Hold onto your hats!
Did you know the priciest electric guitar ever sold went for a mind-blowing $6 million at auction?
Get ready to have your mind blown! We’re about to spill the beans on the legendary guitar that broke the bank and the crazy story that goes with it.
The Shocking Price Tag
Gilmour’s Black Strat didn’t just break records; it obliterated them.
The final bid clocked in at a jaw-dropping $3,975,000.
That’s right, million with an ‘m’! One could build a gold-plated spaceship with that amount, but no—a guitar remains.
This mind-boggling price tag wasn’t based on gold strings or diamond-encrusted frets. The allure came from its storied past and the legend who wielded it.
It’s like buying Excalibur if King Arthur had also been a rock legend!
The Star-Studded Auction
The auction room buzzed when the “Reach Out to Asia” Fender Strat was spotlighted. Buyers from all over duked it out, and the air was so thick with suspense you could cut it with a pick.
Paddles flew up left and right, and you could practically hear everyone’s jaws hit the floor as the price shot through the roof. It was as intense as a rock show – just without the screaming guitars (well, kind of).
When the hammer finally dropped, the crowd went wild. The winning bid, a mind-blowing $2.7 million, made the news and rewrote the record books.
Seeing those famous signatures scribbled all over the guitar and knowing the cash would go to a good cause – who could resist? And that’s how a legendary axe sold for enough dough to buy a castle
Celebrity Strummer Ownership
- Eric Clapton, the unstoppable Slowhand himself, cranked out hits with "Blackie.
- Jimi Hendrix made history – and barbecued his guitar – with that wild 1968 Strat.
- Jimmy Page's "Number Two" was a key part of Led Zeppelin's mind-blowing shows.
- Bob Dylan's "Newport" 1964 Fender Strat caused a ruckus when he went electric at the Newport Folk Festival and sold for almost a cool million.
These guitars aren’t pricey just because of the brand or model but also because they were played by legends who shredded them into rock and roll history.
Celebrity Signature Moments
The Beatles’ John Lennon didn’t just change music forever; he also made his guitars worth a ton of cash—his Gibson J-160E, which he shared with his bandmate George Harrison, sold for a mind-blowing amount. Fans went wild for it because it was used to create a bunch of their biggest hits.
Believe it or not, Madonna once rocked a pink Stratocaster! She played it during her Blond Ambition Tour, turning the guitar into a legendary piece of pop history. Madonna’s switch from material girl to guitar goddess made the instrument’s value skyrocket.
Elvis Presley’s custom-made 1969 Gibson Dove also made a big splash. The King of Rock and Roll’s legacy made this guitar a must-have for collectors.
Every strum carried a piece of Presley’s one-of-a-kind style and swagger, making the guitar an unforgettable piece of rock history.
Price Tag Rundown
These guitars didn’t just have a hefty price tag; they redefined the “expensive.”
- A 1959 Gibson Les Paul Standard, once owned by the legendary Gary Moore, sold at auction for a cool $1.2 million.
- Jimmy Page's famous 1960 Gibson Les Paul, aka "Number Two," wasn't far behind, snagging a jaw-dropping $1.5 million.
- Eric Clapton's "Blackie," a Frankenstein's monster of a Fender Strat made from bits of three vintage '50s Strats, went for a mind-blowing $959,500.
- Let's not forget Jimi Hendrix's 1968 Stratocaster, famously set ablaze at the Miami Pop Festival, which broke records with an insane $2 million bid.
A Sound Investment?
The Guitar in Question
They say money can’t buy happiness, but it can buy some seriously epic guitars! These axes aren’t just musical instruments; they’re rock ‘n’ roll history pieces that fetch astronomical prices.
The most expensive electric guitar ever sold is the “Reach Out to Asia” Fender Stratocaster, which sold for a whopping \$2.7 million at auction.
This guitar had more star power than a Hollywood red carpet. It was signed by legends like Eric Clapton, Mick Jagger, and Paul McCartney. The money from the sale went to the “Reach Out to Asia” charity, which supports disaster relief and education in Asia.
So, if you can put a price on eternal rock ‘n’ roll fame and helping the world, then £2.7 million seems just right.
Good Electric Guitars for a Good Price
Strandberg Boden Original NX 6 Natural Flame
FEATURES:
- Chambered swamp ash body.
- Maple top with flamed maple veneer.
- Lightweight concept guitar designed in partnership with NAMM.
