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Serving as the exclusive retail partner for the 2026 Crossroads Guitar Festival at the Moody Center, Guitar Center has formally opened its immersive festival grounds experience, headline-highlighted by a public showcase of Eric Clapton’s original 1964 Gibson ES-335 from the retailer’s famous Legends Collection.
Acquired by Guitar Center at auction in 2004 for $847,500 to support Clapton’s Crossroads Centre in Antigua, the legendary cherry-red “Cream Guitar” was played extensively during Cream’s 1968 Farewell Tour at the Royal Albert Hall and on studio tracks like “Badge.” The showcase coincides with an exclusive festival preview of a forthcoming Epiphone Inspired by Gibson Custom Eric Clapton 1964 ES-335 reissue (scheduled for 2027) and an upcoming Guitar Center RockWalk artist induction during the event weekend.
Festival Highlights & Historical Artifacts
- The Original 1964 ES-335 “Cream Guitar”: Features the original custom-stenciled “CREAM” hard case and Hare Krishna headstock decal gifted by George Harrison, providing fans a close-up look at one of British blues-rock’s most influential instruments.
- Epiphone Inspired by Gibson Custom Sneak Peek: festival-goers get an early preview of the 2027 Epiphone 1964 ES-335 TDC Reissue model, built to replicate the original vintage 335’s exact body contours, neck profile, and pickup voicing.
- Guitar Center RockWalk Induction: Continuing its tradition of honoring legendary musicians, Guitar Center will formally induct a surprise high-profile artist into its historic Hollywood RockWalk during the festival weekend.
- The Guitar Center Experience: An interactive booth featuring hands-on gear access, exclusive festival-edition instruments (including custom Fender, Martin, and PRS builds), and direct charitable support for the Crossroads Centre in Antigua.
1964 Gibson ES-335 “Cream Guitar” Legacy Specifications
| Historical Parameter | Original 1964 Gibson ES-335 (Legends Collection) |
| Year Acquired by Clapton | 1964 (London, UK) |
| Notable Era / Band Use | Cream (1968 Farewell Tour), Blind Faith, Goodbye Studio Sessions |
| Notable Provenance Details | Stenciled “CREAM” Case, Hare Krishna Headstock Decal |
| Auction History | Purchased by Guitar Center in 2004 for $847,500 USD |
| Reissue Legacy | 2005 Gibson Custom Run & 2027 Epiphone Inspired by Gibson Custom Preview |
| Current Custodian | Guitar Center Legends Collection |
“The historic guitar serves as the inspiration for Clapton’s forthcoming Epiphone signature model… Continuing its longstanding tradition of honoring artists who have made significant contributions to music, Guitar Center will also induct an artist into its famed RockWalk during the festival.”
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The MikesGig Takeaway
- A Living Piece of Rock History: Exhibiting Clapton’s original 1964 ES-335 gives attendees a direct connection to the gear that defined the 1960s British blues revival and Cream’s signature tone.
- Custom Shop Specs Moving to Epiphone: Previewing an Epiphone “Inspired by Gibson Custom” version allows working musicians to anticipate a far more accessible alternative to high-end Custom Shop reissues.
- Support for a Worthy Cause: Guitar Center’s continued sponsorship and display of these historic instruments directly supports the ongoing addiction treatment and education mission of the Crossroads Centre Antigua.
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