Notable Guitar Sales

The guitar has become an icon of the role of popular music in American culture. One direct consequence is the rise in the value of iconic instruments. In this example, ‘iconic’ means: owned and played by someone special. An example would be the white Fender Stratocaster used by Jimi Hendrix at Woodstock to play “The Star-Spangled Banner.” Iconic might also mean that a particular instrument has a special place in history. An example of this would be Scotty Moore’s Gibson ES-295 that was used in the original Sun Studio sessions with Elvis Presley, or Bill Black’s stand-up bass used in the same sessions and now owned by Sir Paul McCartney.

In simple terms, a new white Fender American Standard Stratocaster with a maple neck/fretboard is readily available at a local music store or on-line for about the same price: $1,100. A pre-owned version (a few years old) is simply considered ‘used’ and is worth something less than the ‘new’ price ($450 to about $750). At a certain age (more than 10 years), it may begin to rise in value as a ‘Vintage’ instrument. On the other hand, it may not. Few instruments actually get more valuable. A few more tend to hold their used value better than others. In short, it starts to get complicated….

One thing is clear: The white Fender Stratocaster used by Jimi Hendrix at Woodstock to play “The Star-Spangled Banner” will sell at auction for considerably more than a used white Fender Stratocaster. The instruments played by some of the Guitar Gods of the 1950s, ‘60s, ’70s, ’80s and ’90s have fetched quite large sums at auction and by private sales.

The following list of instruments is notable in the amount they were sold for. The list is a work-in-progress and mostly reflects auction sales. The dollar amounts are the total cost of the instruments after the auction. They are the sum of the high-bid plus the Buyer’s Premium and any related auction house fees. In the case of Doug Irwin’s Wolf, it also includes a matching amount donated as part of the bid to the seller’s selected charity. Where instruments were sold privately, the sum hasn’t been verified. These amounts reflect an understanding of the guitar community as to what was paid (not much better than a restated rumor).

March 2026 Update:

On March 12, 2026, the market shifted significantly with the auction of the Jim Irsay “Hall of Fame” collection. This sale broke the all-time world record for a single guitar sale three times in one night, with David Gilmour’s “Black Strat” reaching a new pinnacle of $14,550,000. The figures below have been updated to reflect these historic results.

David Gilmour’s “Black Strat” (Fender Stratocaster

$14,550,000 | 3/12/2026 (World Record)
$3,975,000 | 6/20/2019

The most expensive guitar in history. This 1969 black Fender Stratocaster appears on nearly all of Pink Floyd’s recordings from 1970 to 1983, including The Dark Side of the Moon, Wish You Were Here, and The Wall. Previously sold in 2019 to benefit climate change charity ClientEarth, it was auctioned again as part of the Jim Irsay “Hall of Fame” sale in 2026, where it set a staggering new world record for any guitar or Fender instrument.

Jerry Garcia’s “Tiger”

$11,560,000 | 3/12/2026
$957,500 | 5/8/2002

Custom made by luthier Doug Irwin, “Tiger” was the last guitar Jerry Garcia played in public. Following a high-profile legal battle with the Grateful Dead after Garcia’s death in 1995, the instrument was returned to Irwin and sold in 2002. At the time, its sale included a matching amount donated to the seller’s selected charity. In 2026, it became the second most expensive guitar ever sold.

Mark Knopfler’s Guitar Collection

$11,227,003 | 1/31/2024

Sold at Christie’s London, this 120-piece collection of the Dire Straits frontman’s guitars and amps far exceeded expectations. The auction included his 1959 Vintage Gibson Les Paul Standard, which set a model record of $884,000, and his 1983 Les Paul reissue played on “Money For Nothing.” Knopfler famously noted, “I hope they all get played… I don’t think they do too well living in a case all their lives.”

Kurt Cobain’s “Smells Like Teen Spirit” Fender Mustang

$6,907,000 | 3/12/2026
$4,500,000 | 5/22/2022

The left-handed 1969 Competition Lake Placid Blue Mustang used in Nirvana’s defining music video. Cobain called the Mustang his favorite guitar model because they were “cheap and totally inefficient.” This instrument set a world record for a guitar owned by the Nirvana frontman during the 2026 Hall of Fame auction.

