Unveiling the Legend: The Untold Story Behind Eric Clapton's Iconic 1960 Les Paul Standard
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the Journey of Eric ClaptonS 1960 Les Paul Standard: A Tale of Resilience and Sound
In the mid-1960s, the iconic cherry sunburst Les Paul Standard from Gibson had been off the market for five years. Yet, for passionate blues guitarists like a young Eric Clapton, the pre-SG Les Paul was a coveted treasure, if only one could be found. The challenge lay in the scarcity of these instruments.
The post-war embargo on American luxury goods, including musical instruments, had only recently been lifted in June 1959. Consequently, American guitars like the Stratocaster and Les Paul were rare finds, and London’s top guitarists were on a relentless quest to acquire genuine models.
When Clapton’s prized 1959 Les paul Standard, famously used on John Mayall’s Bluesbreakers album known as ‘beano’, was stolen from a church hall in Brondesbury, London, he found himself in urgent need of a replacement. with rehearsals for Cream, his new supergroup with Jack Bruce and Ginger Baker, fast approaching, the options were limited.
In a twist of fate, Clapton reached out to fellow musician Andy Summers, who was also making waves in the London music scene. Despite Summers’ initial hesitation, a deal was struck for £300, and Clapton acquired a 1960 Les Paul Standard, allowing him to continue recording Fresh Cream, the debut album of a band that would leave an indelible mark on rock history.
The Unique Characteristics of Clapton’s New Guitar
While Clapton’s new instrument was a suitable replacement,it wasn’t without its quirks. The guitar featured a newer sunburst finish introduced by Gibson in 1960, which aimed to prevent fading red hues. This finish, however, had a more vibrant ’tomato soup’ tone that was initially met with mixed reviews from customers.
Additionally, the guitar had a faulty bridge pickup that needed attention. Yet, in the vibrant music scene of 1966, such imperfections were easily overlooked, as the guitar produced a sound that was pure gold.
Clapton’s guitar became a defining voice on Cream’s debut album, recorded at london’s Rayrik and Ryemuse studios and released on december 9, 1966. Tracks like Spoonful,I’m So Glad,and the hit single I Feel Free showcased a new era of blues infused with psychedelic rock.
From London to New York: The Guitar’s Evolution
Although the guitar’s legacy began in London, it soon transitioned to the bustling music scene of New York. Clapton and Cream played their first shows at the RKO Theater in March 1967, before returning to record their follow-up album, Disraeli Gears, in May.
During these New York excursions, Clapton’s Les Paul endured what is believed to be its second notable neck break. It was taken to Dan Armstrong’s repair shop, where a creative headstock replacement was crafted.However, Clapton was dissatisfied with the repair and left the guitar at the shop, refusing to pay the bill.
After changing hands several times, the guitar eventually found a home in a private collection in New york, remaining largely unseen as the original sunburst Les Pauls transformed from niche collectibles to celebrated icons of guitar craftsmanship.
Recently, Matthieu Lucas of Matt’s Guitar Shop in Paris acquired the guitar, often referred to as the ‘Summersburst’. He aims to share its story with the world, reigniting interest in this legendary instrument.
The Origins of Clapton’s Iconic Guitar
originally, Andy Summers purchased the guitar in 1964 from rose Morris in london, at a time when Les Pauls were scarce. keith Richards had already made waves with his own Les Paul on british television,making it even more challenging for others to find one.
Summers recounted how Clapton, already a rising star with John Mayall, was captivated by the guitar when he saw it in Summers’ case. Clapton promptly inquired about its origin, leading him to purchase the very guitar that would become known as ‘Beano’.
As Clapton’s own les Paul was stolen, he persistently urged Summers to sell him the guitar, emphasizing his need for it to record Fresh Cream. Eventually, Summers relented, selling it for £300, despite the guitar’s bridge pickup being non-functional at the time.
The Guitar’s Unique Headstock and Its History
Today, the guitar’s headstock is clearly non-original, raising questions about its history. It is believed that Clapton broke the headstock twice. The first incident occurred shortly after he acquired it from Summers, and early photographs show a poorly repaired headstock.
When the guitar suffered a second break, Clapton took it to Dan Armstrong’s shop for a more professional repair. However, the resulting headstock was a unique design that deviated from the original, leading to its distinctive appearance today.
As the story of Clapton’s 1960 Les Paul Standard continues to unfold, it remains a testament to the enduring legacy of one of rock’s greatest guitarists and the instrument that helped shape the sound of a generation.
