Martin D28 Eric Clapton Crossroads Edition

Eric Clapton
(1945)

Band: Cream
Main guitar: Fender Stratocaster
Must-hear track: Crossroads

More than just a musician, Eric Clapton has become a global icon—undeniably the most widely known bluesman and guitarist, yet still respected by serious connoisseurs. His early role was crucial in the creation of a distinctly British blues scene and in its export to the United States.

Clapton cut his teeth in **The Yardbirds**, a band blending Chicago blues with pop, playing a Telecaster through a Vox AC30. But after the release of For Your Love in 1965—too pop-oriented for his taste—he left the group and joined the blues purists of **John Mayall & the Bluesbreakers**. Although he only stayed with Mayall for a few months, that brief stint was enough to record the legendary tracks of the 1966 album Blues Breakers with Eric Clapton. This historic LP introduced the world to the powerful combination of a sunburst Les Paul—then an unpopular model—plugged into a Marshall combo amp. This recipe would be emulated by countless rock stars, but Clapton’s electrifying tone on this record remains unmatched. He inspired an entire generation of British guitarists and fans who began to call him “God.”

In 1966, he joined a new trio formed by drummer **Ginger Baker** and bassist **Jack Bruce** (also a Bluesbreakers alum): thus, **Cream** was born. This trio of virtuosos reinvented electric blues by returning to its roots while injecting a dose of psychedelic urgency into the classics. During his time in Cream, Clapton was often seen with a wildly painted SG known as “The Fool” and a cherry red Gibson ES-335. When the band eventually collapsed under the weight of its egos, Clapton formed **Blind Faith** with **Steve Winwood**, playing a Telecaster fitted with a Strat neck—an early sign of his fondness for mixing Fender parts.

In 1970, Clapton released the masterpiece Layla under the band name **Derek and the Dominos**, before finally embracing a true solo career. He released his first self-titled album in 1970, followed by 461 Ocean Boulevard in 1974. Over the years, he released a variety of albums—some more inspired than others—almost always showcasing his signature Strat tone, especially through “Blackie,” a black ’50s Strat assembled from vintage parts.

The defining moment that elevated Clapton even further came in **1992**, with the release of **Unplugged**—a simple acoustic concert for MTV that became a cultural phenomenon and caused a massive resurgence in Martin guitar sales. The **000-28** became a coveted model once again.

Since then, Clapton has recorded a Robert Johnson tribute album, duo projects with **B.B. King** and **J.J. Cale**, organized the legendary **Crossroads Festival**, and auctioned off many of his guitars. More than fifty years into his career, every one of his rare live appearances remains a major guitar event.