The list of instruments and musical artefacts included as part of the auction is enormous, featuring more than 60 instruments and a wide selection of items owned by a host of music icons. It’s the latest lot of notable items to be up for auction following the recent sales of Bob Dylan’s 1963 Martin guitar, Eric Clapton’s ‘Heir to Blackie’ Fender Stratocaster, and The Beatles’ controversial Yesterday and Today record.
See below for an overview of some of the most notable inclusions in the upcoming auction:
JIMI HENDRIX 1967 CHERRY RED GUILD STARFIRE V
This custom designed left-handed model was played by Hendrix at the Wreck Bar in Florida following the Miami Pop Festival. It feature the various stickers that were on the guitar when it was owned by Hendrix, and a signature from Al Hendrix (Jimi’s father) who inventoried his son’s guitars after his death.
Proceeds from this sale will go to the Ann and Robert H. Lurie Foundation supporting education, social services, art and health care organisations worldwide.
JIMI HENDRIX 1953 FENDER STRATOCASTER
Hendrix mostly played this Strat at Juggy Sound studios in New York City. The guitar features its original electronics alongside changes made by Hendrix to accommodate his left-handed playing style.
PAUL MCCARTNEY 1953 GOLD GIBSON LES PAUL
Often referred to as a “Goldtop”, this Les Paul was played by McCartney during the recording sessions in London for his 2013 album NEW . This particular model includes the stopbar tailpiece and tune-o-matic bridge introduced to the guitar in 1957.
This guitar was previously on display at the Los Angeles Grammy Museum in their 2015-2016 ‘Rare Guitar’s exhibition.
PRINCE LOVE SYMBOL GUITAR
This guitar is in the shape of the love symbol that Prince changed his name to in 1993 when he started being referred to as The Artist Formerly Known As Prince. It’s not only a functioning guitar, but a true work of art.
DAVID BOWIE 1989 GIBSON L4
Bowied played this 1989 Gibson L4 during recording sessions and on tour in the 80’s and 90’s, mostly during his time with the band Tin Machine.
BRUCE SPRINGSTEEN 1963 FENDER PRECISION BASS
Springsteen used this particular bass during the recording of his debut album Greetings in 1972. The album was almost complete when the president of Columbia Records asked Springsteen to write and record a couple of extra songs. After writing two more tracks, Springsteen found his usual bassist was unavailable so played this 1963 Fender Precision Bass on ‘Blinded by the Light’ and ‘Spirit in the Night’.
ORIGINAL CHARLIE PARKER SAXOPHONE CASE
The vintage case of the influential jazz musician is slightly worn due to Parker’s frequent use of the item, but remains in working condition. “CHARLIE PARKER / BIRD” is written along the front of the case in white capital letters, a nod to Parker’s lasting nickname.
There are also guitars featured in the auction owned and played by Tom Petty, Madonna, Jerry Garcia, Steve Miller, Johnny Winter and more. In addition to these items, extremely rare master and performance tapes of artists such as Elvis Presley, James Brown, The Beach Boys, Aretha Franklin, Ella Fitzgerald, and The Beatles will also be up for sale at the auction, plus the original studio master reel of Presley’s Blue Hawaii soundtrack, unreleased recordings from the 60’s of the Grateful Dead and Jefferson Airplane, and much more.
The Guernsey’s auction will take place on Saturday December 2 in New York City. For more information, visit their website.