Kurt Cobain’s 1959 Martin D-18E

$6,010,000 | 6/20/2020

The customized acoustic-electric Martin used during Nirvana’s MTV Unplugged in New York performance. Purchased by Rode Microphones CEO Peter Freedman, the sale included the original case featuring a band flyer for Poison and a “stash bag” inside. It remains the most expensive acoustic guitar ever sold.

Eric Clapton’s 1939 Martin 000-42 “MTV Unplugged”

$4,101,000 | 3/12/2026
$791,500 | 6/24/2004

Used during the sessions that resulted in a major career boost for Clapton, reaching a massive new audience. This pre-war Martin appeared on the cover of the Unplugged album and served as his main stage acoustic through much of the 90s. Its 2026 sale price marks a record for any instrument owned by Eric Clapton.

Eddie Van Halen’s Kramer (“Hot for Teacher”)

$3,932,000 | 4/18/2023

The iconic red, white, and black-patterned Kramer used in the 1984 “Hot for Teacher” video. Custom-made by Paul Unkert for Van Halen, it features a bolt-on maple neck, a lone volume knob, and a Floyd Rose bridge tailored to Eddie’s evolving technique.

Jerry Garcia’s 1973 Doug Irwin “Wolf”

$3,200,000 | 5/31/2017
$789,500 | 5/8/2002

Bought for $1,500 by Garcia in 1973, this was his primary instrument for six years. In 2017, HubSpot CEO Brian Halligan purchased the guitar for $1.9 million, which was then matched with a $1.6 million donation to the Southern Poverty Law Center (SPLC), totaling $3.2 million.

Eric Clapton’s Gibson SG “The Fool”

$3,003,000 | 3/12/2026
$1,270,000 | 11/16/2023

A world record for any Gibson guitar. This 1964 SG was painted with a psychedelic design by the Dutch art collective “The Fool” and was used during Cream’s US tour. It was a cornerstone of the 2026 Irsay auction, nearly tripling its 2023 sale price.

John Lennon’s Gibson J-160E

$2,902,000 | 10/9/2015

Purchased in Liverpool in 1962 for £161, Lennon used this guitar to write early Beatles hits like “She Loves You” and “I Want to Hold Your Hand.” It was famously lost for decades after a 1963 performance before being rediscovered and sold in 2015.

John Lennon’s “Help!” Framus Hootenanny

$2,857,500 | 5/30/2024

This 12-string acoustic was used by John Lennon during the Help! sessions and was missing for five decades before being recovered in a British attic. The instrument features a spruce top, mahogany back and sides, a 19-fret rosewood fingerboard, and a decorative sound hole rosette. It underwent professional repairs before selling for nearly triple its pre-auction estimate.

2000s Fender Stratocaster “Reach Out To Asia”

$2,700,000 | 11/16/2005

Sold in Doha, Qatar, to support the Reach Out to Asia program following the 2004 Indian Ocean tsunami. This white Stratocaster carries the signatures of Paul McCartney, Mick Jagger, Keith Richards, Eric Clapton, Jimmy Page, David Gilmour, Jeff Beck, Pete Townshend, Mark Knopfler, Brian May, Sting, Ritchie Blackmore, Ronnie Wood, Ray Davies, Liam Gallagher, Tony Iommi, Angus & Malcolm Young, Def Leppard, and project coordinator Bryan Adams.

George Harrison’s 1964 Gibson SG Standard

$2,271,000 | 3/12/2026 (World Record for George Harrison)
$567,500 | 12/17/2004

Used by George Harrison and John Lennon between 1966 and 1969, this SG features a translucent cherry red finish and a Maestro Vibrola tailpiece. Harrison utilized the instrument for Revolver recording sessions, including “Paperback Writer” and “Rain.” Lennon later played it during The White Album sessions. Harrison gifted the guitar to Pete Ham of Badfinger in 1969; it has since been exhibited at the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame.

