Eric bought the Firebird in Music City on Chestnut Street, Philadelphia in April, 1968, most likely on Saturday 13th, because an entry in Cream's 'Summer '68 Tour Ledger' for that date refers to a 'musical equipment' purchase of $905.50. Cream were in town from 12th to 14th for three concert dates at The Electric Factory.
I am indebted to Geoff Sell and Peter Rosenberg for the information above. Peter witnessed what was almost certainly the guitar's first public appearance that evening: 'I saw him walk on stage with it Saturday night at The Electric Factory and play it directly in front of me where I had squeezed in at the lip of the stage. Later in the set he switched to the “Fool” which garnered applause from the audience.'
The presence of the prominent pale laminate stripes on the central section of the body and the 'bird logo on the guard suggest, from comparison with similar instruments, that it probably dates from early 1964.
Whilst no irrefutable proof has so far come to light, it can be stated with some certainty that the Firebird is the guitar that can be heard on the live tracks from 'Goodbye', which were recorded at the Inglewood Forum, Los Angeles on October 19th, 1968.
All of these images are available freely on the net. I am grouping together as many as I can find for the convenience of myself and fellow admirers and students of Eric Clapton and these fine instruments. If I have used an image for which you hold the copyright and you wish me either to remove it or credit you with a caption please do not hesitate to let me know.
