Where is Eric Clapton's Beano Les Paul?

[@danzon-theearlyjazzguitard5447]

So well researched AND this is like a conversation with the old school musicians!

[@TheGuitarShow]

Cheers

[@MrCherryJuice]

Thank you for this. A couple things. According to Andy Summers (Police, though in Zoot Money's Big Roll Band at the time) in his memoir 'One Train Later', the story of Clapton purchasing his two Les Paul's differs from what you indicated. "About the time we share a stage at the Flamingo, I acquire a new Gibson from a store on Charing Cross Road. When Eric sees me with it, a new '59 Les Paul Sunburst, he asks where I bought it. I innocently tell him that they have another one on sale for eighty quid and he could go get it." A couple pages later, Summers notes that EC's Les Paul was stolen when rehearsing with Cream and Eric offers to buy his guitar. Summers was reluctant to sell but Clapton continued to pressure him. There's an issue with the back pickup and Summers has switched to a Telecaster (not the one used in the Police), so he sells it for £200 - 'more than twice what I paid for it'. Manager Robert Stigwood hands the cash to Summers at the Crowellian (club) and remarks that "it's too much money for a bloody guitar". Summers writes: "The next day I drop of the Les Paul at Advision (studios) in the West End, where Eric is in the middle of recording with Jack and Ginger." So, this is quite a different narrative from what you have. Which is correct, I don't know. But Summer's recollection certainly makes sense, especially within the context surrounding it, which involves him and EC hanging out as pals for a period of time. Once again, thank you for doing this video. I grew up listening to the Bluesbreakers and for some reason I find this tale of the guitars fascination. I'm not even an EC fan (I'm a drummer who doodles on guitar and is a big Jeff Beck fan), but in '66 there was no denying that he reset the compass as far as electric guitar was concerned.

[@tonebender69]

I really wish it could be reunited again in Claptons hands. It's really sad and a waste when you think that that amazing sounding Les Paul was only heard in all it's glory on the beano album. Never to be seen again. And that's the real shame. Peter Framton got his 59 black beauty back luckily. The beano Les Paul belongs to Eric and he made it sing.

[@TheGuitarShow]

Great comment! Thanks!

[@pabloperez4063]

The Queen of England herself should take part in a national call to recover this sacred guitar

[@darrelldunn4618]

Clapton has sold so many of his guitars I wonder if really cares about the burst anymore really.

[@crasherxtreme]

Um. Another take is, it's better this way. His mayall year, was my favorite. It makes this period in claptons career that much more gold. Can't be repeated. No going back. I don't really care one way or the other. I guess it might be cool to see clapton reunited with his gibson.

[@juanvaldez5422]

It’s rumored where it’s at. The same billionaire dbag that ED King got his back from … I

[@billygoatgruff2554]

A bit of information that I don't expect too many people to know is that the Burns Orbit amp that is shown at 3 mins 18 secs into this episode was John Mayall's PA system..... He had that one for his vocals and harmonica and another one for his Hammond organ.... He used to place the amp in front of the stage as you can see here, or I have seen him hang it from the rafters in small clubs...... No health and safety officers were harmed during his show... Lol

[@TheGuitarShow]

Thanks 🙏🎸🎸🎸

[@king_of_sev7n]

A small correction if I am allowed by a humble Greek Blues... The man who was killed in the accident in Greece in '65 was Thanos Sougioul, Famous Actor, Guitarist, Organist and Founder of Juniors and Clapton replaced Alekos Karakantas, famous Junior's guitarist who is the only one who survived the accident but was seriously injured...

[@5150show]

Thank you for this . This is absolutely brilliant!!!

[@TheGuitarShow]

Pleasure bro!

[@stuartpenney6829]

Great research and nicely presented. I pointed out the old Selmer's shop in Charing Cross Road to my guitarist son the last time we were in London. The building is a Pizza restaurant now, but the two pillars at the entrance are still there. The only time I ever saw a Gibson Citation was in Selmer's in the early 70s.

[@TheGuitarShow]

Thanks Stuart 🙏🎸

[@Glicksman1]

Clapton has said that he hankered after Freddie King's bright, biting sound. He apparently tried to get it with a Telecaster, but it just didn't sound quite right. Accordingly, what he really needed was a '54 Goldtop LP with P-90s, but that guitar was nowhere to be found in GB in those days. To get close to that sound, his "Beano" LP Standard was EQed on many tracks of The Bluesberakers with Eric Clapton album to sound more P-90-ish than Humbucker-ish with the lower mids strongly attenuated. Also, many PAF Humbuckers have a naturally bright timbre and his guitar's pickups may have been such. His new Marshall 45-watt, model 1962 Marshall 2x12 combo (JTM 45) combo surely helped in this regard as well as those amps and all Marshalls of that era can be quite (too) bright. Thanks for a well-researched, informative and not all too-long discussion.

[@TheGuitarShow]

Many thanks indeed 🎸🙏

[@robertstan2349]

the 1962 wouldn't be especially bright. in fact they're rather dark and smooth with a very fat, boomy and loose low end and spongy feel. many of us run them with the bass at literally 0

[@glenkepic3208]

This is great !! ah, the joys of being old ;) I was 5 or 6 when I was given Lonnie Mack's "Memphis" in '62 or '63. Raised on all the good stuff (Holly, Berry, Wailers, Johnny and The Hurricanes, etc) but this was the first screaming guitar I ever heard and the picture sleeve with the Flying V didn't hurt. '65 and the parents of my friends are playing The PBBB with Bloomfield. I never got it tone wise and even the playing while highly regarded (RF was a HUGE fan). My loss. Older brothers of friends had Beano and A Hard Road a year or so later. I didn't buy these until years later but knew these made a huge impact then. These guys with their parked GTO's and these 4 tracks (?) on the front seat is a fond memory. The 'big kids music'' like PG FM in '68.