- Relatively high price point
When you click ‘Check Price’, you’ll see there are loads of great places to buy this item. Our personal favorite is Sweetwater for the US, and Thomann and Gear4Music for the UK & Europe.
They are the largest music retailers, with excellent customer service, competitive prices, really fast shipping, and the longest guarantees.
The professional musician who wrote this article combined many things,
from the product build, manufacturer’s reputation through to feedback
from other users, to create our famous TedScore™.
Epiphone SG Special VE, Vintage Walnut
FEATURES: Epiphone 650R and 700T Humbucker
OTHER INFO: Fingerboard: Pau Ferro
- Affordable SG-style guitar.
- Mahogany neck and body, Pau Ferro fingerboard.
- Versatile sound with Epiphone humbuckers.
- Comfortable 24.75″ scale length for smaller hands.
- Suitable for entry to intermediate players.
- Versatile tones for blues, rock, metal, and punk.
- Upgrade potential for enhanced tone.
- Not comparable to higher-end guitars in materials.
- Typically sold without a gig bag.
When you click ‘Check Price’, you’ll see there are loads of great places to buy this item. Our personal favorite is Sweetwater for the US, and Thomann and Gear4Music for the UK & Europe.
They are the largest music retailers, with excellent customer service, competitive prices, really fast shipping, and the longest guarantees.
The professional musician who wrote this article combined many things,
from the product build, manufacturer’s reputation through to feedback
from other users, to create our famous TedScore™.
Gibson 70s Les Paul Deluxe, 70s Cherry Sunburst
FEATURES: Strings: .010, .013, .017, .026, .036, .046
OTHER INFO: Hardshell Case (Included)
- Rich and warm tone reminiscent of the classic '70s rock era
- Comfortable and iconic Les Paul body design
- Versatile mini-humbuckers deliver a unique sonic character
- Eye-catching Cherry Sunburst finish adds vintage appeal
- Smooth playability and fast neck for expressive performance
- Heaviest among Gibson's new Les Paul models.
- Neck pickup's reverse tilt may appear aesthetically off
- Limited color options
When you click ‘Check Price’, you’ll see there are loads of great places to buy this item. Our personal favorite is Sweetwater for the US, and Thomann and Gear4Music for the UK & Europe.
They are the largest music retailers, with excellent customer service, competitive prices, really fast shipping, and the longest guarantees.
The professional musician who wrote this article combined many things,
from the product build, manufacturer’s reputation through to feedback
from other users, to create our famous TedScore™.
While the article thoroughly dives into the allure and monetary value of these iconic guitars, it seems to barely scratch the surface regarding the true cultural and musical influence these instruments wield. Beyond the price tags and auction buzz, these guitars symbolize pivotal moments in music history, something that shouldn’t be overshadowed by their financial appraisal.
While the astronomical prices fetched by these guitars at auction highlight the significant cultural value we place on items associated with celebrity musicians, one has to question the sustainability of such investments. With the music industry’s ever-evolving landscape, the longevity of the value of these guitars seems uncertain. Is this truly a sound investment or merely speculative musical memorabilia collecting?
Right, because what we all need is another guitar signed by someone famous to solve the world’s problems. But hey, at least it’s for a good cause, right? Maybe I can auction my signed poster from the ’80s and save the rainforest.
When I get rich, I’m buying all the guitars, even the ones without strings lol.
hey, so does that Stratberg Boden thingy sound good for real? kinda pricey for a newbie but sounds like it’s worth the cash?
Strandbergs have a unique feel. Definitely try before you buy.
Yep, Strandbergs are solid, especially if you care about innovative design. Great for progressive styles.
Crazy how much some folks will pay for a guitar. I mean, it’s cool and all but woah. Guess if you got the cash, why not, right?
Loved the piece on the ‘Reach Out to Asia’ Fender Strat, Hugh Richardson! Always fascinating to see how much people are willing to pay for a piece of rock history.
Hey Hugh Richardson, I absolutely loved reading about the ‘Reach Out to Asia’ Fender Strat auction. It’s fascinating to see how these guitars aren’t just instruments but pieces of history that carry so much value, both monetarily and sentimentally. It’s inspiring for someone like me who dreams of one day owning a piece of rock ‘n’ roll history. Plus, knowing it’s for a good cause makes it even more special. Thanks for highlighting this!
yo Tara, ever thought about what the first guitar you’d wanna buy from an auction would be?
TaraJones98, I share your enthusiasm about these unique auctions. It’s always a thrill to see guitars with such heritage get the recognition they deserve. Keep pursuing your dream; owning a piece of music history is truly rewarding.