Eric Clapton is a British guitarist, singer, and songwriter who is considered one of the greatest guitarists of all time. He rose to fame in the 1960s as a member of the band Yardbirds and Cream member, and he has gone on to have a successful solo career as well. Clapton is known for his unique sound and style, characterized by his skilled guitar playing and soulful, blues-influenced vocals. He has won numerous awards and accolades throughout his career, including 18 Grammy Awards, and he was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame three times.
Eric Clapton’s favorite speakers
Eric Clapton is known for his signature sound, achieved partly by the speakers he uses. He utilizes Fender Twin Reverb amplifiers, which provide a full, rich sound. He also has used Marshall stacks for a compressed, bright sound. Additionally, he has used Celestion Vintage 30s for a more vintage sound and Electro-Voice speakers for a modern, clear tone.
Clapton’s Early Career
Eric Clapton began his career in the 1960s as a member of the Yardbirds band. He gained fame for his guitar skills and became known as one of the foremost guitarists of the time. In 1966, he left the Yardbirds to join the supergroup Cream, including bassist Jack Bruce and drummer Ginger Baker. The Cream was known for its blues-influenced rock sound and became one of the most successful bands of the late 1960s. Clapton played a key role in the band’s sound and was responsible for many of its most memorable guitar parts. He used Fender Stratocasters and amplifiers during this period, and his tone and style influenced many other guitarists.
Clapton’s Later Career
After the breakup of Cream in 1968, Eric Clapton began a solo career and became a prominent figure in the world of rock music. In the 1970s, he switched from using Fender Stratocasters to using Gibson Les Paul guitars and Marshall amplifiers. He also began using other brands such as PRS, Fender, and Gretsch. Clapton released several successful albums throughout the 1970s and beyond, and he continued to tour and perform live. In the 1980s, he formed the band Dire Straits and successfully collaborated with Phil Collins. Clapton has remained active as a musician and has continued releasing new music and tours into the 21st century.
Clapton’s Current Setup
It is unclear what specific equipment Eric Clapton is using as he has not made any recent public announcements on the matter. However, he has used various brands and models of guitars, amplifiers, and speakers throughout his career. Some brands he has used include Fender, Gibson, PRS, Gretsch, Marshall, Celestion, and JBL. Clapton is known for being selective in his choice of equipment and for finding the right gear that helps him achieve the sound he is looking for. He is also known for experimenting with different setups and trying out new equipment as he develops his sound and style.
1958 Fender tweed Twin amp
The 1958 Fender Tweed Twin amp is a vintage guitar amplifier that is highly regarded for its powerful sound and distinctive vintage tone. Here are some of the key features and specifications of this classic amplifier:
Power and output: The 1958 Fender Tweed Twin has a power rating of 80 watts, making it one of the most powerful amplifiers of its time. It has two 12-inch speakers and is capable of producing a loud and clear sound.
Tube-based design: The Tweed Twin uses a tube-based design, which was common for amplifiers of this era. It has four 6L6 power tubes and four 12AX7 preamp tubes, which contribute to its distinctive warm and rich tone.
Tweed covering: The Tweed Twin is covered in a distinctive tweed fabric, which was a common feature of Fender amplifiers during the 1950s. The tweed covering not only gives the amplifier a classic vintage look but also helps to protect it from damage.
Dual channels: The Tweed Twin has two channels, allowing the user to switch between clean and distorted tones. Each channel has its volume control, and there is a shared tone control for both channels.
Reverb and tremolo: The 1958 Fender Tweed Twin also has built-in reverb and tremolo effects, which were considered cutting-edge features at the time. These effects contribute to the amplifier’s distinctive vintage tone and have since become staples of many guitar amplifiers.
Overall, the 1958 Fender Tweed Twin is a classic vintage amplifier that is highly sought after by guitarists and collectors. Its distinctive vintage tone, powerful sound, and classic design make it an iconic piece of guitar gear that continues to be admired and imitated to this day.
Cornell Custom 80
The Cornell Custom 80 is a boutique guitar amplifier that is known for its versatility and high-quality sound. Here are some of the key features and specifications of this amplifier:
Power and output: The Cornell Custom 80 has a power rating of 80 watts, making it suitable for use in a variety of settings, from small clubs to large venues. It is capable of producing a wide range of tones, from clean and crisp to overdriven and distorted.