[@TheGuitarShow]

Coo' comment thanks! 🙏🎸

[@individrus]

Again and again-thank you so much for your amazing channel!

[@TheGuitarShow]

Pleasure 🎸🙏

[@tsj7545]

great video Ramon - I work on Shaftesbury Ave, a shame all these shops are closing down. Selmers is now a Chilangos. Taran

[@TheGuitarShow]

Yes so much musical history there

[@kiloband7430]

Gordon Hawtin grew up in the West End shop scene and witnessed a lot of history during his time at Sound City and later the legendary Top Gear Music in Denmark street. I'd believe his memory over all the internet urban myth from people who weren't there.

[@CaptainCraigKWMRZ]

Ramon, thank you much for making my day! I spent the 80's helping Mel Fisher look for the treasure off of Key West, Fl (found it!) And your quest for Holy 'Bursts get me just as excited. I don't think people appreciate the homework you do to make these videos. Keep up the Lord's work 🙂

[@TheGuitarShow]

Pleasure! I would love to take a boat ride off Key West one day with you and drink a beer!

[@potato-xn7zj]

hi Ramon.This is a comment that is irrelevant to the video.I’m Margen your old guitar student.I’m just here to say thanks for teaching me the basics on playing the guitar plus some songs.I have also left CYM due to the amount of money we have to pay to attend for a year.I will still take guitar lessons at school which I am now in year 7 and I am now trying to focus on my studies. Hopefully you keep doing things that you love and stay safe. From: Your old student Margen.

[@TheGuitarShow]

Hi Margen - can you tell your father to email me as I may be able to put you on a scholarship.

[@potato-xn7zj]

@@TheGuitarShow I don’t think I’ll be able to go to CYM anyway since Im kinda always busy on Saturday but I’ll try my best

[@TheGuitarShow]

@@potato-xn7zj keep me updated and really happy you are still doing guitar lessons!!!

[@billygoatgruff2554]

Another bit of nerdy information regarding this video is that the Selmer shop that is mentioned had a shop assistant named Paul Kossoff working there in 1966. I know 'cos I showed him how to play the first few bars of Stepping out. Lovely bloke... RIP Paul.

[@TheGuitarShow]

Thats right, thanks for the memories Billy 🙏🎸

[@billygoatgruff2554]

Paul was in a group called The Black Cat Bones at the time.

[@jamiemontgomery7846]

The guitar was not purchased at Selmers but at the Lew Davis smaller shop just past Denmark Street which is still Charing Cross Road. Lew Davis shop was still part of Selmers but the big grand looking shop in this vid isnt where the deal was done.

[@crasherxtreme]

Wow. Cool stuff. Brit blues history. I'm glad I lived the times. Music will never reach that pinnacle again. We are all so lucky

[@jaymichaels5187]

Ramon, in the UK another burst with a Bigsby was the one Ken Lundgren brought over from British Columbia Canada when he played with the UK group the Outlaws (of Ritchie Blackmore fame), it seems he might have traded it for a blond ES 175 arch-top guitar in the UK, as very few photos show him with that burst but mainly with that Gibson ES 175 arch-top guitar.

[@TheGuitarShow]

Thanks for this I will cover Ritchie soon. 🎸🙏

[@linheitzig6916]

Great video Ramon, thanks for all your hard work you put into your vids. But, I would imagine it can be quite rewarding for you digging up all the information that you do. I look forward to your next video, thanks again.

[@TheGuitarShow]

Many thanks Lin 🎸🙏

[@HowlinWatersLive]

Many years ago, my first good guitar was a Les Paul Jr., which had an SG body and one black soapbar pickup. It had Les Paul Jr. printed on the truss rod cover. 😊

[@BrianKlobyGuitar]

Great info and history of this iconic Guit-Fiddle.. Thank you :)

[@TheGuitarShow]

Thanks Brian🎸🙏

[@pabloperez4063]

ThE amount of info you have been ABLE to gather deserves a congratulation from EC himself! Fantástic photo greece 65

[@TheGuitarShow]

Thanks Pablo 🎸🙏

[@shanebrbich5698]

G’day Remon! Great content once again! P.S. 1:30 odd, those two Lefty Fenders (hanging in Selmers) 😔 Maaaaate! What I wouldn’t give! 👍🇦🇺

[@TheGuitarShow]

Hi bro... Yes that thinline hanging there caught my eye!

[@TheGuitarHistorian]

Your videos are absolutely packed with information man. Well done.

[@TheGuitarShow]

Thank you very much! I liked your greeny video 🙏🎸

[@TheGuitarHistorian]

The Guitar Show thank you! High praise coming from you sir. I’m thinking about doing a part 2 because some new info and corrections have come to light. Turns out you can’t believe everything you read on the internet 😂

[@glenkepic3208]

Great again :) I saw a related vid which stated the LP and BB 1962 amp were bought at around 200 pds each. This is like $5000 in todays money !! No wonder EC wrote an 'I'm sorry" letter to Marshall regarding being late on his payments.

