Eric Clapton Risked His Life

How much do you treasure your favorite guitar?

You don’t know until somebody offers you a lot of money

or you have to make a decision on a repair that may be a little pricey. You may even find yourself making a dire decision in a fleeting moment.

Let’s get some context here. A cheap acoustic will probably last about 10 years, A cheap electric guitar will last about 20 or 30 years. High end, well-made instruments will last beyond a lifetime. There is a baseline value to every guitar.

Guitars can be great investments. Even old, cheap guitars are worth multiples of what was paid when a good shop makes them playable. Sometimes the sound is unique and famous players put that to use. Sears sold Silvertones in the 1950s. Jimi Hendrix had one he named Betty Jean.

…but would you risk your life to save your favorite?

In 1996, Eric Clapton came home to a house fire.

He ran into the burning building to save his guitars.

The entire upper story was destroyed.

There was one guitar in particular that moved him to brave the smoke and flames. He said, “It is not a very expensive guitar but I would pay a reasonable price for it as I really want to hold on to it. It is a guitar that’s been around my house for years and I’ve picked it up in times of great stress, like a comfort blanket.”

It was a 1956 Fender Stratocaster he named Brownie. We all heard Brownie in 1971 on his hit, “Layla,”

We held a very similar 1957 Stratocaster.

Personally, I would just insure it and skip the flaming rescue.

1957 Fender Stratocaster

Watch this episode of "Every Guitar Has A Story"