John Lennon’s 1964 Rickenbacker Model 1996

$1,270,000 | 3/12/2026

This Fireglo-finish Rickenbacker was a gift from the Rose-Morris company to Lennon while The Beatles were in Florida. It served as a replacement for his primary 325 model and was later used during the 1964 and 1965 recording sessions. Lennon eventually gifted the guitar to Ringo Starr, and it was a centerpiece of the 2026 Irsay Collection auction.

John Lennon’s 1963 Gretsch PX6120 Chet Atkins

$1,270,000 | 3/12/2026
$530,000 | 3/2015 (Unconfirmed Private Sale)

Used by Lennon during the “Paperback Writer” recording sessions at Abbey Road. Lennon gave the instrument to his cousin, David Birch, in 1967. After failing to meet its reserve at a 2014 auction, it was reportedly acquired by Jim Irsay. The 2026 Hall of Fame auction confirmed its market value at over $1.2 million.

Duane Allman’s 1957 Gibson Les Paul Gold Top

$1,250,000 | 7/2019

Known as the “Layla” guitar, this Gold Top was used on the first two Allman Brothers albums and the Layla and Other Assorted Love Songs sessions with Eric Clapton. Allman traded this instrument for a cherry burst Les Paul, reportedly adding $200 and a Marshall amp to finalize the deal. It holds the record for the highest price paid for a refinished guitar.

Bob Marley’s Washburn 22 Series Hawk

$1,200,000 (Estimated)

One of the few known guitars owned by Bob Marley. While reported sale details remain unconfirmed, the instrument is widely recognized within the guitar community as one of the most valuable cultural artifacts of the reggae era.

Bob Dylan’s 1964 “Newport” Fender Stratocaster

$965,000 | 12/6/2013

The sunburst Stratocaster played by Dylan during his controversial electric set at the 1965 Newport Folk Festival. This instrument remained in the possession of a pilot who flew Dylan’s band in the 1960s after it was left on a plane. Its sale in 2013 set a then-record for any Fender Stratocaster.

Keith Richards’ 1959 Gibson Les Paul Standard

$1,000,000+ | 2006 (Private Sale)

Purchased by Richards in 1964 and used during the Rolling Stones’ early US tours and their appearance on The Ed Sullivan Show. It was used to record “Satisfaction” and “Get Off My Cloud.” The guitar was also played by Jimmy Page, Eric Clapton, and Peter Green. It was reportedly stolen in 1971 during the Exile on Main St. sessions before resurfacing years later in the UK.

Eric Clapton’s 1950s Fender Stratocaster “Blackie”

$959,500 | 6/24/2004

Clapton’s primary instrument from 1970 to 1985, assembled from the best parts of three different 1950s Stratocasters purchased at Sho-Bud in Nashville. Used to record Slowhand and 461 Ocean Boulevard, the guitar was sold at Christie’s to fund the Crossroads Centre. It was the most expensive guitar in the world at the time of its sale.

Jerry Garcia’s 1955 Fender Stratocaster “Alligator”

$931,500 | 3/12/2026
$524,075 | 12/10/2019

A gift from Graham Nash in 1970, this modified 1955 Stratocaster was Garcia’s main instrument between 1971 and 1973. It is prominently heard on Europe ’72, Workingman’s Dead, and American Beauty. Its 2026 sale price reflects the sustained growth in Grateful Dead memorabilia values.

Mark Knopfler’s 1959 Gibson Les Paul Standard

$884,000 | 1/31/2024

A standout lot from Knopfler’s 2024 auction, this 1959 Les Paul Standard set a new auction record for the model. Knopfler used this vintage instrument extensively in his solo career and during late Dire Straits tours, citing its unique tonal characteristics as a primary influence on his playing style.

Eric Clapton’s 1964 Gibson ES-335 TDC

$847,500 | 6/24/2004

Originally purchased in 1964, this cherry-red ES-335 was played with The Yardbirds, Cream, Blind Faith, and John Mayall’s Bluesbreakers. It was a constant presence in Clapton’s recording sessions for four decades and was the second-highest lot in the 2004 Crossroads auction.

George Harrison’s 1962 Rickenbacker 425

$657,000 | 5/17/2014

Purchased by Harrison in Illinois in 1963 and used for The Beatles’ performance of “I Want To Hold Your Hand” on Ready Steady Go!. Harrison modified the instrument with an additional pickup and a black refinish. It has been exhibited in the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame and the Musical Instrument Museum in Phoenix.