Tube-based design: The Custom 80 uses a tube-based design, which contributes to its warm and rich tone. It has four EL34 power tubes and three ECC83 preamp tubes, which provide plenty of headroom and a smooth, dynamic response.
Two channels: The Custom 80 has two channels, allowing the user to switch between clean and distorted tones. Each channel has its volume control, and there is a shared tone control for both channels.
Built-in reverb: The Custom 80 also has a built-in reverb, which adds depth and dimension to the sound. The reverb is adjustable and can be dialed in to suit the user’s preferences.
Footswitchable: The Custom 80 is foot-switchable, which means that the user can switch between channels and turn the reverb on and off using a footswitch. This makes it easy to adjust the sound on the fly and to switch between clean and distorted tones during a performance.
Overall, the Cornell Custom 80 is a high-quality guitar amplifier that is suitable for a wide range of musical styles and settings. Its versatile tone, powerful sound, and foot-switchable features make it a popular choice among guitarists who demand the best from their gear.
Fender Custom Vibroking
The Fender Custom Vibroking is a boutique guitar amplifier that is known for its classic Fender tone and versatile features. Here are some of the key features and specifications of this amplifier:
Power and output: The Custom Vibroking has a power rating of 60 watts, making it suitable for use in a variety of settings, from small clubs to large venues. It is capable of producing a wide range of tones, from clean and crisp to overdriven and distorted.
Tube-based design: The Custom Vibroking uses a tube-based design, which contributes to its warm and rich tone. It has three 6L6 power tubes and three 12AX7 preamp tubes, which provide plenty of headroom and a smooth, dynamic response.
Three channels: The Custom Vibroking has three channels, allowing the user to switch between clean, overdriven, and lead tones. Each channel has its volume control, and there is a shared tone control for all three channels.
Built-in vibrato and reverb: The Custom Vibroking also has built-in vibrato and reverb, which add depth and dimension to the sound. The vibrato and reverb are adjustable and can be dialed in to suit the user’s preferences.
Handwired construction: The Custom Vibroking is hardwired, which ensures high-quality construction and a reliable, long-lasting design. It is built using premium components, including custom transformers and vintage-style capacitors.
Overall, the Fender Custom Vibroking is a high-quality guitar amplifier that is suitable for a wide range of musical styles and settings. Its versatile tone, classic Fender features, and hardwired construction make it a popular choice among guitarists who demand the best from their gear.
Marshall 1962 Bluesbreaker Combo
The Marshall 1962 Bluesbreaker Combo is a legendary guitar amplifier that was originally designed in 1965 for Eric Clapton, who wanted an amp that could provide a warm and full-bodied tone with plenty of power and sustain. Here are some of the key features and specifications of this amplifier:
Power and output: The 1962 Bluesbreaker has a power rating of 30 watts, making it suitable for use in a variety of settings, from small clubs to medium-sized venues. It is capable of producing a warm, rich tone with plenty of headroom and a smooth, dynamic response.
Tube-based design: The 1962 Bluesbreaker uses a tube-based design, which contributes to its warm and rich tone. It has two EL84 power tubes and three ECC83 preamp tubes, which provide plenty of power and sustain.
Two channels: The 1962 Bluesbreaker has two channels, allowing the user to switch between clean and distorted tones. Each channel has its volume control, and there is a shared tone control for both channels.
Celestion Greenback speaker: The 1962 Bluesbreaker is equipped with a Celestion Greenback speaker, which is known for its warm and balanced tone. The speaker is 12 inches in diameter and has a power rating of 25 watts.
Classic design: The 1962 Bluesbreaker has a classic design, with a tweed covering, gold-colored control knobs, and a chrome-plated control panel. The amp is built using high-quality components, including custom transformers and vintage-style capacitors.
Overall, the Marshall 1962 Bluesbreaker Combo is a legendary guitar amplifier that is known for its warm and full-bodied tone, powerful sound, and classic design. It is a popular choice among blues and rock guitarists who want a high-quality amp with a vintage vibe.
Conclusion
In conclusion, Eric Clapton is a renowned guitarist and musician known for his unique sound and style. He has used various brands and models of guitars, amplifiers, and speakers throughout his career and has been able to achieve his signature sound with various equipment. While his choice of speakers is just one aspect of his overall sound, it is clear that he is selective in his choice of equipment and takes the time to find the right gear that helps him achieve the desired tone and sound. Clapton’s skill as a guitarist and his ability to get the desired sound from various equipment have made him one of the most respected and influential musicians in rock history.
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