Eric Clapton's Blackie
Musical instrumentAbout
Eric Clapton's "Blackie" is a legendary Fender Stratocaster, assembled in 1970 from parts of four different 1950s Stratocasters. Clapton acquired these guitars from George Gruhn and Sho-Bud in Nashville. He gifted some to friends like George Harrison and Pete Townshend, then combined the best parts to create Blackie. This custom guitar features a black finish, a '56 Strat body, and a '57 neck, making it a unique instrument that reflects Clapton's creativity and versatility. Blackie became Clapton's main guitar for over a decade, featured in albums like "461 Ocean Boulevard" and "Slowhand." It was used in iconic tracks such as "Cocaine" and "Lay Down Sally." Clapton retired Blackie in the mid-1980s due to wear and tear. In 2004, it was sold at auction for $959,500. Fender later released a limited edition replica of Blackie, ensuring its legacy lives on in music history. Blackie's significance extends beyond its role in Clapton's career, symbolizing the era's musical innovation and craftsmanship.