[@TheGuitarShow]

Thanks Glen for this 🎸🙏

[@billymoss1585]

Way to go Ramon! Excellent video for the burst enthusiast!.

[@TheGuitarShow]

Thanks Billy 🎸🙏

[@theswagler5648]

My ex made off with my '71 deep cherry sunburst deluxe modded w/full 1960 humbuckers. Everyone wanted it, it had a one piece mahogany neck, very dark dense grain rosewood fretboard. Bought it for $375 in 1988, had about $650 in it all together. You can't replace something after owning nearly 30 years. So I'm off and on looking for the perfect '58 reissue burst for around $2,800 that . I can't do $4,000+ for a guitar.

[@TheGuitarShow]

Sorry for your loss, that sounded like an amazing guitar 🎸🙏

[@theswagler5648]

I bought it from an old-time music store, the owner was about 70 years old owning shop since 1946. He went on and on, how he wouldn't sell any of his vintage instruments to Japanese or anyone who just wanted to hang them on the wall. Yeah, he sold it to me for a price reflecting someone of that era who sold '54 Les Paul's and Conn saxophones new. It was a deep blood red with a gradual transition in color. I never planned to buy another. drive.google.com/file/d/1Cds3h3yRoyQNSOL0wAR5AdlVCApVUE71/view?usp=sharing

[@kevinohalloran7164]

I took a look - yeah, that was a nice one. Any chance you could track her and get it back? If you get a nice re-issue you'll feel a whole lot better.

[@scottrgood]

This was an amazing in depth video. The part from 4:50 to 6:00 is something I’ve never ever heard about. If anyone has any recordings from this time or more information on this band, please share it. Thanks!

[@chansfor]

Some interesting photos I’d not seen before. I was at the Marquee club Yardbird gig when Eric played with Jeff, glad someone had a camera. Although I love history of these great guitars, let’s face it, it’s who is driving that makes the magic.

[@frantisca]

Hi Ramon, When you look at his career, Clapton is a real survivor. From the road accident in 65, to the Alpine Valley tragedy where SRV, Greg Philligaines and many others lost their lives 30 years ago, not to mention his own alcohol & drug abuse and the loss of his son... this guy is an icon, but he's probably also made of stainless steel. I liked the part when Jimmy Page told the sound engineer to keep on recording and he was taking full responsibility. The story of Rock is made of these moments !! Anyway, speaking of guitars and the glorious '60s years, funny enough I was in London back in '67 and I visited the Sound City shop where I played a Les Paul that I couldn't afford at the time. Who knows where this one ended... I'm now the (very) lucky owner of a '59 Burst reissue which, as far as I can remember, gives me the same sensations. Only I can play and enjoy it everyday without putting my estate at risk :)) Wonder if the Beano LP will ever pop up again one day. It's possibly worth more than Greeny ? Anyhow, Bernie Marsden has his pension ensured with The Beast, should he need it one day ;-) Cheers Ramon ! Keep those documentary vids coming :)

[@gordonhawtin2181]

Are you sure it was sound city and not selmers Rene, as I worked at sound city 1967 and we never had any Les Pauls it was grech and fenders

[@frantisca]

Gordon Hawtin Hi Gordon: might have been Selmers… been quite a long time ;-) !

[@gordonhawtin2181]

@@frantisca Rene, Sound City had a few Gibson 335 and Gibson Ebo bases all second hand but no Les Pauls. Sound City also sold Burns guitars. Sound City had the franchise for Grech and Fender Guitars and Selmer had the franchise for Gibson and Hofner and Danelectro guitars and sold a few second hand Fenders.

[@frantisca]

Gordon Hawtin Yes: I remember having tried a Burns !

[@gordonhawtin2181]

@@frantisca Oh well it was 53 years ago. I wont tell about when I sold noel redding his jazz base and Jimi Hendrix showed me how to play hey Jo when i was 16

[@willpayne6249]

I love your videos

[@TheGuitarShow]

Thanks Will

[@missiontotransition641]

great video, enjoyed the history of the Beano Les Paul~!

[@TheGuitarShow]

Thanks Ricky 🙏🎸

[@songkhla1]

According to Setlist.fm the gig at the Stoke Hotel Guilford was on July 14 1966. If the Stoke Hotel is where Eric Clapton played his last Blues Breakers gig, then that was the date. There is no dated listed in June at that venue. Setlist also lists the July 17 gig at the Black Prince Hotel.

[@TheGuitarShow]

🙏🎸

[@peteryoungpeteryoung965]

We saw the Bluesbreakers in Golders Green Refectory pub. Mayall anounced that they had just finished recording an album and it was due for release in a few months. They played all the songs off it and although we thought it was brilliant and Erics playing was amazing, it did'nt go down well with the 50 or so people in the pub, who kept asking for pop songs. If only they new what was to come.

[@TheGuitarShow]

So cool Peter!! What a silly audience - bet they regretted it ever since!

[@peteryoungpeteryoung965]

@@TheGuitarShow That's right, they had no idea what they were witnessing. We had been following Eric with the Yardbirds playing around London, so kinda knew what to expect. We also saw Cream playing in Isleworth Polytechnic, blew us away. They never quite captured their sound on record until the live "Goodbye" album.

[@pabloperez4063]

@@peteryoungpeteryoung965 Peter, then you Saw ThE Jam with Jimi i ThE Politécnic... .

