Limited edition Clapton Crossroads Stratocaster and amp package coming soon

To honor and support the philanthropic efforts of legendary guitarist Eric Clapton, Fender is collaborating with Clapton to create a very special limited edition guitar and amp package featuring the new Eric Clapton Crossroads Stratocaster guitar and Crossroads ’57 Twin-Amp.

The Eric Clapton Crossroads Stratocaster guitar, or “Sun Strat” will be produced in a limited run of 100 instruments globally; the Crossroads ’57 Twin-Amps will number only 50. All profits from the project will benefit the Crossroads Centre, Antigua, the drug and alcohol addiction rehabilitation facility founded by Clapton on the small, idyllic Caribbean island in 1998.

Fifty of the guitars will be paired with the amps in exclusive Crossroads platinum packages for $30,000 each. The other 50 Crossroads guitars will be offered in packages for $20,000 each. The on-sale date is July 20, 2007 exclusively at www.fender.com — only eight days before Clapton’s monumental Crossroads Guitar Festival 2007 in Chicago on July 28.

While Fender has a long tradition of producing world-class signature series instruments with top musicians, this latest venture represents an extraordinary collaboration. Fender Custom Shop Master Builders have dedicated meticulous effort to reflect the spirit of Clapton’s artistry and philanthropy. Each guitar will be crafted to Clapton’s specification and bear a unique “Crossroads Antigua” graphic designed and originally hand-drawn by Clapton himself.

The commemorative Crossroads ’57 Twin-Amps are modeled after the original ’57 Twin—one of the most collectable amps of all time—with the classic Fender sound and design that made them so desirable. This limited-edition amplifier features a custom engraved commemorative “Crossroads 2007” badge autographed by Eric and his “Crossroads Antigua” graphic is artistically embedded on the grill cloth.

“We are extremely honored to work with Eric on these limited edition Crossroads guitars and amps,” said Mike Eldred, Fender Custom Shop director. “At its essence, this is a passion project that allows Fender to support the Crossroads Centre, Antigua and to show our great love and appreciation for Eric.”

The Eric Clapton Crossroads guitar is, of course a Stratocaster; an instrument indelibly linked with Clapton. It’s an elegantly enduring design classic that was so right the first time out in 1954 that it has existed unchanged ever since, along the way becoming a worldwide cultural icon in singing, howling, lilting and even screaming ways its creators couldn’t possibly have imagined.

Master-Built in Fender’s Corona, Calif., Custom Shop, the Eric Clapton Crossroads Stratocaster guitar was created with Clapton’s own guidance and supervision by the very same artisans who handcraft Eric’s personal instruments. The arm-contour upper body flank features a smiling sun “Crossroads Antigua” graphic hand-drawn by Clapton himself. The guitar comes in a custom Anvil® flight case and includes a certificate signed by Eric.

The Crossroads platinum package is highlighted by the Crossroads Edition ’57 Twin-Amp—the perfect sonic companion to the Crossroads guitar. The Fender ’57 Twin-Amp is Eric Clapton’s personal amp of choice for studio and stage use. This unique Crossroads premium package will also include a guitar certificate signed by Clapton; an official Crossroads tour laminate, set list and program book; Clapton guitar picks; a commemorative Crossroads guitar strap and a framed, limited edition art print of the Crossroads instrument package.

Fender Crossroads Specialty Site: www.fender.com/crossroads.

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