Introduction
Some of the most expensive and iconic guitars ever sold have incredible stories behind them. These instruments, played by famous musicians like Kurt Cobain, David Gilmour, and Eric Clapton, have sold for millions of dollars at auction. Their high values are driven not just by celebrity ownership, but by their place in music history and sheer craftsmanship.
This article will explore the fascinating histories of record-breaking guitars, from a 1959 Martin acoustic played by Nirvana’s Kurt Cobain during the band’s famous MTV Unplugged performance to Pink Floyd guitarist David Gilmour’s black Fender Stratocaster used on classic albums like The Dark Side of the Moon. We’ll learn the details behind their record-setting auction sales and what makes them so valuable.
Beyond these well-known examples, we’ll also look at other iconic instruments like Jimi Hendrix’s Woodstock Stratocaster and Jerry Garcia’s custom "Wolf" guitar. The list of musicians who have owned special guitars worth small fortunes includes Eric Clapton, Bob Dylan, John Lennon, Paul McCartney, and many more. We’ll delve into their stories and see what exactly makes these guitars so prized.
Kurt Cobain’s Martin D-18E
Kurt Cobain’s 1959 Martin D-18E acoustic guitar has one of the most fascinating stories behind it. This was the guitar Cobain used during Nirvana’s legendary MTV Unplugged performance in 1993.
Cobain purchased the 1959 D-18E in Los Angeles in 1991 and had it modified with a Bartolini pickup to amplify the sound. He used it to write songs like "Polly" and "Something in the Way." But it was the MTV Unplugged show where the Martin really became iconic.
In Nirvana’s stripped down, acoustic-driven Unplugged set, Cobain’s Martin D-18E took center stage. His emotional performance of songs like "About a Girl" and "All Apologies" on that guitar would become legendary.
After Cobain’s death, his Martin guitar took on even greater significance. It was one of his most personal instruments. In 2020, it sold at auction for an astonishing $6.01 million to the Jim Irsay Collection. This set a new world record for the most expensive guitar ever sold at auction. For collectors and fans, Cobain’s Martin will always remain an iconic instrument from grunge history.
David Gilmour’s "Black Strat"
David Gilmour’s 1969 black Fender Stratocaster, nicknamed the "Black Strat", is one of the most iconic guitars in rock history. Gilmour purchased the guitar in 1970 shortly before Pink Floyd recorded their landmark album Meddle. The Black Strat quickly became his primary guitar and was used extensively on subsequent Pink Floyd albums like The Dark Side of the Moon, Wish You Were Here, Animals, and The Wall.
With its distinctive black finish and heavily modified pickups and electronics, the Black Strat shaped Pink Floyd’s legendary guitar tones throughout the 1970s. Gilmour’s masterful use of the guitar was essential to the band’s progressive rock sound. The guitar’s singing sustain and warm, smooth tone can be heard on classic Pink Floyd tracks like "Money", "Comfortably Numb" and "Shine On You Crazy Diamond".
In 2019, Gilmour auctioned off his Black Strat, along with 120 other guitars from his personal collection. The auction was held by Christie’s auction house in New York City, with the Black Strat selling for a record-breaking $3.975 million. Proceeds from the sale supported Gilmour’s charitable foundation, which focuses on issues like homelessness, hunger, and animal rights. The auction reinforced the Black Strat’s status as one of the most important guitars in rock and roll history. Its enormous price tag reflects its iconic association with Pink Floyd and Gilmour’s legendary playing.
Other Record-Breaking Guitar Auctions
Some of the other most expensive guitars sold at auction include Jimi Hendrix’s 1968 Fender Stratocaster which he played at Woodstock. This iconic instrument, nicknamed the "Woodstock Strat", sold for over $2 million in 2022 to the Indianapolis Colts owner Jim Irsay.
Jerry Garcia’s custom Doug Irwin "Wolf" guitar, played extensively with the Grateful Dead, also fetched an impressive $3.9 million when it was auctioned in 2022. The guitar features an intricate inlay design and was Garcia’s go-to instrument for many years.
Eric Clapton’s "Blackie" Fender Stratocaster is another legendary guitar that broke auction records when it sold for $959,000 back in 2004. Clapton used this 1956 Strat, made up of three different guitars, during his 1970s career.
