Some guitars are inseparable from a silhouette. A sound. An era.
The Gibson EDS-1275 is one of those instantly recognizable instruments. But when it has belonged to Steve Clark, it moves beyond the status of a visual icon and enters the realm of legend. Steve Clark was one of the greatest guitar heroes of his generation. A key member of Def Leppard during their most flamboyant years, he helped shape the massive, melodic, and irresistibly effective sound that defined the 1980s. Guitars from his personal arsenal rarely appear on the market. And when they do, they always tell a story. This Gibson EDS-1275 is no exception.
This is one of the two white doublenecks Steve Clark used extensively during the years it was in his possession. It was not kept safely in a flight case away from the spotlight, but truly lived on stage and in the studio with Def Leppard. It witnessed arena tours, demanding recording sessions, and electric nights when hard rock became a global phenomenon.
The EDS-1275 is, in itself, a spectacular instrument. Its double 6- and 12-string neck configuration offers unique sonic versatility, allowing thick textures and shimmering layers to be alternated in an instant. In Steve Clark’s hands, it became a formidable stage weapon, capable of carrying Def Leppard’s anthems with power and precision. It was part of that perfect alchemy between massive riffs, finely crafted harmonies, and stadium-ready choruses.
This particular example carries impeccable provenance and decades of rock history. It directly embodies the band’s golden era — the period when Def Leppard dominated international charts and filled the world’s largest venues. For seasoned collectors, this is not simply a rare Gibson. It is a tangible fragment of hard rock history.
Instruments connected to Steve Clark are exceptionally rare on the market. Those that genuinely saw stage use are rarer still. This Gibson EDS-1275 belongs to that category of objects that transcend the notion of an instrument to become musical heritage. For enthusiasts, Def Leppard fans, collectors, and anyone who understands what this guitar represents, one thing is certain: opportunities like this do not come twice.
At Matt’s Guitar Shop, we are proud to welcome a piece of such importance. Some guitars tell the story of a career. This one tells the story of an entire era.
