Eric Stewart

10CC: ERIC STEWART'S FENDER RHODES 'SUITCASE 73' MODEL ELECTRIC PIANO, serial 495-861, in two sections, the keyboard and speaker unit, as used by Eric Stewart on a string of 10cc's hit singles and albums and live performances around the world, keyboard 47 x 25½ x 10 inches (120 x 65 x 25cm), speaker 47 x 25½ x 12 inches (120 x 65 x 30cm) Note a piè di pagina This was used on the first four original 10cc albums, '10cc', 'Sheet Music', 'The Original Soundtrack' and 'How Dare You' and the two albums following the departure of Godley and Creme, 'Deceptive Bends' and 'Bloody Tourists'. The main hit singles it was played on are 'Wall Street Shuffle', 'I'm Not In Love', 'I'm Mandy Fly Me', 'The Things We Do For Love' and 'Dreadlock Holiday'. It was used on tours undertaken by the band in the 1970s and early 1980s, including venues such as Wembley Pool, Sydney Opera House, Carnegie Hall, Madison Square Garden, Knebworth (1977, supporting the Stones, an audience of some 280,000) and the Hollywood Bowl.

It is described by the vendor as having normal wear and tear after almost 40 years of use 'on the road', has been restored somewhat cosmetically and has received a recent service. The tuning will need some attention by a successful purchaser but this is apparently a simple procedure.

There are videos available of Eric playing the keyboard via the following links: 'People In Love': http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MgNbS6_MCMg&list=PL77299C31128F3A18 'Wall Street Shuffle': http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-967crKpg-M&list=PL77299C31128F3A18 'I'm Not In Love': http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tdCY0CgMoq8 'Dreadlock Holiday': http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Jov-1_9eO_o?

Mentioned on page 11 of the August 1975 issue of Beat Instrumental.

Currently, Eric's favourite guitar is a Les Paul Standard which he has had re-fretted and re-wired in the States. Also in his collection is a Les Paul TV which he uses for slide guitar plus a rather ancient Gibson 335. The guitars are kitted-out with Ernie Ball Super Slinky strings which Eric says that he can bend sufficiently well without suffering from instant de-tuning when he decides to hit a chord with a bit of punch.

Mentioned on page 11 of the August 1975 issue of Beat Instrumental.

Currently, Eric's favourite guitar is a Les Paul Standard which he has had re-fretted and re-wired in the States. Also in his collection is a Les Paul TV which he uses for slide guitar plus a rather ancient Gibson 335. The guitars are kitted-out with Ernie Ball Super Slinky strings which Eric says that he can bend sufficiently well without suffering from instant de-tuning when he decides to hit a chord with a bit of punch.

Mentioned as an "XVR distortion unit" on page 11 of the August 1975 issue of Beat Instrumental.

Back, though to equipment. Being almost a traditionalist in his choice of axes, Eric is staying put with his favourite amplifiers, Marshall.

"I'm using a 50 watt Marshall on full and I use an XVR distortion unit and an XVR phase module through it. I think the Marshall's my favourite amp. I've tried solid -states but, although they are very, very loud, they're just not right for me. I'm never really satisfied with my sound because I'd like to be able to get a Carlos Santana sound — you know, feedback and sustain at really low volume, or maybe a Jeff Beck sound. That's a matter of technique as much as anything, and I know I can't quite get it."

Mentioned as an "XVR phase module" on page 11 of the August 1975 issue of Beat Instrumental.

Back, though to equipment. Being almost a traditionalist in his choice of axes, Eric is staying put with his favourite amplifiers, Marshall.

"I'm using a 50 watt Marshall on full and I use an XVR distortion unit and an XVR phase module through it. I think the Marshall's my favourite amp. I've tried solid -states but, although they are very, very loud, they're just not right for me. I'm never really satisfied with my sound because I'd like to be able to get a Carlos Santana sound — you know, feedback and sustain at really low volume, or maybe a Jeff Beck sound. That's a matter of technique as much as anything, and I know I can't quite get it."

Greystoke Studio purchased a 1976 200A from Stewart. It showcased in this March 19, 2024 video at 1:50.

Wurlitzer 200A Electric Piano - 1976 (bought from 10CC's Eric Stewart!)