Guitar Center announces 2019 Crossroads Collection

Guitar Center has launched the 2019 Crossroads Collection, an exclusive collaboration with Martin, PRS, Fender and Gibson that celebrates eminent blues virtuosos. The range features five custom-shop electrics and acoustics for Eric Clapton, John Mayer and Santana. Here are the details:

Eric Clapton

There are three signature models in the collection: the Fender Custom Shop Blind Faith Telecaster, Gibson Custom 1964 Firebird I and Martin 000-42EC Crossroads Ziricote acoustic.

Fender Custom Shop Blind Faith Telecaster

The most eye-catching of the lot is Fender’s reimagination of Clapton’s fabled ’64 Telecaster, which was a constant for Slowhand during his meteoric rise from 1968 to 1960. It initially featured a 60s Strat neck which was later replaced by a 50s Strat version. The latter would eventually find its way onto the ’56 Strat affectionately called “Brownie”.

The reissue, which was crafted by renowned master builder Todd Krause, features a custom ’56 Strat maple neck, an alder body in three-colour sunburst, as well as ’63 Tele single-coils.

Retails at $11,999.

Gibson Custom 1964 Firebird I

This axe is a nod to the reverse-headstock Firebird model Slowhand favoured in his time with Cream and Blind Faith. Its highlights include a single Alnico V Firebird mini-humbucker – designed to match the original’s high output – and a Clapton-signed backplate.

Street price of $7,999.

Martin 000-42EC Crossroads Ziricote

This iteration of Martin’s 000-42 comes with select modifications, including a 000-14 fret body, Sitka Spruce Vintage Tone System top as well as ziricote back and sides. It also includes a titanium truss-rod, which is said to combine the lightweight feel of a 1930s instrument with ease of adjustment.

Retails at $12,999.

John Mayer

The Martin 00-42SC John Mayer Crossroads is informed by the Gravity singer’s 00-42 Stage Coach model from the Martin custom shop. The 2019 Crossroads edition matches cocobolo back and sides with a stunning sunburst finish. Complementing these are aesthetic features such as a custom fingerboard inlay, grained ivoroid body binding plus a Paua pearl inlay decorating the headstock.

Retails at $12,999.

Santana

The Private Stock Crossroads Pre-Factory Santana I is a special signature model inspired by the first guitar Paul Reed Smith built for the Smooth guitarist. It boasts an assortment of “pre-factory” features, including solid-shell abalone bird inlays – on the fingerboard – as well as an eagle inlay on the headstock. As for tone, PRS has opted for a pair of TCI humbuckers – HFS treble and Santana bass – that can be engaged/disengaged by two mini-toggles.

Priced at $11,999.

More info at guitarcenter.com.