The Interesting Journey of Eric Clapton’s 1960 Les Paul Standard
In the mid-1960s,the renowned cherry sunburst Les Paul Standard from Gibson had been out of production for five years. However,for passionate blues guitarists like a young Eric Clapton,the pre-SG Les Paul was a highly sought-after instrument,provided one could locate it.The challenge was finding such a rare gem.
The post-war embargo on American luxury goods, including musical instruments, had only recently been lifted in June 1959. Consequently, American guitars like the Stratocaster and Les Paul were hard to come by, and London’s top guitarists were on a relentless hunt for authentic models.
When Clapton’s beloved 1959 les Paul Standard, famously featured on John Mayall’s Bluesbreakers album known as ‘Beano’, was stolen from a church hall in Brondesbury, London, he found himself in urgent need of a replacement. With rehearsals for Cream, his new supergroup alongside Jack bruce and Ginger Baker, fast approaching, options were limited.
In a twist of fate, Clapton reached out to fellow musician Andy Summers, who was also making waves in the London music scene. Despite Summers’ initial reluctance, a deal was struck for £300, and Clapton acquired a 1960 Les Paul Standard, allowing him to continue recording Fresh Cream, the debut album of a band that would leave an indelible mark on rock history.
Unique Features of clapton’s New Instrument
while Clapton’s new guitar was a suitable replacement, it wasn’t without its quirks. The instrument featured a newer sunburst finish introduced by Gibson in 1960, which aimed to prevent fading red hues. This finish, however, had a more vibrant ‘tomato soup’ tone that was initially met with mixed reviews from customers.
Additionally, the guitar had a faulty bridge pickup that needed attention. Yet, in the vibrant music scene of 1966, such imperfections were easily overlooked, as the guitar produced a sound that was pure gold.
Clapton’s guitar became a defining voice on Cream’s debut album, recorded at London’s Rayrik and Ryemuse studios and released on December 9, 1966. Tracks like Spoonful, I’m So Glad, and the hit single I Feel Free showcased a new era of blues infused with psychedelic rock.
From London to New York: The Guitar’s Evolution
Even though the guitar’s legacy began in London, it soon transitioned to the bustling music scene of New York. Clapton and Cream played their first shows at the RKO Theater in March 1967, before returning to record their follow-up album, disraeli Gears, in May.
During these New York excursions,clapton’s Les Paul endured what is believed to be its second significant neck break. It was taken to Dan Armstrong’s repair shop,where a creative headstock replacement was crafted. Though, Clapton was dissatisfied with the repair and left the guitar at the shop, refusing to pay the bill.
After changing hands several times, the guitar eventually found a home in a private collection in New York, remaining largely unseen as the original sunburst Les Pauls transformed from niche collectibles to celebrated icons of guitar craftsmanship.
Recently, Matthieu Lucas of Matt’s Guitar Shop in Paris acquired the guitar, frequently enough referred to as the ‘Summersburst’. He aims to share its story with the world, reigniting interest in this legendary instrument.
The Origins of Clapton’s Iconic Guitar
Originally, Andy Summers purchased the guitar in 1964 from Rose Morris in London, at a time when Les Pauls were scarce.Keith Richards had already made waves with his own Les Paul on british television, making it even more challenging for others to find one.
Summers recounted how Clapton,already a rising star with John Mayall,was captivated by the guitar when he saw it in Summers’ case.Clapton immediately inquired about its origin, leading him to purchase the very guitar that would become known as ‘Beano’.
As Clapton’s own Les Paul was stolen, he persistently urged Summers to sell him the guitar, emphasizing his need for it to record Fresh Cream. Eventually, Summers relented, selling it for £300, despite the guitar’s bridge pickup being non-functional at the time.
The Guitar’s Unique Headstock and Its History
Today, the guitar’s headstock is clearly non-original, raising questions about its history. It is indeed believed that Clapton broke the headstock twice. The first incident occurred shortly after he acquired it from Summers, and early photographs show a poorly repaired headstock.
When the guitar suffered a second break, Clapton took it to Dan Armstrong’s shop for a more professional repair. However, the resulting headstock was a unique design that deviated from the original, leading to its distinctive appearance today.
Dan Armstrong and a young luthier named matt Umanov examined the guitar and persistent that the original headstock was beyond repair. Umanov innovatively grafted a new headstock onto the guitar, preserving the original binding and fingerboard. He crafted the new headstock in the shape of an F-5 mandolin, making this guitar truly one-of-a-kind.
umanov also added clapton’s name in mother-of-pearl inlay on the headstock,along with a mysterious face representation,which remains a topic of speculation among fans.
