Gibson Explorer, 1958 (korina, ebony & metal)

Serial No. 8 4541, in a natural finish, offset angular korina body, twenty-two fret ebony fingerboard with dot inlays, asymmetric headstock, two humbucking pickups, three rotary controls, selector switch, metal bridge, stud tailpiece and cream pickguard; and a black rectangular hardshell case with brown plush lining and Lee Dickson's handwritten tie-on label '58 Gibson Explorer 84541 and adhesive paper label similarly inscribed; case containing a set of single stripe Kluson Deluxe gold-plated tuners and strap. Eric Clapton said that he bought this guitar via his manager Roger Forrester, from a fan in Austin, Texas in c.1983. He has used it on stage and is photographed playing it during the ARMS concert at The Royal Albert Hall, London, September 21, 1983.