Gibson has unveiled its latest recreation of a legendary guitar, the Eric Clapton 1958 Les Paul Custom. This limited-edition instrument is a replica of the triple-humbucker Les Paul that Clapton played during Cream’s early days and later gifted to Albert Lee.
Eric Clapton 1958 Les Paul Custom
Clapton acquired the Ebony Les Paul Custom (serial number 8 6320) in 1967 while touring the US with Cream. The guitar is believed to have been used during the Disraeli Gears sessions and was a mainstay in Clapton’s rig throughout the late ’60s and into the ’70s, notably during his time with Delaney & Bonnie and the Live Peace in Toronto concert with John Lennon.
In 1979, Clapton gifted the guitar to Albert Lee, who had joined his band. Lee recalled a conversation with Clapton about guitars, which led to Clapton offering him the ’58 Les Paul Custom, which Lee has owned ever since.
Lee also returned the guitar to its original factory configuration after Clapton had removed the pickguard and pickup covers.
Limited Run
Now, Gibson’s Custom Shop has meticulously recreated this iconic instrument in a limited run of just 150 guitars. The project involved close collaboration with both Clapton and Lee, who provided input on the guitar’s specifications.
While the reissue faithfully replicates the original model, Clapton requested a few personal modifications. Gibson Custom Shop Product Development Manager Cody Higbee explained that Clapton chose a specific neck profile from another guitar they had made for him, as it was neither too chunky nor too thin.
Custombucker Alnico III
Clapton also approved the use of Custombucker Alnico III humbuckers, noting that while Custombuckers aim to capture the tone of vintage pickups, the original guitar was relatively new when Clapton used it. He felt the Alnico IIIs were a great choice for the sound he was looking for.
Specifications
The guitar features a one-piece ultra-lightweight mahogany body, a mahogany neck with the custom profile, and a 22-fret ebony fingerboard with a 12” radius.
Other features include aged gold hardware, a nylon nut, 1950s Mother of Pearl block inlays, and a Long Tenon neck joint. The entire instrument has undergone a Murphy Lab aging process to match the visual condition of the original.
Case Candy
This exceptional package includes the Eric Clapton 1958 Les Paul Custom housed in a custom case inspired by the Duck Brothers, along with several coveted extras.
A second pickguard, personally signed by both Eric Clapton and Albert Lee, is presented in a collectible wooden display case. Also included is a Certificate of Authenticity booklet featuring a photo by Chuck Stewart, a black leather Archive Series strap, and a Gibson Custom switch plate medallion.
Price & Availability
This is a rare opportunity to own a piece of music history connected to two of the world’s most influential guitarists. The Eric Clapton 1958 Les Paul Custom Ebony is available now for $19,999/£17499
- Gibson Eric Clapton 1958 Les Paul Custom at Andertons
- Gibson Eric Clapton 1958 Les Paul Custom at Sweetwater
- Gibson Eric Clapton 1958 Les Paul Custom at Thomann
More Information
Video
This article may contain affiliate links to Sweetwater, Fender, Gear4Music, Thomann, and Andertons that help finance the running costs of GuitarBomb. We will receive a small commission if you buy something through these links. Don’t worry; you pay the same price, and it costs you no extra to use these affiliate links for your purchases.
