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Description

Step into the world of rock history with the legendary Eric Clapton's Custom-Painted Gibson SG “The Fool.” This iconic guitar, famously wielded by Clapton during his time with Cream, is not just a musical instrument but a piece of art. Its distinctive psychedelic design, created by the Dutch art collective The Fool, makes it instantly recognizable and a coveted item for both musicians and collectors.

The Gibson SG model is celebrated for its solid mahogany body, delivering a warm, resonant tone that is perfect for rock and blues genres. Equipped with dual humbucking pickups, this guitar ensures a powerful output and a wide range of tonal possibilities, allowing players to easily transition from smooth chords to biting solos. The slim taper neck profile offers unparalleled playability, making it comfortable for both stage performances and studio sessions.

Whether you're a Clapton enthusiast or a guitar aficionado, this unique instrument offers a chance to own a piece of music history while enjoying the craftsmanship and quality synonymous with Gibson. Its blend of visual art and auditory excellence makes it a standout choice for anyone looking to make a statement on stage or in a collection.

Key Features:

  • Custom-painted psychedelic design by The Fool
  • Solid mahogany body for warm, resonant tones
  • Dual humbucking pickups for powerful output
  • Slim taper neck for comfortable playability
  • Celebrated Gibson craftsmanship and quality

Reviews

Critic Reviews

The Story Behind Eric Clapton's "The Fool" SG | Reverb News

reverb.com

Eric Clapton's custom-painted Gibson SG, known as "The Fool," is a vivid piece of rock history, merging artistry with musical innovation. Clapton's experience with vintage guitars and his preference for older, 'broken-in' models lend this instrument a storied charm. The guitar's psychedelic artwork by Marijke Koger and Simon Posthuma adds a visually captivating layer, making it a collector's dream. However, the paint's tendency to flake and the modifications it underwent over time, including changes to the Vibrola and tuners, may deter purists seeking originality. While it holds historical significance, its practical playability might not match modern standards. Overall, "The Fool" SG stands as a testament to Clapton's experimental phase, cherished more for its artistic and cultural value than its current functionality.

Clapton’s Fool | Vintage Guitar® magazine

vintageguitar.com

Eric Clapton's Custom-Painted Gibson SG "The Fool" is celebrated as a cultural and musical icon, capturing the essence of the psychedelic era with its vibrant artwork and legendary "woman tone." Its unique design by The Fool art collective, coupled with Clapton's transformative style, sets it apart as more than just an instrument—it's history embodied. However, its journey through various hands led to some deterioration, requiring restoration efforts which slightly altered its original state. Despite these changes, the guitar remains a cherished piece of rock lore, revered for its rich sonic heritage and artistic significance.

positive

Eric Clapton’s iconic ‘Fool’ Gibson SG has emerged for sale | Guitar World

guitarworld.com

Eric Clapton’s 1964 ‘The Fool’ Gibson SG sells at auction for a record $1.27 million | MusicRadar

musicradar.com

5.0 out of 5

Based on 1 Review and 6 Ratings

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the_rev_fanboy1999

A Collectors Item

Really an interesting guitar, way better than Hendrix's strat

Artist usage

Add artist
See how John Frusciante uses Eric Clapton's Custom-Painted Gibson SG “The Fool”

John Frusciante

Guitarist

Red Hot Chili Peppers

...
Verified via YouTube

at 0:36 seconds on the Dani California music video you can see john frusciante play a Gibson "fool" sg replica

See how Eric Clapton uses Eric Clapton's Custom-Painted Gibson SG “The Fool”

Eric Clapton

Guitarist

Mark Knopfler’s Guitar Heroes

...
Verified via YouTube

"When Clapton first began playing the SG, it was still fitted with the original Deluxe Vibrolo arm; Clapton simply fixed the mechanism in place with arm reversed. The vibrato bar was eventually removed and replaced with two other tailpieces: another Gibson tremolo with a flexible piece of metal instead of springs; and a non-tremolo trapeze-style unit. The tuners were changed from the factory-issue Klusons to Grovers." - Gibson.

At 1:20 you can see Clapton playing this infamous guitar.

See how George Harrison uses Eric Clapton's Custom-Painted Gibson SG “The Fool”

George Harrison

Singer, Guitarist

The Beatles

...
Verified via YouTube

1:33, Todd Rundgren, another former owner of the guitar, says that he got it from George Harrison.

See how Todd Rundgren uses Eric Clapton's Custom-Painted Gibson SG “The Fool”

Todd Rundgren

Singer, Guitarist

Ringo Starr & His All-Starr Band

...
Verified via YouTube

Todd talks about how he acquired Clapton’s original Gibson SG in this interview which he refinished and ending up using as his primary guitar. Clapton gave the guitar to his friend George Harrison, who gave it to Jackie Lomax, an artist who recorded under The Beatles Apple Records, and then Todd eventually bought it from Jackie.

See how Dave Gregory uses Eric Clapton's Custom-Painted Gibson SG “The Fool”

Dave Gregory

Guitarist

XTC

...
Verified via Chalkhills

Dave used 'The Fool' guitar (then owned by Todd Rundgren) for the solo of the XTC song 'That's Really Super, Supergirl'.

Album Usage

The Eric Clapton's Custom-Painted Gibson SG “The Fool” has been featured on the following albums:

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