Stevie Ray Vaughan’s 1965 Fender Stratocaster “Lenny”

$623,500 | 6/24/2004

Named for Vaughan’s wife, Lenora, who coordinated its purchase from an Austin pawn shop in 1980. The guitar features a 1950s-style maple neck gifted by Billy Gibbons and SRV initials on the body. It was famously autographed by Mickey Mantle in 1985 at the Houston Astrodome.

Paul McCartney’s 1950s Rex Acoustic

$615,200 | 7/28/2006

This budget-model acoustic belonged to McCartney’s childhood friend, Ian James, who used it to teach McCartney his first guitar chords. McCartney famously played this guitar to impress John Lennon during their initial meeting at the Woolton St. Peter’s Church fete in 1957. The instrument was sold at Christie’s London and includes a letter of provenance from McCartney.

The Edge’s 1976 Gibson Explorer

$611,000 | 10/15/2006

Purchased by The Edge at Manny’s Music in New York City in 1978, this natural-finish Explorer became a foundational element of U2’s early sound. It was used extensively on the Boy, October, and War albums, most notably on the track “I Will Follow.” The guitar was auctioned to benefit Music Rising, a charity co-founded by The Edge to aid musicians affected by Hurricane Katrina.

Duane Allman’s 1961/62 Gibson SG

$591,000 | 7/2019

This instrument was gifted to Allman by Dickey Betts and became Allman’s primary slide guitar during the final year of his life. It was used for the recording of “Statesboro Blues” and was frequently played during the Allman Brothers Band’s residency at the Fillmore East.

Jimi Hendrix’s 1965 “Burned” Fender Stratocaster

$560,000 | 9/4/2008

This guitar was famously set on fire by Hendrix at the end of his performance at the Finsbury Astoria in London on March 31, 1967. The charred instrument was recovered by a member of his road crew and remained in private storage for decades. Despite the significant heat damage, the guitar remains a premier artifact of Hendrix’s live performance history.

Roy Rogers’ 1930 Martin OM-45 Deluxe

$554,500 | 4/3/2009

One of only 15 OM-45 Deluxe models produced in 1930, this guitar was the first of the series ever made (serial number 43120). Purchased by Rogers at a California pawn shop in 1933, the instrument features high-grade spruce and rosewood with ornate abalone inlay. It remains one of the most coveted pre-war Martin guitars in existence.

Eric Clapton’s 1956 Fender Stratocaster “Brownie”

$497,500 | 6/24/1999

Purchased by Clapton in London in 1967, this sunburst Stratocaster was his primary guitar during the Derek and the Dominos era. It was used to record the landmark album Layla and Other Assorted Love Songs. When sold in 1999, it set a world record for the most expensive guitar sold at auction, later surpassed by Clapton’s own “Blackie.”

Jimi Hendrix’s 1966 Fender Mustang

$490,000 | 4/27/2007

This rare left-handed red Mustang was used by Hendrix during various recording sessions in 1967 and 1968. Though Hendrix is most associated with the Stratocaster, he frequently utilized the shorter scale and unique vibrato system of the Mustang in the studio.

George Harrison’s 1963 Maton Mastersound MS-500

$485,000 | 5/15/2015

This Australian-made guitar was used by Harrison during The Beatles’ 1963 summer tour while his Gretsch Country Gentleman was undergoing repairs. It was notably played during the band’s final performance at the Cavern Club in Liverpool.

Eric Clapton’s Gold Leaf Fender Stratocaster

$455,500 | 6/24/2004

Custom-built by Fender Master Builder Mark Kendrick to Clapton’s specifications for the 50th anniversary of the company. The guitar features a finish made of 23-carat gold leaf and was used extensively on the 1997 Legends tour and the 2001 One More Car, One More Rider tour.

George Harrison’s 1968 Rosewood Fender Telecaster

$434,750 | 9/13/2003

A prototype built specifically for Harrison by Fender, this solid rosewood Telecaster was famously used during the 1969 “Rooftop Concert” and the Let It Be sessions. Harrison later gave the guitar to Delaney Bramlett of Delaney & Bonnie.