The sky-high prices fetched for these guitars can be attributed to their historical significance, connection to iconic musicians, condition, and provenance. Guitars played at seminal moments, like Hendrix’s Woodstock performance, or used extensively throughout a musician’s career carry a certain mythical allure that collectors are drawn to. Rarity, vintage status, and custom touches also drive up values. Provenance proving the authenticity and ownership history is key as well. These factors all contribute to certain guitars becoming extremely desirable and breaking records at auction.
Famous Guitar Collectors and Their Prized Possessions
Some of the most avid and renowned collectors of expensive, rare, and historic guitars include big names like Joe Bonamassa, Kirk Hammett, and others. These famous musicians and guitar aficionados have spent decades building up their elite collections by seeking out and purchasing iconic instruments, sometimes paying millions to acquire particularly special pieces.
One of the top celebrity guitar collectors is blues-rock star Joe Bonamassa, known almost as much for his vast collection as his music. Over the years, Bonamassa has amassed hundreds of rare, vintage guitars from the likes of Gibson, Fender, and Gretsch. Some of the highlights include the Gibson Flying V "Lazarus" prototype from 1958, which he purchased at auction for over $250,000. His collection also includes ultra-rare original 1950s Les Pauls, including a sunburst ’59 model some call the "Holy Grail" of electric guitars.
Metallica guitarist Kirk Hammett boasts an extensive horror memorabilia collection in addition to his prized guitars. His horror obsession extends to some of his instruments, like the "Mummy" guitar based on the Boris Karloff film. Hammett owns many guitars previously played by legendary artists, including a Gibson Flying V owned by Albert King and a 1959 Les Paul formerly played by Fleetwood Mac founder Peter Green. Over the years, Hammett has also acquired iconic guitars used by Jimi Hendrix, Bo Diddley, and others. His collection numbers over 400 guitars, making him one of the foremost celebrity collectors today.
Guitars as Investments
For some musicians and collectors, expensive guitars represent more than just beautiful instruments – they are potentially lucrative investments. While no guitar purchase is guaranteed to increase in value, certain factors can make some high-end guitars appreciable assets over time.
When considering purchasing a guitar as an investment, focus on collectible models from iconic brands like Fender, Gibson, and Martin. Vintage guitars from the 1950s and 60s tend to hold value well, especially rare instruments in excellent condition. Provenance is also key – guitars owned or played by famous musicians often command higher prices at auction.
Maintenance is crucial for preserving a guitar’s value. Keep the instrument in a climate-controlled environment and clean it after playing. Perform regular setups and repairs with a qualified guitar tech. Be extremely careful not to damage the finish or alter iconic features. Refrain from heavy playing or modifications that could diminish collectibility.
While the potential returns can be alluring, investing in guitars carries risks. Market trends can fluctuate over time and iconic models can change. Do thorough research before purchasing expensive guitars as investments. Focus on your passion for the instrument first and view investment potential as an added bonus. With care and patience, certain high-end guitars can appreciate in value and become treasures to cherish or sell.
The Allure of Expensive Guitars
The allure of owning an expensive, high-end guitar extends far beyond the price tag. For many musicians and collectors, these instruments represent the pinnacle of craftsmanship, tone, and historical significance in the music world.
The attention to detail in creating a luxury guitar is unmatched. Master luthiers carefully select the finest materials, like rare woods and high-quality hardware, to construct an instrument built to last generations. The skill and intricacy involved results in unparalleled playability that professionals demand.
Beyond just build quality, elite guitars earn their price tags by shaping iconic sounds that define genres and eras in music history. David Gilmour’s "Black Strat" Fender, for instance, was instrumental in establishing Pink Floyd’s legendary tones heard on The Dark Side of the Moon. Owning a piece of history that influenced countless musicians carries prestige for collectors.
For many, owning one of these prized guitars also represents joining an exclusive club of musicians who have wielded these instruments on stage and in the studio. The legacy and storytelling appeal of owning an artifact used by rock legends is a major draw for guitar enthusiasts. Not only do they want to own a work of art, but a piece of music’s history and culture as well.
The craftsmanship, legacy, and exclusivity attached to owning a highly coveted guitar has immense appeal for those with the means. While most can only admire their beauty and history from afar, a lucky few can call these works of functional art their own.
