£2,200
Eric Clapton interest - 1971 Gibson Les Paul Deluxe electric guitar, made in USA; Body: cherry sunburst finished plain maple top upon mahogany back, lacquer line to centre top, dings and blemishes to edges but generally good for age, pickup cavities enlarged to house later fitted humbucker pickups; Neck: good; Fretboard: rosewood with personalised 'GC' initials to the first fret; Frets: mild wear; Electrics: working, later fitted Gibson T Top humbucker pickups; Hardware: generally good, replacement control knobs, replacement pickup surrounds; Case: Gibson protector hard case; Overall condition: good for age
*Sold on behalf of Graham 'Cup Cake' Cooper, a long-time friend of Eric Clapton. A versatile musician, Graham has performed as a keyboardist with Strange Brew and Camel, and as a guitarist with The Mojos, The Stormsville Shakers, Hog Snort Rupert, Freddie Fingers Lee, and the Jackie Lynton Band. Over the years, he has assembled several one-off bands featuring notable musicians including Eric Clapton and Ritchie Blackmore of Deep Purple.
This guitar was one of Graham’s principal instruments and was occasionally borrowed by Clapton for special performances and informal after-show sessions.
In addition to his musical collaborations, Graham was also a member of Clapton’s Bunbury XI charity cricket team. A circa 1989 match programme for a game between Dexters and Bunbury XI includes a player profile of Graham, pictured with this very guitar. The profile notes that he plays in a blues style similar to Clapton’s and even "resembles the master"—a resemblance that led to him occasionally standing in as a Clapton lookalike during tours. The photograph used in the programme highlights the uncanny likeness.
The guitar case is adorned with numerous Eric Clapton after-show and event passes, adding further provenance to this remarkable instrument.
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