[quote="philip602"]I remember from the announcement of the repro sale (some of the proceeds to his charity) that Blackie could no longer be re-fretted and was in general in a seriously worn condition. So that would imply that the neck would have to have been replaced to continue using it.quote]

I remember hearing this as well. Blackie sure did fetch a lot of money at that auction as I recall.

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I tried to think of something clever to put here but- OH! Something shiny!!!

$959,500 according to the Web link below. Clapton also sold other guitars in the same auction for very high prices, including his Gibson ES335. Also sold in the auction: SRV's "Lenny." A large part of the money went to Clapton's Crossroads Centre.

http://www.stratcollector.com/newsdesk/ ... 00253.html

I like how it is said that Blackie was his favorite stage guitar. Who knows how many different guitars he used on all his studio recording doing that time going for that sound he wanted on the record.

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The strongest reason for the people to retain the right to keep and bear arms is, as a last resort, to protect themselves against tyranny in government.

Thomas Jefferson

[quote="Flashback From the 60's"]

According to my anthology of Clapton recordings sessions, 'Blackie' first appears on stage for the 1973 Rainbow Concert which corroborates same information from other sources. Its use seems to be fairly constant until 1986 when the new guitar appears in a studio session for Leona Boyd in Feb 1986. Ducchossoir's book states that during the "Behind The Sun" tour in 1985 the old guitar was beginning to show its neck problems and he started working with Fender on something new, beginning with the Elite Series Strats as a test bed from which the final Lace Sensor/25db midboost guitar finally emerged. 1986 is the approximate date for the prototypes which he was playing. They went to contract in 1987 and the first guitars were marketed in 1988. As to what you quoted....sorry....I can't imagine the context.

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"Another day in paradise!"

I just would like to know that with all the millions he put in that place-DID U EVER SEE IT-who the hell gets to go there. GEEEZ I would go on a bender for a month there.

Most cruise lines offer itineraries which include Antigua. If you shop around, particularly for last minute sailings, you might likely find yourself aboard a ship for the price of an MIM guitar.

I have been on the island twice but never had sufficient time to drive around to the location. I know people who have a home on the opposite side of the bay facing his property. They tell me it's quite secluded and not sightseeing adventure. Remember, it's a medical treatment facility.

Antigua is a nice place to visit but, as with most of the Antilles, you need money in your pocket to live there in fine style.

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"Another day in paradise!"

Really a million dollar guitar It was nice of him to give it up for some charity. I never knew he'd ever be rid of his famed guitar

He also gave proceeds from the Crossroads Concerts, DVD's and CD's to the Crossroads Center, so his feeling for the Crossroads Centre must run deep and true.