[@pabloperez4063]

@@TheGuitarShow amazing

[@peteryoungpeteryoung965]

@@pabloperez4063 Can't remember anything about Jimi at the polytechnic, he may well have been there, bear in mind I was only 17. I remember that Ginger turned up late, he walked through the audience with a blonde in one hand and a bottle of scotch in the other, dressed in a fur coat and Russian hat. Jack and Eric were already on stage playing with another drummer. When I think back it was all very chaotic. We saw Jimi at an open air gig in Spalding Lincolnshire and again at the IOW.

[@BeesWaxMinder]

FYI I remember seeing an interview in a UK guitar magazine (Guitarist?) Where there is an interview and a “rig rundown“ of Eric’s collection of guitars. This was way way before any charity auction. There was a photograph Of a Les Paul standard, tomatoish burst colour with a weird green sort of stain near the bridge but definitely part of the wood NOT a finish defect. All in all it looked a bit plain -even ugly but was described as a 1960s Gibson Les Paul standard and the only one, at that time, that Eric owned and despite its looks it apparently sounded wonderful…

[@TheGuitarShow]

Thats the guitar in this video - I tried to get some exclusive photos of it but alas they didnt arrive on time.

[@BeesWaxMinder]

The Guitar Show Forgive my confusion but when you say “the guitar in this video”you don’t mean the actual BeanoBurst do you..? NB: I would’ve seen this article in the 80s You mean the one mentioned about 12mins in? TBH that might be the article I read however I do think I saw a single photo of the guitar on it’s own -not as part of a collection and you could see a kind of weird stain but maybe the one the article you show ‘round 12 minutes in IS the one & my memory is playing tricks on me!

[@noreenkennedy2173]

@@BeesWaxMinder somwhatbhebnlaysbnluesvom don't he?

[@BeesWaxMinder]

@@noreenkennedy2173 Well that’s easy for you to say!😉👍

[@noreenkennedy2173]

Hi beesw. Yes guess I got some rollover error on this dammned tablet im using. What i was trying to say was so what, he pkays good blues music doesnt he! Frank writing, Noreens Hubby, trying crossroads clapton version, just now but crap, its bad I may need a tutor.is there one in line where tutor listens to your effort and advises? I usually play sort of this style, cum JJ Cale, but just dont get it yet. I think my A string needs a tweek as intonation might be off. How do you adjust on a Strat please? Its a cheap copy.

[@AdyJohnsonVideo]

Interesting stuff and nicely put together Ramon! Hope all's well!

[@TheGuitarShow]

Thanks bro great to hear from you

[@johnpandolfino8663]

Great job mate.... I was in highschool when I first heard the Mayall / Clapton Beano album..... Groundbreaking record .....the first time a Les Paul was played through a Marshall and recorded.....the rest is history

[@ianbrailsford5843]

Thanks Goose, mucho interesting.

[@TheGuitarShow]

Pleasure bro!

[@TimB335]

These videos are great! 👍

[@TheGuitarShow]

Thanks Tim 🎸🙏

[@thecaveofthedead]

I thought Bonamassa walked back that claim? He's certainly detail-oriented enough about 'bursts to have made a reasonable identification. I don't think Clapton's recollection is enough to assume the guitar is a 1960. In the pictures the 'burst already looks faded from cherry so I very much doubt it's a 'tomato-soup' 'burst even if it was made in 1960. It'd obviously be early anyway since it didn't have reflector knobs. It's just a pity that it has no 'smoking gun' identifying marks, or I'm sure it'd have come to light by now. The biggest problem is that it's fairly plain and looks like lots of plaintop 'bursts from '58 - early '60. On the other hand though, I like that there's one of these 'heroic' 'bursts that's plain. Makes it super easy to enjoy having a plaintop of my own that's cheaper than a flamey one - 2010 Tokai LS150 in my case.

[@shaunw9270]

Earliest 1960 Les Paul models didn't have reflector knobs . Ah yeah , just noticed you already pointed that out lol 👍

[@JammyGit]

To be honest, I'm not a fan of flamed maple. Almost every maple capped guitar nowadays seems to be either a flamed maple cap or veneer, where I prefer the look of good old ordinary plain maple myself 👍

[@thecaveofthedead]

@@JammyGit Me either. It merely makes it harder to identify.

[@TheNewRevolution]

If Clapton knows the whereabouts of the guitar I wish he'd make an effort to get it back. How great would it be to see Clapton reunited with it one more time, especially after all these years.

[@TheGuitarShow]

I agree

[@northernthrifter8817]

It's obvious he's not really arsed, it's just another guitar that he used, he sells them to help drug addicts. Rather that than hoard them like Joe B the the guy Cesar at Gibson, we're surrounded by gluttons and people think these guys are heroes.

[@TheNewRevolution]

@@northernthrifter8817 I see your logic. I'm sure the guitar is way better off in the hands of someone who probably doesn't even know how to play it. Nobody seeing or hearing the guitar, yeah that makes sense too. Curse that Joe Bonamassa hoarding great guitars. He should let someone who uses them in live gigs have them so they can be heard....oh wait...what's that? He does play most of them live....oh nevermind.

[@johnpandolfino8663]

Supposedly Joe Bonamassa knows who has the guitar....

