This is only a preview. The auction will open on: 10/28/2026 1:00:00 PM
Offered Here: Zeke Clark 2012 Black Gibson 335 With Applied Prototype Stripes With COA
Item Details: Own a unique piece of modern rock history with this 2012 black Gibson 335, offered up for the first time ever from the private collection of renowned guitar tech Zeke Clark. This specific instrument was used as a prototype to test a striking white striping motif, which consists of applied, precision-cut tape rather than paint. Crafted in Nashville, Tennessee, on March 16, 2012, with serial number 107620684, the guitar features a Bigsby licensed tremolo system and remains in excellent condition overall, though some of the original tape on the back of the headstock is beginning to separate and leaves a light adhesive residue. This rare collector's item is sold as-is, and comes complete with a premium plush-lined hardshell case, a Certificate of Authenticity, and a custom black leather guitar strap personally signed by Zeke Clark.
Provenance/Authenticity: Randall "Zeke" Clark is a renowned luthier and legendary guitar/amp technician who got his start in the San Francisco music scene in the 70s, working with various A-list artists until moving to LA in the 80s, where he worked for Eddie Van Halen.
From 1985 to 1993, he served as Edward Van Halen’s lead guitar and amp tech, transitioning to the crew with Sammy Hagar to maintain the band's gear through the monumental 5150, OU812, and For Unlawful Carnal Knowledge eras.
Beyond his historic tenure as the custodian of Eddie's tone, Clark's elite five-decade career includes building, repairing, and maintaining specialized gear for iconic artists such as Prince, Sammy Hagar, Journey, Heart, Poison, and others. This curated selection of items offers collectors a unique and direct connection to rock history through the hands of a master craftsman who shaped the sound of guitar royalty.
This item was personally handled, vetted, and released by Zeke Clark, ensuring its authenticity and rock-history provenance. Zeke Clark utilizes an Official Personal Signature Stamp to validate and inventory documents and artifacts released directly from his private estate. This item comes with his personal ink-imprinted signature stamp on the certificate of authenticity, which serves as his legally binding, authorized mark of verification and carries the full weight of a hand-signed signature.
Gibson introduced the ES-335 in 1958 as the first commercial thinline semi-hollow electric guitar, combining a hollow-body's resonance with a solid center block that reduced feedback, and it became a staple for players ranging from Chuck Berry to Eric Clapton during his time with Cream. Bold striped finishes became closely tied to rock guitar through Eddie Van Halen, whose homemade striped "Frankenstrat" and two-handed tapping technique, heard on "Eruption" from Van Halen's 1978 debut album, reshaped electric guitar playing and design for the decades that followed.
Condition: Very good, sold as is, with some of the striping starting to seperate from the back of the head leaving a sticky residue. The guitar comes with a hardshell, plush lined case.
SKU: RZC2108