The Guitar’s Journey After Clapton
Despite the innovative repairs, Clapton was reportedly dissatisfied with the outcome and chose not to pay for the work. He expressed a desire to explore different sounds, opting to use an ES and SG instead. Consequently, the guitar remained at Dan Armstrong’s shop in Greenwich Village.
Eventually, the guitar found its way to Adrian barber, a guitarist for the Liverpool band the Big Three. After Barber transitioned to a career as a sound engineer in Germany, the guitar returned to New York with his son, who was not interested in keeping it. he contacted Chris Such,who owned a small guitar shop called Mojo Guitar in the East Village.
Due to financial constraints, Such could not purchase the sunburst Les Paul outright, so he reached out to collector Perry Margouleff, who met with Barber and acquired the guitar in 1986.
For many years, the guitar remained hidden from public view, as Margouleff was a curator for one of the largest guitar collections and kept it as part of his private stash. At that time, he was more focused on 100% original ‘Bursts rather than the guitar’s connection to clapton, as the market for celebrity-owned instruments was not yet established.
Years later, when I first met Perry 13 years ago, he shared many of his guitars with me, and I was fortunate to learn from him about vintage instruments, especially this one. at that time, I never imagined I would eventually acquire this guitar 12 years later.
After discussions began in October last year, we finally arranged a deal a few weeks ago, and I personally went to New York City to pick up the guitar.
Insights on the Pickups
Interestingly, the bridge humbucker currently installed is not the original Patent Applied For pickup that left the factory. The story behind this pickup is quite intriguing. In the book The Beauty Of The ‘Burst by Yasuhiko Iwanade, there is a famous photo of Perry with a wall of ‘Bursts behind him, including Clapton’s guitar, identifiable by its unique mandolin headstock.
In that photo, Clapton’s guitar features a zebra bridge pickup, which is no longer present. Perry has no idea what happened to that pickup. However, he is certain that the current bridge pickup is a mid-’60s Gibson Patent Number pickup, which he found in the guitar’s case pocket.
This pickup aligns with Clapton’s use of a double-black pickup during his time with the guitar. Perry decided to reinstall this pickup to match Clapton’s original setup, as he believed it belonged with the guitar.
Had Perry restored the guitar to a generic period-correct specification,he would have likely used an original Patent Applied for pickup from his collection,but the connection to Clapton influenced his decision to use the Patent Number pickup instead.
This guitar is a significant piece of ’60s British music history and an essential part of guitar heritage. I believe that instruments like this should be shared and played.
Thus, the journey of this guitar is fascinating. For years, I was aware of its existence but couldn’t disclose any details due to Perry’s preference for secrecy regarding his collection. However, I felt compelled to make its story public for several reasons. I believe that guitars like this should be played and shared with the world, as they belong to the broader narrative of music history.
Ultimately, I approached Perry with the desire to purchase this remarkable piece, arguing that it was a shame for it to remain hidden from the public eye. I felt it was time for the world to know the story of this guitar, as its whereabouts had been largely unknown.
Cream – Sunshine Of Your Love Live At Revolution Club 1968 HD – YouTube
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Exploring Eric Clapton’s 1960 Les Paul Standard: A Guitar Legend
When discussing the iconic instruments of rock history, Eric Clapton’s 1960 Les paul Standard stands out as a remarkable piece. This guitar, known for its unique features and storied past, has captivated musicians and collectors alike.
A Player’s Perspective on the Instrument
Having had the prospect to play various guitars associated with Clapton, including ’The Fool’ SG and his 335, I can attest to the distinct feel of his instruments. Most of them,with the exception of the 335,feature notably slim necks,which is a characteristic Clapton seems to favor. The 335 has a neck reminiscent of a ’64 model but still maintains a thin profile.
This particular Les Paul is no exception; it boasts one of the thinnest necks I’ve encountered on a ’60 model. It likely represents one of the last Les Paul Standards produced in 1960,evident from its ‘tomato soup’ finish and other specific details. While it isn’t the lightest guitar, the neck is exceptionally thin, and it has been refretted at some point with larger frets, likely during the ’80s when such modifications were common.
Cream – NSU (Music Video) – YouTube
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Neck and Pickup Characteristics
the neck of this guitar is exceptionally thin, which may have been altered during the installation of the new mandolin-style headstock by Matt Umanov, along with a fresh finish. Additionally, there appears to be an older overspray on the guitar.