[@TheNewRevolution]

@johnpandolfino8663 I've also heard that Bonomassa knows who has the guitar. Whoever has it should just come forward and say they think they have it. There's no need to try to hide it away. I'm sure if it's around and even in playing condition, sooner or later it will come to light who has itand how they got it.

[@TheBomber1976]

Enjoyed that. Very interesting. Interesting that Joe Bonamassa thinks it’s a ‘59. Sounds more like a ‘60 with the thin neck. Peter Green mentioned the thin neck of the Beano burst in an interview with one of the guitar mags. He said his i.e. Greeny was like a tree trunk in comparison. Shame Eric doesn’t use Gibbos much these days.

[@TheGuitarShow]

True about Greeny comments! Thanks

[@brockterry5840]

Very nicely done, enjoyed it.

[@TheGuitarShow]

Thanks very much!

[@karinmars7664]

Thank you !! Interesting .... I’ll share it in my Clapton group !! 🎸♥️

[@TheGuitarShow]

Thanks Karin 🙏🎸❤️

[@karinmars7664]

The Guitar Show 🎸💗

[@Jowls2024]

You can do a video about my 85 black burst! I have my doubts. I bought it in the early 2000s in a pub parking lot.

[@aquilarossa5191]

If those faders went back up and were in the red, then there is almost certainly going to be some analog clipping in that guitar tone from the desk on top of whatever the amp was doing.

[@jameswilliamcampbell]

Please bring back the intro music to your show. It’s great

[@TheGuitarShow]

Ok i will.... Thanks!

[@roinerwonkler8754]

What a magic and mythical time of music history

[@LucasHaneman]

Awesome info! Thanks Ramon

[@TheGuitarShow]

Thanks Lucas 🎸🙏

[@areamusicale]

Can I suggest a video subject? Stole guitars. Starting from Lennon's acoustic Epiphone, including Hendrix's first guitar, McCartney's bass etc. If you think it's a good idea, I'm glad to refer more guitars.

[@TheGuitarShow]

Cool idea, thanks 🎸🙏

[@areamusicale]

@@TheGuitarShow great :D

[@pabloperez4063]

It IS a fantástic idea

[@davehenriksen2073]

Excellent! Thank you so much.

[@TheGuitarShow]

Pleasure Dave

[@jameselliano1203]

I have seen the pictures and the Beast does not appear to be the 1960 Les Paul that Eric used. Picture is obvious. Not same.

[@johntaylor7496]

The birth of modern rock guitar was Les Paul's "Lover" 1949. It really sounds more like Steve Vai in the 90's using a harmonizer than something from the 40s.

[@TheGuitarShow]

Yes that's true John he was way ahead of his time

[@robertritchie2860]

And Ritchie Blackmore was using feedback in about 1961...

[@FeelingShred]

thanks for sharing, this is so fascinating to me... this is why I always scroll down the comments, digging for the gold 🙏

[@FeelingShred]

I was trying to find more information on that transition period from Fender amps into Marshall amps... I know Fender amps still remained used but I'm talking more about Rock and Hard Rock bands that kept evolving the genre... what were some of the last Rock albums to ever use Fender amps? and what were the Rock albums that first used Marshall amps?

[@johntaylor7496]

@@FeelingShred 5 watt world has a decent history of Marshall.

[@richardhammond9652]

Another brilliant video , well done Ramon. How about doing pete townsend or mark knopfler one day many thanks

[@TheGuitarShow]

MK coming very soon thanks Richard 🙏🎸

[@skylerspringsteen5730]

That’s the man guitar Clapton talks about and doesn’t play les Paul’s often anymore because of it, so I feel that if he knew about its location he wouldn’t let it be. Even if he got it back just to auction it off for crossroads, it’d easy become the most expensive guitar sold with its story.

[@TheGuitarShow]

Good point 🎸🙏

[@SidBonkers51]

Great video and info, thanks.

[@TheGuitarShow]

Thanks Sid 🎸🙏

[@neilpye6089]

Thanx Ramon

[@TheGuitarShow]

Pleasure Neil!

[@paulbrasile8654]

Somebody's got it somewhere it was rumoured back in the 80s that Bernie Marsden of Whitesnake had it who knows. Clapton stated in his biography that he left a Les Paul in Greece but it wasn't the Beano burst.

[@Factory_Muff]

If Bonamassa says he knows where it is, I believe him. And it wouldn’t have been difficult to get on a plane from London to New York with a guitar case in the 80’s or 90’s and have any reason to think you might arouse suspicious from customs agents over a guitar that had been stolen 25 years prior. I bet hundreds of Les Pauls go in and out of Heathrow each year if not more.

[@TheGuitarShow]

It's still in London, as far as I know Bonamassa saw a vintage Les Paul that looked similar in a private collection in the States but tits not the Beano LP. The guitar still resides in London.

[@TheGuitarShow]

Furthermore.... As far as I am aware, JB also made a statement to the effect of ...he was mistaken it wasn't the Beano Les Paul in said collection.

[@Factory_Muff]

@@TheGuitarShow Oh, ok. I was just going by the information and options you provided in the video. I have never heard JB even mention Beano. Your video is my first introduction to the history of Beano. Thanks!

[@FeelingShred]

never heard Witchdoctor before... the guitar on it still sounds haunting even in 2023...