Lennon/Harrison Custom Vox Kensington

$418,000 | 5/18/2013

A custom prototype featuring a built-in fuzz box and treble booster, this guitar was used by both John Lennon and George Harrison during the Magical Mystery Tour sessions. Lennon famously played it during the filming of the “Hello, Goodbye” promotional video.

Bob Dylan’s 1963 Martin D-28

$396,500 | 11/11/2017

Used by Dylan throughout his 1970s “Rolling Thunder Revue” tour and his legendary performance at the Concert for Bangladesh. This D-28 features a sitka spruce top and Brazilian rosewood back and sides. Dylan eventually sold the guitar to his repairman, Larry Cragg, in 1977.

Jimi Hendrix’s 1964 Fender Stratocaster

$385,917 | 4/1/2015

Originally owned by Hendrix’s brother, Leon, this sunburst Stratocaster was used during the mid-60s as Hendrix was developing his signature sound in New York City. The guitar features a transition logo and original hardware.

Janis Joplin’s Gibson J-45

$381,000 | 3/12/2026 (World Record for a Woman-Owned Guitar)

Used extensively by Joplin for songwriting and informal performances, this Gibson J-45 was a standout lot in the 2026 Hall of Fame auction. It represents a significant cultural milestone as the highest-priced instrument ever sold that was owned by a female artist.

Leo Fender’s 1949 Broadcaster Prototype

$375,000 | 1994 (Private Sale)

The primary design prototype for what would eventually become the Fender Telecaster. Hand-built by Leo Fender, this instrument features a slab pine body and a single bridge pickup. It is considered the “DNA” of the modern solid-body electric guitar.

Kurt Cobain’s “Sky Stang I” Fender Mustang

$340,000 | 10/2019

This Sonic Blue Japanese-built Fender Mustang was Cobain’s most-played instrument during the 1993-1994 In Utero tour. Known as “Sky Stang I,” it features a humbucker in the bridge position and was one of ten Mustangs ordered by Cobain for the tour. It remains an essential artifact of the final era of Nirvana.

Les Paul’s 1954 “Black Beauty”

$343,750 | 2/19/2015

This 1954 Gibson Les Paul Custom was the personal instrument of the man who gave the model its name. Les Paul used this “Black Beauty” to test various pickup and hardware configurations throughout the 1950s. It is considered the bridge between his early “Log” prototype and the production models that defined rock music.

John Lennon’s 1958 Hofner Senator

$338,823 | 7/1/2009

Acquired by Lennon in 1959, this blonde Senator was his primary songwriting tool during the Beatles’ formative years. Lennon famously kept the guitar in his home for years before gifting it to road manager Mal Evans. It features a spruce top and flame maple back and sides.

Don McLean’s 1970 Martin 00-21 (“Vincent”)

$234,950 | 3/12/2026 (World Record for Don McLean)

A new entry to the historical records from the 2026 Irsay Collection. This 12-fret 00-21 Martin was the instrument McLean used to write and record his 1972 hit single “Vincent.” Its sale set a world record for any instrument owned by McLean, highlighting the premium placed on guitars tied to specific, era-defining compositions.

B.B. King’s Gibson ES-345 “Lucille”

$280,000 | 10/7/2019

This specific black Gibson ES-345 was gifted to B.B. King for his 80th birthday. While King played many “Lucilles” throughout his career, this instrument was his primary stage guitar during his final decade of touring. It features the signature gold hardware and “Lucille” headstock inlay that defined the King of the Blues’ aesthetic.

Jerry Garcia’s 1975 Travis Bean Custom TB500

$300,000 | 5/8/2007

This aluminum-neck Travis Bean was Garcia’s primary instrument during the Grateful Dead’s 1976-1977 comeback period. It was used to record Terrapin Station and was a critical component of the band’s shift in tone during the late 70s. The guitar features a solid koa body and three single-coil pickups.

1958 Gibson Les Paul Standard (Sunburst)

$237,000 | 10/2008

The 1958 model year marked the introduction of the “Sunburst” finish for the Les Paul Standard. This specific example, sold in 2008, was noted for its excellent, unmodified condition and original PAF (Patent Applied For) humbucking pickups. It remains a benchmark for the vintage guitar market.