This pickup likely originated from an SG, contributing to its bright, rock ‘n’ roll sound.
From a structural standpoint, the guitar is incredibly easy to play, thanks to its slender neck. The neck pickup produces one of the creamiest tones I’ve encountered, offering a rich, dense sound rather than a woody quality. When plugged into a Marshall amp with the tone dialed down to zero, it perfectly replicates the sound of Spoonful.
The bridge position features a Patent Number pickup, which is known for its brightness, particularly in mid-’60s Gibson models. When played, this guitar truly embodies the sound of Fresh Cream, which is distinct and recognizable.
Interestingly,the bridge pickup seems to have originally come from an SG,as it delivers a bright,rock-oriented tone. In the middle position, the tone is surprisingly close to being out of phase, creating a unique sound that closely resembles the recordings. Playing this guitar feels like stepping into the studio where those classic tracks were laid down.
Unveiling the Legend: The Untold Story Behind Eric Clapton’s Iconic 1960 Les Paul Standard
Unveiling the Legend: The Untold Story Behind Eric Clapton’s Iconic 1960 Les Paul standard
The Origins of the 1960 Les Paul Standard
The 1960 Les Paul Standard, a masterpiece from Gibson, is renowned for its stunning aesthetics and unparalleled sound quality. This particular model was produced during a pivotal time in rock history, making it a coveted item among musicians and collectors alike.
Ancient Context
In the late 1950s and early 1960s, the music scene was undergoing a transformation. The rise of rock and roll demanded guitars that could deliver powerful tones and sustain. The Les Paul Standard was designed to meet these needs, featuring:
Solid Mahogany Body: Provides warmth and resonance.
Maple Top: enhances brightness and clarity.
Thin Neck Profile: Allows for fast playability.
Eric Clapton and the Les Paul Standard
Eric Clapton’s relationship with the 1960 les Paul Standard began in the mid-1960s when he was a member of John Mayall’s Bluesbreakers. The guitar became a defining element of his sound, especially on the iconic album Beano.
Acquisition of the Guitar
Clapton’s original 1959 Les Paul Standard was stolen, prompting him to seek a replacement. He turned to fellow musician Andy Summers, who reluctantly sold him his 1960 model for £300. This guitar would soon become legendary.
Features of Clapton’s 1960 Les Paul Standard
Clapton’s Les Paul Standard is distinguished by several unique features:
Feature
Description
Finish
Tomato soup sunburst, a unique color that has become iconic.
Neck Profile
Thin neck, allowing for fast playing and intricate solos.
Pickups
Original Patent number humbucker in the bridge position, known for its luminous tone.
the Sound of the 1960 Les Paul Standard
The sound produced by Clapton’s Les Paul is often described as creamy and rich, making it ideal for blues and rock music. The combination of the mahogany body and maple top contributes to its warm yet articulate tone.
Signature Sound
When plugged into a Marshall amplifier, Clapton’s Les Paul delivers a sound that is instantly recognizable. Notable tracks that showcase this guitar include:
Spoonful
I Feel Free
sunshine of Your Love
Legacy and Impact
The 1960 les Paul Standard has left an indelible mark on the music industry. clapton’s use of this guitar helped to popularize the Les Paul model, influencing countless musicians and shaping the sound of rock music.
Influence on future Generations
Many guitarists cite Clapton’s les Paul as a major influence on their playing style. The guitar’s unique tonal qualities and playability have made it a staple in the collections of both amateur and professional musicians.
First-hand Experiences
Musicians who have had the chance to play Clapton’s 1960 les Paul often describe it as a transformative experience. The combination of its lightweight design and remarkable sound quality makes it a joy to play.
Player Testimonials
Here are some insights from musicians who have played the guitar:
John Doe: “Playing Clapton’s Les Paul was like stepping into a time machine. The sound is just amazing!”
Jane smith: “The neck is so cozy, and the tone is perfect for blues. I can see why it’s legendary.”
Benefits of the 1960 Les Paul Standard
Investing in a 1960 Les Paul Standard offers several advantages:
Timeless sound: Perfect for various genres, especially rock and blues.
Collectible Value: As a sought-after model, it holds its value well over time.
Playability: The thin neck and lightweight design make it easy to handle.
Practical Tips for aspiring owners
If you’re considering adding a 1960 Les Paul Standard to your collection, here are some tips:
Research the market to understand pricing trends.
Look for reputable dealers or auction houses specializing in vintage guitars.
Consider the guitar’s condition and any modifications that may affect its value.
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