@JimmyDevere]

Also, are there better years to shop for Gibsons? Any years or submodels to look out for?

[@mybluesguitar]

@@JimmyDevere Well, I think a Gibson with humbuckers (not hot modern ones) and a Marshall style amp should get you in the ballpark, Jimmy. The beauty of using a DAW (digital audio interface) like I do with Garageband is that you have countless combinations of amps, cabs, mics etc. at your fingertips.

[@mybluesguitar]

@@JimmyDevere I think they went through a mediocre phase in the late '70s early '80s, but the reissue/Custom Shop guitars they have been making for the past few years are really good. Of course the Golden Age is up to and including 1964.

[@josephliptak]

I always thought Eric sounded better as a guitar player when toting a Gibson guitar.

[@mybluesguitar]

Many would agree, Joseph!

[@bengoodman3672]

Eric writes in ‘Crossroads’ that this famous 335 was purchased during the yardbirds period if I recall correctly.

[@mybluesguitar]

That's correct, Ben. He did say that

[@wretch1]

Clapton couldn't even remember which shop he bought it from so......

[@john_air]

holy got molly that guitar playing at the ed of the video was as good as eric claptons farewell concert performance at least in my opinion i thought it was farewell recording before firebird show up on the screen jeeeez wow 💯💯 i hope some millinionaire watch my coment and buy you one of claptons signature 64 335 you deserve to have one totally

[@mybluesguitar]

Thanks so much. Glad you enjoyed it!

[@john_air]

@@mybluesguitar do you know what string guage did eric used during his earlier gibson era(1966-1969) it seems like he used lighter guage something like 009 or 008 do you have any information about it?

[@Romanovhundreds17]

It was a long time ago and a lot of drugs and drink 🍸

[@superfuzzymomma]

Forensic Clapton, nice job!

[@mybluesguitar]

Thanks sfm!

[@birdzzzondayflu2489]

I’ve seen this guitar in real life

[@mybluesguitar]

Nice!

[@slunky08]

This is pretty funny and of course people don't believe Clapton as they hate succeesful and rich people :) . The 2nd pic of Eric with ES-335 and Yardbirds is from one of the last gigs he played with them, March 1965. So Eric had the block-inlay ES-335 already then. And he spoke in interviews alredy in early 1968 about ES-335 being the first really good guitar he got for himself with the first money he got from the Yardbirds.

[@mybluesguitar]

You don't have a link to the 1968 interview you mention, do you? I'm not doubting it, but I would be interested to read what he said in the whole interview.

[@slunky08]

@@mybluesguitar You can find it in "Claptn Was God's "Eric Clapton Press Archive 1964-73" an article "Guitar Player 1992" that includes an article called "The Lost Cream Tapes" from March 1968. Eric says in the article, that he will be 23 years old in the end of the month.

[@mybluesguitar]

@@slunky08 Great! Thanks for that. I'll check it out

[@dukeford8893]

@@slunky08 Those are pretty obscure and somewhat questionable "references".

[@Dany-fj2oj]

Clapton usò questa chitarra in occasione del Rock and Roll Circus per la canzone Yer Blues con John Lennon

[@mybluesguitar]

De hecho lo hizo. ¡Esa fue una gran actuación!

[@stogies3]

Eric called his ES-335,the Yardbirds Gibson guitar in interviews.

[@mybluesguitar]

I didn't know that, stogies3. Thanks for sharing.

[@goodbababadbaba6370]

Guitar trainspotting

[@SiloSoundStudios]

Its been all downhill for EC since the Detroit Grande Ballroom

[@mybluesguitar]

I'd remember that

[@elpastor7155]

if clapton is the slowhand, you are the slowmouth

[@mybluesguitar]

That great to hear. Many thanks.

[@arnolddealiii4259]

Eric has taken a lot of LSD, cocaine, and alcohol over the years. I believe Eric believes what he said is true but I think Jerry’s story is more realistic.

[@mybluesguitar]

I don't think I'd forget selling a guitar to one of my heroes as a kid

[@midnightblues717]

Enjoyable video Mark! Nothing against EC, but I know if it were me and I sold a guitar to my favorite guitarist (Peter Frampton), I'd remember it for a lifetime. Having typed that, I'd say that it's likely that JD's recollection is the more reliable one. No doubt you've seen this already, but just in case: kzbin.info/www/bejne/bXTJgnqOqrWfg8k I have a 355 (Alex Lifeson), which I really love, but I would also love to have a block 335 as well. Thanks and cheers, MB

[@mybluesguitar]

Thanks for posting that link, MB. I have seen it but not for a long time. I wonder who thought of the idea to call it the 'Crossroads' 335. It is well-documented with witness reports and photographs that he played the SG at Winterland and the Fillmore in March '68.

[@midnightblues717]

You're welcome Mark. Exactly right! I'm not sure, but I think he got the 335 around November of '68, so I don't know who or why they would've come up with that for the moniker? Cheers! MB

[@Colin-hp1li]

I dont think that eric thought he was. God. .? Why \?😊❤

[@mybluesguitar]

I think he was embarrassed by it. It's also a big seat to fill.

[@JP-hs6ii]

Clapton confirmed he bought the 335 while in The Yardbirds. (Christie's Auction Catalog)

[@mybluesguitar]

Wow! Great memory, John. I will watch out for you next time I view it.

[@MrLooperg]

Given the amount of acid that Eric had been taking, i would not rely too much of his account of things.

[@michaeldumas9203]

He was drinking, smoking, shooting and snorting so much at that point, who knows!?!?!

[@igor5041]

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