ERIC CLAPTON'S GUITARS AND AMPS BRING $2.15 MILLION AT BONHAMS

Collectors, fans and musicians alike gathered today at Bonhams New York to celebrate the rock icon, Eric Clapton, whose personal collection of 75 guitars and 55 amps were auctioned off to benefit The Crossroads Centre in Antigua. With 100% of the lots sold, the final auction total more than tripled pre-sale expectations, with proceeds going to the drug and alcohol rehabilitation centre founded by Clapton in 1998.

Bidders from all four corners of the globe battled throughout the 4.5 hour auction and included clients from the U.S., Asia, Australasia, UK, Europe, and the Caribbean. Notably, a private Russian Eric Clapton fan and collector showed keen interest in the room and Asian participants included those from Japan, Korea and Hong Kong.

Jon Baddeley, Worldwide Head of Collectables, said, "It has been a privilege and honor working on this exceptional sale and being associated with one of the most iconic living musicians, Eric Clapton. Arguably the greatest guitarist of all time, Eric Clapton inspires an ever-expanding fan base, many of whom made the journey to Bonhams in New York over the past few days and joined us for this remarkable auction. We were delighted to play our part in raising funds for The Crossroads Centre, a charity with a noble mission and a cause that remains very close to Eric's heart."

Guitar highlights included a 1948 Gibson L-5P, estimated at $20,000-30,000, that sold for a staggering $82,960; and a 2005 Zemaitis S22BP 3S, estimated at $12,000-18,000, which sold for $75,640. The top amp of the sale was a pair of 1997 Fender Twin Amps, estimated at $9,000-12,000, sold for $42,700.

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BONHAMS TO SELL ERIC CLAPTON’S GUITARS AND AMPS IN AID OF THE CROSSROADS CENTRE

Bonhams is delighted to announce this landmark auction, which includes over 150 lots from Eric Clapton's personal collection. The sale will feature over 70 guitars and 70 amps that have helped create Clapton's legendary sound. This is the first time the rock icon has donated his historic amplifiers to auction and gives fans a rare opportunity to purchase a piece of Clapton history.

The auction is being held to benefit The Crossroads Centre, Antigua. A spokesman for the Centre says, "The Crossroads Centre is very excited to be the beneficiary of Eric Clapton's guitar and amp auction at Bonhams which will directly assist those who are in need of addiction treatment. As we know, recovery from addiction is possible and with quality treatment and support, is often lifesaving."

The auction will be held in New York, on Wednesday 9th March 2011, with pre-sale viewing also planned at Bonhams & Butterfields Los Angeles during February.

Eric Clapton has commented on the sale: "I am very happy that Bonhams have agreed to host my third guitar auction in aid of The Crossroads Centre, Antigua, the drug and alcohol rehabilitation centre I founded in 1998."

Included in the sale are instruments and amps by Fender, Gibson, Marshall, Martin, Music Man, to name but a few. Some of the historic amps are associated with Clapton's career from the 1970s to the present day. It is the first time that such a large and interesting collection of amps has ever been offered on the auction market. With estimates on amps and guitars spanning from $300-30,000, there's something for fans and collectors within every budget range.

The auction also includes guitars generously donated by famous musicians such as Jeff Beck, J.J. Cale, and Joe Bonamassa.

Highlights include one of Clapton’s main stage guitars from 2005, which formed one of a pair he memorably used during the Cream Reunion Shows in London and New York - a custom built black Fender 'Eric Clapton Signature' Stratocaster, estimate $20,000-30,000; and a pair of circa 1970 Marshall vintage basket weave speaker cabinets, used during the 1970s whilst appearing with Derek And The Dominos, estimate $8,000-10,000.

The auction is being held in association with Wallace & Hodgson, who worked on the two previous record breaking Clapton/ Crossroads Guitar auctions in 1999 and 2004.

Stephanie Connell, Head of Entertainment Memorabilia at Bonhams says, "We are delighted to be offering such a fantastic collection of guitars and amps from such an iconic musician and hope the auction will raise a lot of money for this worthwhile cause."