Iconic Brands and Models
Certain guitar brands and specific models have become synonymous with high value and prestige on the collector’s market. Fender, Gibson, and Martin are among the most prized brands when it comes to reselling vintage guitars for top dollar.
Fender’s Stratocaster and Telecaster models have long been coveted for their distinctive tone and sleek, contoured designs. Vintage 1950s and 60s Stratocasters played by legends like Jimi Hendrix, Eric Clapton, and Stevie Ray Vaughan routinely fetch over $100,000 at auction. Gibson’s Les Paul and SG guitar models helped define rock n’ roll in the ’50s and ’60s and continue to be highly desirable collector’s items. The craftsmanship and patented designs of Martin’s acoustic guitars, especially pre-World War II models like the D-28 and D-45, make them perennial favorites among collectors and musicians.
Several factors contribute to the high resale value of guitars by these iconic brands. Age and condition are paramount – older guitars in pristine or lightly-played condition command the highest prices. Provenance and association with famous musicians also greatly increases value – guitars owned, played on stage, or signed by legendary artists can sell for astronomical sums. Authenticity is key as well, as buyers want assurance that vintage guitars are original and unmodified. Beyond these factors, the reputation of brands like Fender, Gibson, and Martin for quality materials, innovative designs, and superior tone give their guitars an allure that makes them sound investments for serious collectors.
Notable Sales
The past few years have seen several notable and record-breaking sales of iconic guitars at auction. In June 2019, Pink Floyd’s David Gilmour auctioned off his 1969 Black Fender Stratocaster known as the "Black Strat" for $3.975 million, setting a new world record for the most expensive guitar ever sold at auction. The guitar, which was used extensively on Pink Floyd albums like The Wall, Dark Side of the Moon, and Wish You Were Here, was purchased by the Indianapolis Colts owner Jim Irsay. The proceeds from the sale went to benefit Gilmour’s charitable foundation.
In June 2022, a 1960s Fender Stratocaster used by Jimi Hendrix at the 1969 Woodstock festival was auctioned for $2 million, setting a new record for the most expensive Hendrix guitar ever sold. It was purchased by Paul Allen’s estate, a co-founder of Microsoft and Hendrix fan. The previous record was held by another Hendrix Strat that sold for $1 million in 1998.
Also in June 2022, Jerry Garcia’s iconic guitar known as "Wolf" was auctioned for $3.2 million to an anonymous bidder. The guitar was used extensively by Garcia with the Grateful Dead between 1973 to 1995. It set a new record for the most expensive Garcia guitar as well as the highest price ever paid for a guitar at a public auction.
Other recent record sales include Prince’s "Blue Angel" Cloud 2 guitar, which sold for $563,500 in 2017, and Bob Dylan’s 1964 Fender Stratocaster "Newport Folk Festival" guitar, which fetched $965,000 in 2013. These and other high-profile auctions demonstrate the continually growing demand for iconic guitars owned and played by legendary musicians.
Conclusion
The world of high-priced, auctioned guitars is fascinating, showcasing both the enduring appeal of iconic instruments as well as their monetary value. As we’ve seen, some of the most expensive guitars ever sold at auction have belonged to famous musicians like Kurt Cobain, David Gilmour, and Eric Clapton. These instruments carry rich histories and have played pivotal roles in shaping the sound of rock music.
Cobain’s Martin D-18E acoustic guitar, used during Nirvana’s famed MTV Unplugged performance, sold for a record-breaking $6 million in 2020. Gilmour’s legendary Black Stratocaster helped define Pink Floyd’s iconic sound and went for nearly $4 million in 2019. And Clapton’s "Blackie" Stratocaster, pieced together from multiple guitars, fetched just under $1 million back in 2004.
While these astronomical prices capture headlines, they also reflect the deeper significance and allure of these guitars. Their value stems not just from their monetary worth, but from their cultural impact and association with music legends. As such, they will continue to fascinate musicians and collectors alike for years to come.
Looking ahead, we can expect more history-making auctions that redefine the ceiling for expensive guitars. As iconic instruments change hands, their stories will grow and they will likely command even higher prices. For now, Cobain’s Martin retains the highest price tag, but a new record sale is undoubtedly on the horizon. The appeal of guitars as collectible items imbued with cultural meaning shows no signs of fading.