MONEY FOR NOTHING
The most iconic guitars up for auction in 2020
KURT COBAIN’S 1959 MARTIN D-18E
SOLD FOR $6,010,000
Back in June, the acoustic used for that classic Unplugged set ended up making history as the most expensive guitar ever sold – knocking David Gilmour’s $3.95 million Black Strat off the top spot.
ELVIS’ MARTIN D-18
SOLD FOR $1,320,000
Setting a new record for Elvis memorabilia, this Martin acoustic was used extensively at Sun Studios in Memphis and on stage during the mid-50s.
ERIC CLAPTON’S 1954 FENDER STRAT
STARTING BID OF $1,000,000
Nicknamed Slowhand, this rare non-tremolo Strat was picked up by Clapton at the end of the 70s and used predominantly for slide in Open G.
PRINCE’S ‘BLUE ANGEL’ CLOUD 2
SOLD FOR $563,500
Used by Prince at the height of his popularity, this guitar was seen on the Purple Rain and Sign O’ The Times tours, as well as in the videos for Cream and Get Off.
GEORGE HARRISON’S BARTELL FRETLESS ELECTRIC
SOLD FOR £237,562
According to Bonhams, this instrument was made in 1967 and presented to Harrison that year, and was also rumoured to have been played by John Lennon.
CHUCK BERRY’S 1967 GIBSON ES-345
STARTING BID OF $200,000
Used, owned and signed by Chuck himself, this ES-345 – serial number 000037 – is definitely a piece of history.
PRINCE’S FENDER CUSTOM SHOP ‘GOLDFINGER’ STRAT
STARTING BID OF $150,000
This gold leaf-covered prototype made for Prince could possibly be the most beautiful guitar in the world...
JIMI HENDRIX’S EARLY UNBRANDED DOUBLE-CUT ELECTRIC
STARTING BID OF $50,000
According to his brother Leon, this Japanese guitar was used by Hendrix in the early 60s when he returned home following discharge from the army.