Fender Guitars issued a 100 limited edition Eric Clapton Crossroads Stratocaster Guitar Packages on 20 July 2007. One hundred percent of the proceeds will benefit the Crossroads Centre at Antigua, the drug and alcohol addiction rehabilitation facility founded by Eric. They were released in the same week as the second Crossroads Guitar Festival (28 July) at Toyota Park in Chicago, Illinois.
The limited editions consisted of 50 guitar and amplifier sets, along with 50 individual guitars. Master-built in Fender’s Corona, California Custom Shop, they were created under Eric’s guidance and supervision by the artisans who handcraft his personal instruments. Each guitar has a unique “Crossroads Antigua” graphic designed and originally hand-drawn by Eric. The commemorative Crossroads ‘57 Twin-Amps are modeled after the original ‘57 Twin Amp. The ‘57 Twin-Amp is Eric’s personal amp of choice for studio and stage use.
The Crossroads Premium Platinum Package ($30,000 U.S.) is highlighted by the Crossroads Edition ‘57 Twin-Amp paired with the Crossroads Guitar in an Anvil road case. The limited-edition amplifier features a custom engraved commemorative “Crossroads 2007” badge in recognition of the Chicago festival. The premium packagealso included a certificate of authenticity signed by Eric, an official Crossroads tour laminate, set list and program book, Clapton guitar picks, a commemorative Crossroads guitar strap and a framed art print of the Crossroads instrument package, signed and numbered by photographer Stephen Pitkin. Only 50 of these sets were handcrafted for global distribution.
The Gold Package, ($20,000 U.S) included the Eric Clapton Croassroads Stratocaster, Anvil road case, an Eric Clapton signed certificate of authenticity, limited edition guitar picks, a unique Crossroads guitar strap, and an official Crossroads program. Like the Platinum Package, only 50 of these sets will also be available globally.
Eric debuted the guitar and amp on the U.S. television show, “Good Morning America” on 20 July. He joined John Mayer on stage during John’s GMA Summer Concert Series performance. The free concert aired live and took place in Bryant Park in midtown Manhattan. John performed two songs before being joined by Eric for “Crossroads”. For the song, John also used a Crossroads Fender Stratocaster, although John’s guitar has been modified with a rosewood neck and “Big Dipper” electronics. Eric also used the guitar and amp at his 2007 Crossroads Guitar Festival.
