Ever wondered about the rarest and most expensive guitars in the world? Well, you’re in for a treat because today, we’re going into the 20 of the rarest and most expensive guitars of all time. Let’s get started!
20. Stevie Ray Vaughan’s Fender 1965 Strat Lenny – $623,500
Stevie Ray Vaughan’s iconic Lenny Strat is a tale of love and music. Originally a pawn shop find, it was gifted to him by his wife, Lenora, who rallied friends to help buy it. This guitar became a symbol of their bond, inspiring Vaughan to compose the soulful instrumental “Lenny”. Its journey from a $350 gift to a $623,500 auction sale is a testament to its legendary status.
19. George Harrison’s Rickenbacker 1962 425 – $657,000
George Harrison’s Rickenbacker 1962 425 played a pivotal role in shaping The Beatles’ sound. Acquired during a trip to the USA, this guitar was used during significant performances, including their first TV appearance. Harrison’s modifications and its unique sonic qualities contributed to its historical importance, culminating in a $657,000 auction price.
18. Eric Clapton’s Blackie Fender Stratocaster – $959,000
Eric Clapton’s Blackie is a hybrid guitar made from parts of several Stratocasters. It accompanied Clapton for 15 years, becoming an extension of his musical identity. The sale of Blackie for $959,000 not only set a record but also showcased Clapton’s philanthropic spirit, as proceeds went to charity.
17. Bob Dylan’s 1964 Fender Stratocaster – $965,000
Bob Dylan’s 1964 Stratocaster marked a turning point in music history during his controversial Newport Folk Festival performance. This guitar, which fetched $965,000 at auction, symbolizes Dylan’s bold shift to electric music, forever altering the landscape of folk and rock.
16. Keith Richards’ Gibson 59 Les Paul Standard – $1 Million
Keith Richards’ 59 Les Paul Standard is a rock relic with a storied past. Acquired secondhand, it became his go-to guitar, contributing to The Rolling Stones’ signature sound. After being stolen and later resurfacing, it sold for $1 million, reflecting its legendary status in rock history.
15. David Gilmour’s Martin D35 – $195,000
David Gilmour’s Martin D35 is more than just a guitar; it’s a vessel for his musical ideas. Used in the creation of Pink Floyd’s iconic tracks, this guitar’s melodic fingerprint is etched in rock history. Gilmour auctioned it for charity, showcasing its significance beyond music.
14. Gibson 1958 Corina Explorer – $1.1 Million
The 1958 Gibson Corina Explorer is a rare gem, with only 10 ever made. Its value lies in its scarcity rather than celebrity ownership. This guitar’s craftsmanship and design have made it a coveted collectible, fetching $1.1 million at auction.
13. Bob Marley’s Washburn Wing Series Hawk – $1.2 Million
Bob Marley’s Washburn Wing Hawk symbolizes friendship and musical legacy. Gifted to a friend, it became a national treasure in Jamaica after Marley’s passing. Its sale for an estimated $1.2 million highlights its cultural significance and connection to Marley’s music.
12. Dwayne Allman’s 1957 Gibson Les Paul – $1.25 Million
Dwayne Allman’s 1957 Gibson Les Paul Gold Top played a crucial role in shaping the Allman Brothers’ sound. Despite undergoing challenges, it was restored to its former glory and sold for $1.25 million, reflecting its historical importance in rock music.
11. Eric Clapton’s 1964 The Fool Gibson SG – $1.27 Million
Clapton’s 1964 Gibson SG, known as “The Fool,” is a psychedelic masterpiece. Adorned with artwork, it became a symbol of the era and played a pivotal role in shaping Cream’s sound. Its sale for $1.27 million underscores its cultural significance.
10. Kurt Cobain’s 1993 Fender Mustang Sky Stang 1 – $1,158,875
Kurt Cobain’s Sky Stang 1 was his trusted companion during Nirvana’s final show. Custom-built for Cobain, this guitar’s auction price reflects its emotional weight and connection to the band’s legacy, fetching over $1 million.
9. David Gilmour’s 1954 Fender Stratocaster – $1,815,000
Gilmour’s 1954 Stratocaster, with its unique history, played a significant role in Pink Floyd’s music. Its auction price of $1.8 million highlights its rarity and the impact it had on iconic tracks, making it a collector’s dream.
8. Jerry Garcia’s Wolf – $1.9 Million
Jerry Garcia’s Wolf, crafted by luthier Doug Irwin, is a bespoke masterpiece. This guitar’s innovative design and philanthropic history culminated in a $1.9 million auction price, symbolizing Garcia’s musical legacy and creative spirit.
7. Jimi Hendrix’s 1968 Fender Stratocaster – $2 Million
Hendrix’s 1968 Stratocaster, nicknamed Isabella, became a symbol of his revolutionary approach to music. Its auction price of $2 million reflects its historical significance, especially during his iconic Woodstock performance.
6. John Lennon’s Gibson J160E – $2,410,000
John Lennon’s Gibson J160E played a pivotal role in The Beatles’ early sound. After being lost and later resurfacing, it fetched $2.41 million at auction, symbolizing its profound impact on rock history.
5. Reach Out to Asia Fender Stratocaster – $2,700,000
The Reach Out to Asia Stratocaster, signed by numerous music legends, was auctioned for tsunami relief. Its value lies not in celebrity ownership but in its charitable cause, fetching $2.7 million and symbolizing the power of music for good.
4. Eddie Van Halen’s Hot for Teacher Kramer – $3,932,000
Eddie Van Halen’s Hot for Teacher Kramer is a piece of rock history. Its auction price of nearly $4 million reflects its significance in Van Halen’s legacy, especially as it starred in the iconic music video.
3. David Gilmour’s Black Fender Stratocaster – $3,975,000
Gilmour’s Black Strat, known for its modifications and sonic exploration, sold for $3.975 million. Its role in Pink Floyd’s music and its unique history make it a priceless artifact in the guitar world.
2. Kurt Cobain’s Smells Like Teen Spirit Fender Mustang – $4,550,000
Cobain’s Mustang, featured in the iconic music video, sold for nearly $5 million. Its cultural significance and connection to Nirvana’s legacy solidify its place in music history.
1. Kurt Cobain’s Martin D18E – $6,100,000
Kurt Cobain’s 1959 Martin D18E, used in Nirvana’s MTV Unplugged performance, fetched a record-breaking $6.1 million. This guitar’s haunting tones and emotional connection to Cobain’s legacy make it a revered artifact in music history.
