Everything Must Django

Guitars played by Reinhardt and Townshend under the hammer

Arare opportunity to own a guitar played by Django Reinhardt is part of a host of rock memorabilia at a New York auction. At the time of going to press, bidding was set to take place at the Music Icons auction held by Julien’s at the Hard Rock Cafe in Times Square on 20 May. Elvis’s first piano and John Lennon’s sketch for the cover of Sgt Pepper’s will be the headline lots with an estimate of $100,000 to $200,000 and $40,000 to $60,000, respectively. But there’s a couple of intriguing guitars to be found, too.

The Django archtop is a sunburst Levin Deluxe that was owned by Fred Guy of the Duke Ellington Orchestra. Reinhardt was photographed with the guitar at a 1946 gig at The Aquarium in New York City after being invited to America by Ellington the same year. Its estimated value is between $80,000 and $100,000.

Another guitar up for grabs is a 1964 Gibson SG (estimate $60,000 to $80,000) played by Pete Townshend, though the guitarist can’t recall when he used it for certain… “I have no idea where or when I played it, but it’s one I used on the road in the UK. So, possibly on Live At Leeds and the Tommy recordings.” www.juliensauctions.com