Epiphone Clapton '64 ES-335 Reissue Debuts at Crossroads
Epiphone's Eric Clapton 1964 ES-335 Reissue debuts at Crossroads Guitar Festival in Austin this September, with a world-first preview of the guitar
Gibson is bringing heavy hitters to the Lone Star State this September, but the undisputed star of the show will be a highly anticipated release: the Epiphone Inspired by Gibson Custom Eric Clapton 1964 ES-335TDC Reissue. Slated for an official Summer 2027 launch, attendees of the upcoming Crossroads Guitar Festival will get an exclusive, world-first preview of this historic instrument.
Eric Clapton 1964 ES-335TDC Reissue
Taking place September 26-27 at the Moody Center in Austin, Texas, the seventh Crossroads Guitar Festival promises two full days of music, gear, and interactive exhibits. As we detailed in our look at the Guitar Center Crossroads 2026 collection, Guitar Center is returning as the exclusive retail partner to bring "The Guitar Center Experience" to life.
This immersive, on-site destination will feature a rare showcase from Guitar Center’s Legends Collection—including the actual 1964 Gibson ES-335 that Clapton played during his legendary run with Cream, serving as the exact blueprint for the forthcoming Epiphone signature model.
The preview image confirms this reissue nails the idiosyncrasies of Clapton’s 335. It features the exact same mismatched hardware, combining his upgraded gold Grover Rotomatics with a stock chrome ABR-1 bridge.
The Gibson Booth Experience
Festivalgoers can head over to the Gibson Booth to plug in and play over 30 different Gibson and Epiphone instruments. Beyond getting a sneak peek at the new Clapton ES-335, fans can enter a sweepstakes to win one of their very own upon its official launch.
While you're there, you can also grab a photo op on the famous Gibson Guitar Throne—an incredible piece of art crafted from 100 real electric guitar bodies and necks, exhibited at events worldwide. Tagging Gibson on social media might just get your throne photo featured on their official channels.
A Legendary Lineup for a Vital Cause
The 2026 festival celebrates the 28th anniversary of the Crossroads Center Antigua, a facility founded in 1998 to provide treatment and education for those struggling with substance and alcohol dependency, as well as support for their families.
Alongside Clapton, the stage will feature an absolute powerhouse roster of Gibson signature artists, including:
- Joe Bonamassa
- Gary Clark Jr.
- Billy Gibbons
- Sierra Hull
- Marcus King
- Keb’ Mo’
Continuing its legacy of honoring music legends, Guitar Center will also induct a yet-to-be-announced artist into its famed RockWalk during the festival weekend.
We will, of course, keep you updated with any further news about the forthcoming Epiphone Inspired by Gibson Custom Eric Clapton 1964 ES-335TDC Reissue.
For ticket information and the full festival lineup, visit the official Crossroads Guitar Festival website now.
When will the Epiphone Eric Clapton ES-335 Reissue be available?
The guitar will officially launch in summer 2027. Attendees at the Crossroads Guitar Festival (September 26-27, 2026) will get an exclusive world-first preview at the Guitar Center showcase in Austin, Texas.
What is the Epiphone model based on?
The Epiphone Inspired by Gibson Custom Eric Clapton 1964 ES-335TDC Reissue is modeled after the actual 1964 Gibson ES-335 that Eric Clapton played during his legendary run with Cream, which will be displayed at the festival.
Where can I see the new Clapton ES-335?
The guitar will be showcased at Guitar Center's experience zone during the Crossroads Guitar Festival at the Moody Center in Austin, Texas on September 26-27, 2026. Festival attendees can also enter a sweepstakes to win one upon official launch.
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