Clapton Guitar Sells For $497K
Eric Clapton's 1956 sunburst Fender guitar was among 100 stringed beauties sold at auction Thursday, part of a sale that rang up $5.07 million for a rehabilitation clinic he founded in the Caribbean, reports CBS News Correspondent Bobbi Harley.
"Brownie," as the blues and rock star called the instrument, was said to be one of Clapton's favorites and was used to record his renowned love song "Layla." It went to an anonymous buyer for a record-breaking $497,500, far surpassing the $320,000 record for a guitar once owned by Jimi Hendrix.
Clapton's 1956 Fender Stratocaster, or "Strat," was also played extensively in other recording sessions and in concert. It had been estimated to fetch between $80,000 and $100,000.
"The Christie's auction finally gives me a chance to share with others the instruments that have given me so much pleasure throughout my career," Clapton said in a statement. "I wanted to make a gesture to draw attention to the Crossroads Centre and demonstrate the extent of my personal commitment."
Crossroads is the residential substance abuse clinic Clapton founded in 1997 on Antigua.
The star himself did not attend the standing-room-only sale in Manhattan, opting instead to rehearse for a benefit concert being held next Wednesday at Madison Square Garden. Proceeds will also go to the clinic.
"I can't believe it. I am totally overwhelmed," Clapton said in a statement released by Christie's after the sale. He said he wanted to "say thank you on behalf of all the patients who will get free treatment as a result of this sale."
In a handwritten, photocopied letter that appeared in the Christie's catalog, the legendary guitarist credited an anonymous friend with inspiring him to auction off the guitars.
"The guitars themselves represent the journey I have made through music over the last four decades of my life," Clapton wrote. "They all have a place in my heart and my life ... it is no easy thing to say goodbye to them."
In addition to "Brownie," Clapton sold a 1954 Fender Strat for $211,500; and a 1974 Martin 000-28 for $173,000. Both were widely used for recording and stage work as Clapton rose to stardom during the 1970s.
Several of the instruments sold were painted to match various cars Clapton owned.
The sale itself was more relaxed and crowded than many of Manhattan's usual auctions, attracting hundreds to sale room floor to hear the auctioneer tempt bidders.
"You can say 'No' to Mr. Clapton?" she teased one bidder who dropped from the race for a 1960 Silverstone autographed by guitarist Les Paul. It eventually sold for $27,600.
"I dare you," she auctioneer told another bidder as the price of a 1994 Clapton signature model Fender Strat reached $42,000. The cream, maple-necked guitar eventually went for $57,000.
A Christie's spokeswoman would not commen on reports that Clapton may have intended to secretly bid on at least one of his guitars after having a change of heart about parting with it.
One celebrity did walk away with two guitars. Actor Michael J. Fox, bidding by telephone, bought a 1949 Gibson-125 for $36,800 and a circa 1930s National Duolian for $42,500. Other buyers included Michael Malone, a Seattle music executive, and the Hard Rock Hotel in Los Angeles.
All prices include sales tax and a buyer's premium paid to the auction house.