[@shaunw9270]

Wow Ramon . I really appreciate your thorough research. Made me chuckle how Joe Bonamassa states he knows Beano's whereabouts, predictable really I suppose. 😊

[@TheGuitarShow]

Pleasure Shaun 🎸🙏

[@garynash7594]

My absolute favorite Clapton record, and favorite record for all time, is Derek and the Dominos live in concert, Eric's playing on that is staggering ! Like a soldier going over the top to certain death! That's the " brownie Strat" way better tone than "Blackie" ... That said, At least for the Cream reunion, shoulda most definitely brought out the old 335 and a Les Paul. Oh yeah some old Marshall gear too... Jack and Ginger and Eric knew that was it, a last hurrah. They played damn good on that tour, Eric come on dude... One fucking brand new Strat after another and whatever "I love you man"!

[@Chance-ry1hq]

I saw the beano les Paul at the Hard Rock Cafe in Manhattan.

[@TheGuitarShow]

Great idea!

[@alexZZGuitar6447]

Wow this is fascinating thanks the amazing pictures really help take you into the story:) Just wonder if any chance of a different full rig rundowns for 60s/70s/80s/90s era's of E.C? Stay safe! :)

[@areamusicale]

LOL I had to look up for a guitar finished in "tomato soup" ... the name is very silly, but the colour is amazing!

[@TheGuitarShow]

Agreed 🎸🙏

[@darthsensei3838]

Beano burst would be a big find. But pages bursts are going to set some records

[@stevehughes1510]

Thanks Ramon. Further to this, and again, comments and observations I've gleaned from the Les Paul Forum over the years. FWIW Gil Southworth in the US has the same view as Joe Bonamassa in that the Beanoburst is in the US and that it has a 9 XXXX serial number.........just sayin', as it's been discussed for decades over there as you may be aware.

[@andreaschlapek780]

Great video!!!

[@TheGuitarShow]

Thanks Andreas 🎸🙏

[@andreaschlapek780]

@@TheGuitarShow I listened to this album probably a thousand times... It's my all-time favorite!! Got my copy signed from John Mayall a couple of years ago. This was a lifetime moment, to meet and talk with the man. He is a real gentle man.

[@EnglishVeteran]

Excellent, thanks!

[@TheGuitarShow]

Pleasure

[@crisslastname9417]

Anything Clapton. Well done!

[@TheGuitarShow]

Thanks Criss 🙏🎸

[@lucasoheyze4597]

Loog Oldham's label was Immediate, not Intermediate.

[@TheGuitarShow]

You spotted the mistake - well done! Sometimes I'm such a fool!

[@TheGuitarShow]

@Lookup2Wakeup 😂

[@karinmars7664]

🎸💗

[@shaunw9270]

One of my favourite labels of all time 👍

[@jimmyrecce8787]

Great piece on Eric's guitars...the Beano Les Paul really is an inigma in of itself...I'm sure that it will eventually show up at an auction someday...🎸🎸🎸

[@zacharyradford5552]

If it hasn’t been changed or even destroyed.

[@jimmyrecce8787]

@@zacharyradford5552 this is very true...in all likely hood it has probably been altered in some form.....

[@jonnybeck6723]

In possession of the most valuable guitar ever and afraid to break it out (?) Right? (He never should've taken the covers off) Thanx Goose... you're the guitarist's thought provocateur

[@TheGuitarShow]

Pleasure Jonny!

[@willpayne6249]

Can you do Alex' Lefson please

[@TheGuitarShow]

Sure - great idea!

[@jonnybeck6723]

Hey Ramon... how 'bout any and all rumors surrounding Michael Bloomfield's burst (w/Grovers) Any possibilities? Cheers again

[@TheGuitarShow]

I think we need to do a video about that guitar Jonny!

[@jltrem]

@@TheGuitarShow Ramon, if you do, try to get in touch with Dan Erlewine of Guitar Player Repair Guide and Stew Mac fame, as he originally owned Bloomfield's '59. I don't know why I've never heard anyone ask him about it. He's done live Q&A's and no one has asked. I have, but they didn't choose my question. Also, if Peter Frampton can get his Les Paul back after it went down in a plane crash and was missing for almost 40 years, maybe Clappers can see the return of the Beano someday.

[@TheGuitarShow]

@@jltrem Great comment - and I would love to talk to Dan Erlewine someday!

[@jltrem]

@@rickvitoguitar Sure it wasn't one of these? es.gibson.com/Products/Electric-Guitars/Les-Paul/Gibson-Custom/Michael-Bloomfield-1959-Les-Paul-Standard/Features.aspx

[@jltrem]

@@rickvitoguitar Then it's a shame that whoever has it is keeping it hidden as Michael abandoned the guitar in Canada in one of his famous disappearing acts and it wasn't stolen like in Clapton's case. I'm sure the guitar world (and Dan Erlewine) would love to see it.

[@5150show]

You found that Les Paul ! That’s the next Video!

[@TheGuitarShow]

You never know! 🎸🙏

[@IAM_Reedy]

I say thats the one.

[@TweedSuit]

Someone still has that guitar.

[@vayabroder729]

Great great videos! What about one on Pete Townshend’s gear?

