"During his stint in Cream, Clapton continued to use Gibson guitars, including the Les Paul (which was later stolen) and a Gibson ES-335, but his most famous guitar in this period was a 1961 Gibson SG. The guitar was noted both for its distinctive singing tone -- which Clapton called the "woman tone" -- and for its remarkable appearance. In early 1967, just before their first US promotional tour, Clapton's SG, Bruce's Fender VI and Baker's drum head were repainted in eye-popping psychedelic designs created by the visual art collective known as "The Fool".
It is not clear whether Clapton played the SG or a Les Paul on "While My Guitar Gently Weeps". (Guitar World magazine, March 1999, page 117 says it was a Les Paul, as do most other references.) He later loaned the SG to singer Jackie Lomax, who subsequently sold it to musician Todd Rundgren for US$500 in 1972. Rundgren restored the guitar and nicknamed it "Sunny", after "Sunshine Of Your Love", on which it featured. He played the guitar extensively on record and in concert in the mid-1970s, eventually retiring it in 1977. He retained it until 2000, when he sold it at an auction for US$150,000.
During Clapton's heroin addiction from 1971 to 1973 following the dissolution of Derek and the Dominos, Clapton began to sell his collection of guitars to pay for his drug habit. Seeing Clapton selling his most treasured possessions was one of the reasons Pete Townshend was prompted to assist him get off the drug.
...[...] (at 1.6. Full Throttle Solo Career)
...In 1973, the "Rainbow Concert" was organized by The Who's Pete Townshend to help Clapton kick the drug. Clapton returned the favour by playing 'The Preacher' in Ken Russell's film version of The Who's Tommy in 1975; his appearance in the film (performing "Eyesight To The Blind") is notable for the fact that he is clearly wearing a fake beard in some shots, the result of deciding to shave off his real beard after the initial takes." ??)
From here:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Eric_Clapton at 1.9 Eric's Axes and at 1.6. Full Throttle Solo Career
1961 Gibson SG
