Gibson Custom Shop / Eric Clapton 'Artist Proof' 1964 Firebird I No 4 Played And Owned By Eric / 2000 / Sunburst / Guitar For Sale
|
We are happy to offer the following instrument that was personally owned and used by one of the world's most legendary guitars that being Eric Clapton, details as follows
THE ERIC CLAPTON FIREBIRD I
History
In April 1968, during Cream's U.S. tour, Eric Clapton acquired a 1964 Gibson Firebird I, likely on April 13th in Philadelphia. This purchase is documented in Cream's tour ledger, which lists a "musical equipment" expense of $905.50 on that date. The Firebird I featured a distinctive reverse body design and a single mini-humbucker pickup, offering a unique tone that set it apart from Clapton’s previous guitars. Before adopting the Firebird, Clapton was most famously associated with his Gibson SG, known as "The Fool," which was painted in a psychedelic design. The Firebird I represented a shift in both sound and style, providing a cutting, powerful tone that complemented Cream’s heavier blues-rock direction.
Clapton used the Firebird I extensively during Cream's final U.S. tour in 1968, as well as on their farewell performances at the Royal Albert Hall in London. The guitar was also played during the brief existence of Blind Faith, where Clapton experimented with a different musical approach. The Firebird’s raw tone and sustain made it a standout instrument for live performances, and it became a key part of Clapton’s signature sound in this period. Unlike the Gibson SG, which had a more rounded and warm tone, the Firebird I delivered a sharper attack, which suited Cream’s powerful improvisations on stage.
Reflecting on the guitar, Clapton later said, "I remember one night in particular with the Firebird. It was a Cream show in Philadelphia, and it was one of the greatest gigs I ever played." His admiration for the Firebird I was evident in the way he integrated it into his performances, making it one of the defining instruments of his late-’60s era. The guitar's unique look and powerful sound contributed to some of the most memorable performances of his career, and it remains an iconic part of Clapton's history.
Gibson Firebird I
Artist Proof Number “4”
2000s Production
1964 Specification
Sunburst Cellulose Finish
Single Pickup
Nickel Hardware
Case ( Pre Production , Prototype Style FB Case )
EC FB “ 4 “ Labelled
Added / Spare Compensator Bridge
Condition - Played , Used
Production
The above instrument was one of six Artist Proof Prototype Firebirds that were produced by the Gibson Artist Division and given to Eric Clapton for test inspection and playing purposes
History
Artist Proof “ Number 4 “ was personally gifted By Eric Clapton to fellow guitarist Alan Darby during the Crossroads Guitar Festival, picture attached
Verification
The instrument comes with a personalised letter from Alan Darby's guitar technician confirming said history.
Comments
The above instrument is highly documented owned and used Gibson FB I from the world's most legendary guitarist that being Eric Clapton.
ALL EU PURCHASES ARE DELIVERED WITH TAXES AND DUTIES PAID
All purchases include EU Taxes / Duties paid , ie nothing further is due on receipt of goods to any EU State.
WHY BUY FROM US
We are one of the world's leading specialists in used and vintage gear with over 30 years of experience. Prior to shipping each item will be fully serviced and professionally packed
SELL - TRADE - CONSIGN
If you are looking to sell, trade or consign any of your classic gear please contact us by message.
WORLDWIDE COLLECTION - DELIVERY
We offer personal delivery and collection services worldwide with offices/locations in London, Amsterdam and Chicago.
VALUATION SERVICE
If you require a valuation of any of your classic year please forward a brief description and pictures and we will come back to your ASAP.
Denmark Street Guitars, UK 
Denmark Street Guitars incorporates London Vintage Guitars, Amsterdam Vintage Guitars, Hanks Guitar Shop and Rockers. Based on the world famous TIN PAN ALLEY, Denmark Street, London we have the largest selection of new, used and vintage guitars, amplifiers and effect. With over 40 years of experience we have bought, sold and traded some of the worlds rarest instruments.
WE BUY | SELL | TRADE
ALWAYS LOOKING TO PURCHASE: MARSHALL 64-68 AMPLIFIERS | 1952-68 FENDER & GIBSON GUITARS | GIRL BRAND GUITARS | DUMBLE AMPLIFIERS | TRAINWRECK AMPLIFIERS | VINTAGE BRITISH FUZZ PEDALS | ARTIST OWNED ITEMS
Email sales@londonvintageguitars.com
or sales@amsterdamvintageguitars.com
CASH WAITING BEST PRICES PAID
Our previous and regular clients include:
Rolling Stones, ZZ Top, Cozy Powell, The Killers, Suzi Quatro, Coldplay, Gary Moore, Franz Ferdinand, Jimmy Page, Buddy Miller, Brian Setzer, Eric Johnson, Texas, Big Country, Bill Nelson, The Cardigans, The Hellecasters, Travis, Albert Lee, The Wedding Present, Chumbawamba, Albert King, Primal Scream, Living Colour, The Hamsters, Canned Heat, Cast, Oasis, The Beatles, Charlatans, U2, Van Halen, Guns 'n' Roses, Bon Jovi, Stone Roses, Eric Clapton, The Seahorses, Emmylou Harris, World Party, Manic Street Preachers, , Supergrass, Blur, The Cure, Inspiral Carpets, The Bluetones, Johnny Marr, The Hollies, Chuck Berry, The La's, Mansun, Johnny Lee Hooker, Chris Rea, The Smiths, The Stranglers, The Shadows, The Amazing Blondell, John Parr, The Soup Dragons, Terrorvision, The Verve, Speedy, Edwin Collins , Ace of Bass, Steeleye Span, Bryan Adams, EMF, Suzanne Vega, The Cranberries, Embrace, Dave Gilmour, The Boomtown Rats, Saxon, Henry Rollins Band, Mike Harding, Hurricane #1, Stiff Little Fingers, The Long Pigs, The The, Gordon Giltrap, The Supernaturals...
Terms and Conditions Refund policy On mail order items If an item is received that is not per our detailed description in terms of condition or originality we offer a full refund policy of 7 days after receipt of item, no refunds will be accepted after this date. Return of Product. When returning a product, it is the sole responsibility of the customer to ensure that any goods are repackaged securely and goods are recieved back in the same condition they were recieved in. Only when goods are recieved back in the condition sent, will a refund be issued. Refund Method Refunds will be made by the method of payment which was used to pay for the instrument/item ie PayPal to PayPal, Wire to Wire, Cash to Cash. If you do not like your purchase If you wish to return your purchase due to not liking the item we can offer a full value store credit than can be used against future purchases or offer a refund less 10% restocking fee , this is only applicable within 48 hours of receipt of goods
