This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 12/11/2021
An original 1964 Fender Stratocaster with Sunburst Finish, Rare Hardtail, S/N # L24249. Original finish — heavy wear, Neck date 2 MAR 64 B, non-original chrome metal pickguard. Pickups are all from 1964. Tuning Keys are replacements as well as two potentiometers. Eric Clapton played the guitar during several concert performances in 1976, and can be seen being played during a Texas Blues Jam on stage with Freddie King, and Bugs Henderson. This guitar was owned by Bugs Henderson who let Clapton play the guitar during several concert performances.
Bugs Henderson was close friends with Texas blues guitar legend Freddie King and often opened for Freddie in concert. Both were based in Dallas, Texas. It’s well known that Freddie was very admired by Clapton and Freddie opened for Clapton on one or more U.S tours in the 70’s. Clapton and Freddie recorded together during this period and Clapton has a history of recording Freddie’s songs. In the mid 70’s Eric Clapton toured through Texas and the southwest with Freddie King opening and Bugs Henderson also as a third act on the bill. Clapton borrowed this Stratocaster for one or more on-stage jam after Clapton’s main performance.
What makes this guitar so special is the exact photo proof as you can match all the wear on the guitar to the photograph of Clapton playing it. The guitar itself is worth around $20,000 as a vintage Fender Stratocaster guitar. Clapton was known for playing vintage Stratocasters, and this might be the only opportunity to get a Stratocaster played during the mid 70s. Seriously, this guitar is must-have for any guitar collector.
Bugs Henderson sold the guitar, through a guitar store, to the current owner in 1979, and the current owner has preserved it ever since until it is being offered to the public now. The guitar comes with the original hard-shell case with “BUGS HENDERSON” stenciled in, a copy of the guitar player magazine October 1983 issue featuring Clapton playing the guitar where Bugs Henderson writes, “I want my guitar back!”, one 8 x 10 photograph of Clapton playing the guitar on stage, One NASA SkyLab vinyl sticker which is a replacement for the one that fell off, several copies of email correspondence between Bugs Henderson and his guitar tech, a letter of provenance and a Gotta Have Rock & Roll Certificate of Authenticity. For a condition report, or any additional information, please email info@gottahaverockandroll.com or call 212-750-7900.