Tools of the trade - Todd Rundgren & Eric Clapton’s “The Fool”

 

**Eric Clapton and then Todd Rindgten’s Legendary 1964 Gibson SG, "The Fool," Sells at Auction for $1.27 Million** 

Eric Clapton's 1964 Gibson SG, known as **"The Fool"**, has become one of the most iconic and sought-after guitars in rock history. Featuring a unique, vibrant design by the Dutch art collective that bears its name, "The Fool" was Clapton's guitar of choice during the groundbreaking years of **Cream**, cementing his place in music history. 

With its bold and distinctive psychedelic aesthetic, "The Fool" embodied the cultural spirit of the 1967 Summer of Love, becoming a symbol of an era of artistic and social transformation. It was also the key to Clapton's famous **"woman tone"**, a rich, warm and unmistakable sound that immortalized songs such as *Sunshine of Your Love*, *White Room* and *I Feel Free*. 

During the most influential period of Cream, this guitar accompanied Clapton in the creation of groundbreaking albums such as **Disraeli Gears**, helping to define an entire musical era. The direct connection between "The Fool" and the evolution of psychedelic rock has made the instrument a true treasure for musicians and collectors. 

In late 2023, this musical icon set a new record, selling at auction for an extraordinary sum of **$1.27 million**. The winning bidder was renowned collector Jim Irsay, who added this piece of history to his collection. It is the highest price ever paid for a guitar that belonged to Clapton, further confirming the cultural and historical importance of this instrument. 

With its unique legacy and undeniable influence on music and culture, “The Fool” remains one of the most iconic guitars of all time, a timeless symbol of rock history.

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Todd Rundgren pictured with ‘The Fool’ Gibson SG in the 1970s, famously previously owned by Eric Clapton.

Eric Clapton’s iconic Gibson SG—with the wild psychedelic paint job—was already a legend when Todd Rundgren got his hands on it. Clapton had used it during his time with Cream, crafting unforgettable solos on tracks like “Sunshine of Your Love” and “Crossroads.” Known as ‘The Fool’ (and occasionally called ‘Sunny’ after “Sunshine of Your Love”), the 1964 Gibson SG was painted by the Dutch art collective The Fool, giving the guitar its name and its unmistakable look. It’s one of the most famous instruments of all time and a symbol of the psychedelic era.

Todd Rundgren picked it up for just $500 in the early’70s. That’s right—$500 for one of the most legendary guitars in rock history. But Todd wasn’t the kind of guy to lock it away in a display case. He put it to work, playing it extensively on his groundbreaking album A Wizard, A True Star and other projects.

Unlike many collectors, Todd didn’t treat the guitar like a fragile museum piece. He made a few modifications to suit his needs, but he never lost sight of its legacy. Fans who recognized The Fool would go nuts, and Todd enjoyed telling the guitar’s story, knowing he was holding a piece of rock history.

Eventually, Todd decided it was time to part ways with the SG, selling it at auction. Now it resides in a private collection, but during its time with Rundgren, the guitar experienced a vibrant second life—moving from Clapton’s fiery blues to Todd’s kaleidoscopic experiments.