The Jim Irsay Collection was long considered the largest and richest collection in the world. Every instrument and cultural object within it holds major importance. Before the historic sale of this collection at Christie’s, we had the opportunity to attend a private viewing and admire some of its remarkable pieces. Join us on this journey.

Eric Clapton’s Gibson SG The Fool: an iconic guitar

Some guitars tell a story. Others tell history. The 1964 Gibson SG once owned by Eric Clapton, the famous The Fool, is one of those guitars that has crossed the decades with an aura that remains intact. A guitar that we had the privilege of playing in preview at Matt’s Guitar Shop, just before it was offered for sale during the spectacular dispersal of the Irsay Collection. And it has to be said: it would be difficult to find something more symbolic.

This guitar is undoubtedly one of the most recognizable guitars in the entire history of rock. A major piece from Jim Irsay’s collection, recently sold at Christie’s… and one that we had the chance to experience up close.

Originally, this SG was a relatively classic Gibson, acquired by Clapton in 1967. But very quickly, it entered another dimension. It was completely repainted by the artistic collective The Fool, giving birth to the psychedelic aesthetic that has since become iconic: vivid colors, organic patterns, and pure visual energy. The guitar then became the perfect embodiment of the “Summer of Love”, a direct bridge between music and visual art.

A legendary stage guitar with Cream

But the “Fool” is not just a work of art. It is a stage guitar. A real one. Between 1967 and 1968, Clapton used it extensively with Cream, both live and in the studio. It can be heard on legendary tracks such as Strange Brew, Sunshine of Your Love, and the live version of Crossroads.

It was also with this SG that Clapton developed his famous “woman tone”, that warm, singing, saturated sound that would influence entire generations of guitarists.

The record-breaking sale of the Gibson SG The Fool

An absolute symbol of an era, the “Fool” SG is now considered one of the most important guitars in rock history. During the sale of the Jim Irsay Collection in March 2026, it was sold for $3,003,000, setting a new auction record for a Gibson. A result that confirms what many already knew: this is not simply a guitar, but a major cultural work of art!