Eric Clapton Crossroads Fender Stratocaster and Twin Amp Limited Editions

Fender Guitars issued a 100 limited edition Eric Clapton Crossroads Stratocaster Guitar Packages on 20 July 2007. One hundred percent of the proceeds went to benefit the Crossroads Centre at Antigua, the drug and alcohol addiction rehabilitation facility founded by Eric Clapton in 1997. The packages were released in the same week as the second Crossroads Guitar Festival (28 July 2007) 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 Clapton’s guidance and supervision by the artisans who handcraft his personal instruments. Each guitar bore 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 Clapton'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 Clapton debuted the guitar and amp on the U.S. television show, “Good Morning America” on 20 July 2007. He joined John Mayer on stage during John’s Good Morning America Summer Concert Series performance. The free concert aired live and took place in Bryant Park in midtown Manhattan. John Mayer performed two songs before being joined by Eric Clapton for “Crossroads”. For the song, Mayer also used a Crossroads Fender Stratocaster, although Mayer's guitar was modified with a rosewood neck and “Big Dipper” electronics. Eric Clapton also used the guitar and amp at the 2007 Crossroads Guitar Festival.

Click here for an online article about the "Sun Strat and Amp" from Guitar International.