I do recall that Fender ads featured a small, hand-tinted photo of him (along with Steve Cropper, Buddy Holly, Jimi Hendrix. He was probably playing Music Man amps, around the time of the BC Rich photo (or, perhaps, a little later), so he couldn't have had an exclusive deal withįender, especially as he wasn't playing contemporary Fender instruments, anyway. I've seen that quote cited before, but it seems kind of strange, as development of Clapton's signature model didn't start until 1985. Ironically the reason he left the Yardbirds in the first place was that he wanted to do something heavier.'

It's too bad Eric mellowed out so much, I am barely a fan these days. I will always remember the Psychedelic SG he played and the inspiration it gave me to build custom guitars. I will always remember Eric Clapton as my very first guitar hero, back when he played with John Mayall and then with Cream. He gave me a 4 foot autographed poster of him playing a Guild Guitar. I met Eric Clapton in 1970 at a Derek & The Dominoes gig. My Fender rep told me that Eric Clapton receives a $100.00 royalty on every single Eric Clapton Strat sold. BC Rich being a small company didn't fight the Mighty 'F'.Įric is only seen these days playing a Fender. told me the story of when this picture appeared in a BC Rich Advertisement in 1976, Fender went ballistic and threatened to sue all concerned parties. Quote from an article at celebrity rock star guitars:Įric Clapton Playing his BC Rich Seagull.īernie Rico Sr. Clapton was photo'd playing a Seagull in the late 70's, and Fender was supposedly not happy about it.

Vintage bc rich bitch