1954 Fender Stratocaster (First Production Year)

$180,000 | 12/2008

As a first-year production model, this Stratocaster features the early “short skirt” control knobs and a heavy ash body. Sold at the peak of the 2008 vintage market, it represents the origin of the most successful electric guitar design in history.

1958 Gibson Flying V (Korina)

$172,500 | 10/2008

Part of Gibson’s “Modernistic” series launched in 1958, the Flying V was made from African Limba wood (Korina). Because only 81 units were shipped in its first year, original 1958 examples are among the rarest and most visually striking vintage instruments.

1958 Gibson Explorer (Korina)

$150,000 | 10/2008

Even rarer than the Flying V, the 1958 Explorer featured a radical lightning-bolt body shape that was decades ahead of its time. With fewer than 40 original Korina Explorers estimated to have been produced, they are considered a “holy grail” for collectors.

1953 Fender Telecaster (Blackguard)

$80,000 | 12/2008

The “Blackguard” Telecasters of the early 50s are revered for their neck profiles and flat-pole bridge pickups. This 1953 model is a prime example of the workhorse guitar that powered early country and rock and roll.

1957 Fender Stratocaster (V-Neck)

$75,000 | 12/2008

1957 is widely considered the quintessential year for the maple-neck Stratocaster. This model is famous for its “strong V” neck profile and staggered-pole pickups, which provide a distinctively bright and “glassy” tonal response.

1951 Fender Broadcaster

$75,000 | 12/2008

The Broadcaster was the original name for the Telecaster before a trademark dispute with Gretsch forced Fender to remove the name from the headstock. Unmodified 1951 Broadcasters are historical rarities, representing the dawn of the solid-body era.

1961 Gibson ES-335 (Dot Neck)

$65,000 | 12/2008

This semi-hollow body guitar is prized for its “Dot” fingerboard inlays and thin-taper neck. The 1961 ES-335 remains one of the most versatile guitars ever built, blending the resonance of a hollow body with the sustain of a solid center block.

1953 Gibson Les Paul Gold Top

$60,000 | 12/2008

A pristine example of the early Les Paul design, featuring a stud tailpiece and P-90 pickups. This 1953 Gold Top was sold in excellent, unmodified condition, showcasing the craftsmanship of Gibson’s early Kalamazoo production.

1962 Gibson SG Standard

$45,000 | 12/2008

Following the temporary discontinuation of the single-cutaway Les Paul, the SG became Gibson’s flagship solid body. The 1962 Standard, with its sideways Vibrola and slim neck, is a favorite for its light weight and aggressive rock tone.

1959 Fender Jazzmaster (Gold Guard)

$40,000 | 12/2008

The Jazzmaster was originally intended as Fender’s top-of-the-line model for jazz musicians. This 1959 example features the iconic anodized gold pickguard and soapbar pickups, later embraced by surf and alternative rock guitarists.

1954 Gibson Les Paul Junior

$38,000 | 12/2008

Introduced as an affordable “student” model, the Junior became a professional favorite due to the raw power of its single P-90 pickup. This 1954 first-year model remains a highly collectible example of “less is more” design.

Jerry Garcia’s 1980 Gilchrist L5

$35,075 | 12/10/2019

Built by master luthier Stephen Gilchrist, this 16-inch archtop was Garcia’s instrument of choice for acoustic projects, particularly his collaborations with David Grisman. It features a tobacco finish, 24.9-inch scale, and custom Schecter tuners.

1965 Fender Jaguar (Custom Color)

$32,000 | 12/2008

The Jaguar was Fender’s most feature-rich model of the 60s, with a shorter 24-inch scale and complex lead/rhythm circuitry. This 1965 model, in a rare custom color finish, represents the peak of the “Chrome Era” at Fender.

1958 Gibson ES-335 (Natural Finish)

$95,000 | 10/2008

While the cherry finish is more common, the 1958 ES-335 in “Natural” (blonde) is significantly more rare. As the first year of the semi-hollow design, this instrument is a cornerstone of the Gibson golden era.