[@TheGuitarShow]

Coming soon 🎸🙏

[@scotthancock5335]

7 September 2018 · Eric Clapton's 1969/60 Les Paul (John Mayall) Blues Breakers (The Beano album) Pics from the web Jimmy Nolan was the deputy manager of Sound City 124 Shaftesbury Ave W1 when I worked their from Jan 1967 to June 1967 and Jimmy was originally from Liverpool and he was about 35 to 40 years old and he was the butt of every ones jokes as he wore a wig. Jimmy had previously worked at Selmers at 114-116 Charring Cross Road for many years but left in 1966 to work for Sound City (Picture from a Sound City loan book receipt to Noel Redding signed by Tony Garland (Jimi Hendrix personal assistant) and signed by Jimmy Nolan. While at Selmers Jimmy Nolan worked along side fellow Guitarists, Jerry Donahue (Fairport Convention & Fotheringay) Paul Kossoff (Free) Ray Smith (Head Hands and Feet) Indian Jazz Guitarist, Amancio D’Silva. Other notable Guitarist that worked at Selmers were, John McLaughlin (Mahavishnu Orchestra and Miles Davis) and possibly Steve How (Yes) Selmers Guitar repairer was Sam Lee, famous for messing up the wiring of Peter Greens (Fleetwood Mac) Les Paul pick ups that made them go out of phase and created the Peter Green Sound. In 1967 Jimmy Nolan told me that he sold Eric Clapton a Gibson Les Paul in 1965 while working at Selmers and I believe it was Jimmy own personal guitar and Eric Clapton Paid £250.00 for it in old money and I assume with the case. A new one wouldn't have been much dearer(250Gns Approx £263.00 plus an extra £10.00 for the case. Please note: In 1967 a £100gns was £105.00 in old money. Although the UK lifted the embargo on American Guitars in 1959 but Fender and Gibson were reluctant to supply UK music shop because it was a lot of work to ship them over for a slow return and especially Gibson and that why they were difficult to obtain. It should be noted that Gibson only made LP Burst between 1958-1959 & 1960 and they only made 1,406 of them. Jeff Beck bought a S/H 59 LP standard from one of the Selmer salesman as a private sale In 1966 and paid £175.00 for it and I assume with a case and with an added black pick guard. I believe Jimmy Nolan old guitar was the 1959/60 Gibson Les Paul that was used on the Eric Clapton's Blues breaker's album. Sadly the Guitar was stolen some time in 1966 or 1967 and in to days money, that 1959/60 Les Paul would be worth more than 6 million quid? from Gordon Hawtin's face book

[@electricgypsyblues4761]

I idolized Clapton when I was younger then I realized thru the layla stuff that he was a really messed up dude. And As I researched further, I found out things that made my jaw drop. Yrs later thanks to the Interwebs, I found out more than I wanted or needed to know about Eric. Still always a legend But really messed up in the head

[@TheGuitarShow]

Erics playing was very special until the end of Cream - then after his drug/alcohol problems he became Eric the 'songwriter' and wrote some pretty good songs!

[@electricgypsyblues4761]

@@TheGuitarShow Yes I agree. The alcohol and drugs does explain alot of his public issues. But what was underneath all that, its a shame the poor guy didnt get real mental help

[@TheGuitarShow]

@@electricgypsyblues4761 Yes his upbringing was such that he carried with him many personal demons which I guess he tried to resolve by medicating himself with the drugs which zoned him out however when he came of the hard drugs and went to alcohol thats when the anger and resentment came to the fore in a spectaclar show of crazy behaviour however he managed to bring himself to sobriety and admit his failings which I do respect him for. Thanks!

[@jamesdunne8504]

@@TheGuitarShow Have you read Slowhand by Philip Norman? A great read for any Clapton fan

[@karinmars7664]

James Dunne Yes that’s a “must have” for us who are interested in Clapton !! I'm glad he managed to quit drugs .... and he went through a horrible incident when his son Conor fell out of the window on the 53rd floor !! It is impossible to imagine the pain Eric and Lori went through !! But Eric came back and has been sober, and made great albums and concerts ....

[@Ultegra10SPD]

If they can find Paul’s Hofner….

[@sarthwahb]

When did Eric had his neck and maybe bridge pickup cover removed, and did that changed the tone?

[@TheGuitarShow]

Eric seemed to think so - it was in the Bluesbreakers that he did that

[@sarthwahb]

@@TheGuitarShow so does the fairly newer Eric Clapton signature beano Les Paul has same pickups?

[@TheGuitarShow]

@@sarthwahb That I don't know I'm afraid

[@floaty10]

Wow, Mark 6 and 10m 130 and 120 Guineas. I want the number for this shop ha. Oh yeah, this was something about guitars wasn’t it?!

[@TheGuitarShow]

Guineas... I remember them well lol

[@alfredgonzalez6068]

the first time I heard modern rock was around 1962 it was high school band that use a lot of feed back the name of this band was the play boys and they were a Mexican band they were from the union district of Los Angeles they sounded like the bands in the late sixties early seventies

[@TheGuitarShow]

Thanks Alfred

[@paristhalheimer]

Was the red Telecaster Clapton played with the Blues Breakers, the same one he used when he was the Yardbirds? And if so, I thought the red Telecaster was a band instrument and not Eric's personal Instrument.

[@TheGuitarShow]

Thanks great comment - Jeff Beck bought this guitar from John Owen sometime in 1965 and later gave it to Page - so Erics Red one was not the bands guitar.

[@knockoutguitarist087]

Hey jimmy just posted that about the engineer on Instagram like three days or so ago... you said it A LOT NICER than jimmy made it sound in his post

[@TheGuitarShow]

Thanks, who is Jimmy? 🎸🙏

[@knockoutguitarist087]

The Guitar Show jimmy page

[@1paparico]

Never mind that guitar, I had a Burns orbital I broke up for parts!

[@TheGuitarShow]

So cool🤟

[@ronfrey5327]

So its a 59 but shaved neck or late 59 with double creams in the neck and black bobbins in bridge.. has to be late 59 and what year did Gibson change the red ? 60... unless they already had another red in 59 that didnt fade...Double creams and a black bobbin were they out of double creams ? 58-60 double creams wonder why they split them up black n white like that and interesting he took the covers off... I heard the fool was 64 so T tops in that go figure..

[@josephcottone3347]

AND THE REST IS HISTORY 😮❤.

[@kimurajack8364]

I wonder if there's a chance it's still lying around somewhere.

[@TheGuitarShow]

it is Im sure of that Jack

[@dent5]

I think you mean EC bought it in '66...he was in Cream in '67

[@TheGuitarShow]

EC bought the Beano burst in '65. He bought another in '66 but thats another topic for another video coming very soon!

[@vayabroder729]

Actually the first Cream album came out in 1966.

[@dent5]

@@TheGuitarShow Cool, look forward to it...hope it has a better intro lol !

[@dent5]

@@vayabroder729 Thanks, but I already knew that. I was just referring to to 'in 1967 he sold EC the Beano guitar'

[@MaceoLaban]

So much confusion about The Beano. And also about The Beast. It's strange that Marsden stated that it's a 60. He well knew that The Beast is a 59. What I do believe is, that The Beast maybe once belonged to Eric but it's not the one on the Beano Album. So...Jimmy Nolan gave TWO Les Pauls to Eric..? Will we ever know?

[@adamwatson6916]

There are 3 different neck carves from 1960 . Early 1960 necks are slightly thinner than 59 necks but not by much than the mid 60 necks start to substantially thin down and by late 1960 they slim down again to what we consider the 60s slim taper . The double white pickup in the neck suggests that its either a 59 or an early 1960. By mid 1960 gisbon was no longer using double white bobbins . 59 and early 1960 neck carves very a fair bit so even in 59 you will get the odd neck that is slimmer than most other 59s By 1959 gibson necks had already slimmed down considerably compared to 1958 necks . The Beano burst could have been a 59 with a slimmer than usual neck carve .. if it's a 1960 it would be an early 60.

[@anthonytye2591]

Hi Ramon @6.05 the LP has covers on the pickups it is not the same??

[@TheGuitarShow]

To my eyes that looks like a double white uncovered pick up in the neck, thanks 🎸🙏

[@anthonytye2591]

@@TheGuitarShow you are right what about @3.35 what do you think hear ??

[@TheGuitarShow]

@@anthonytye2591 oct 1965. Although my Essex accent sometimes makes it hard to understand lol

[@pabloperez4063]

Can anybody explain How was that Eric was playing w Yardbirds in 66?.....i never knew! (Foto w Jeff)

[@TheGuitarShow]

JB video coming soon all will be revealed

[@pabloperez4063]

@@TheGuitarShow looking for ward to It, professor!

[@rdmkeytohwy]

Very good information and photographs. I still do not understand why Clapton does not have this guitar in his possession. It was and is stolen property and should have gone back to Eric as the rightful owner years ago. Very sad. People who steal gear are idiots. I am sure Eric would trade some guitars to get it back. Also, you can say this guitar is the most valuable Les Paul in existence but it’s worthless if no one ever sees it again. Eric should have it. Period! He is the player who changed rock and blues forever with it, not the schmuck who has it now. Who knows what would have happened with his career had he been able to keep it? It is a bloody shame for sure. Great work on the video and the story is sad but fascinating.

[@TheGuitarShow]

Thanks 🎸🙏

[@zacharyradford5552]

Doubt Clapton cares much anymore. Also don’t think the serial number is publicly known, so how the hell is the possible owner to know. Another thing that guitar didn’t make the man Clapton was alway gonna be great and still is without it.

[@rdmkeytohwy]

@@zacharyradford5552 I totally agree. Just saying that he shouldn’t have had it stolen. That happened a lot back in the day and probably still does. Some people are just bent on doing evil.

[@team-1629]

The telecaster was fiesta red and not stripped to the wood.

[@TheGuitarShow]

Yes it was orignally a red tele, thanks!

[@vayabroder729]

The Guitar Show the one that he had used with The Yardbirds...😉

[@team-1629]

@@vayabroder729 the very one, there was a stripped telecaster that Carl Radle gave him during the dominos era.

[@ronfrey5327]

after Muddy Waters Red one thats why...

[@gr328]

I guess it would belong to the insurance company now - did Stigwood insure their gear or just his own?

[@TheGuitarShow]

Good point

[@shaunrish9516]

Peter Greens les paul is worth a lot more

[@FreeSpeechWarrior]

Are you trying to tell me that Peter Green, Kirk Hammett, or Gary Moore are greater or more famous than Eric Clapton? You don't know your history. You're a prisoner of the moment. Eric Clapton and Jimmy Page were the guitar gods of their generation. Anything they touch turns to gold.

[@jamesgrobertson8024]

Great thanks very interesting 👌👌

[@TheGuitarShow]

Thanks James

[@jamesgrobertson8024]

@@TheGuitarShow I've love it if the lowlife who stole it in the 1st place was finally nailed though its such a long time ago now...

[@TheGuitarShow]

@@jamesgrobertson8024 yes not sure what British Law dictates on such a long distant theft.