20 Of Most Expensive Guitars Sold In Music History

Some guitars transcend music, becoming symbols of history, creativity, and culture. Whether through legendary performances or famous players, these 20 axes fetched jaw-dropping prices at auction. Let’s dive into what makes these guitars so iconic—and pricey!

1. Eric Clapton’s 1939 Martin Acoustic
Price: $791,500

This 1939 Martin Acoustic is a key piece in Clapton’s guitar collection, auctioned for $791,500 at the Crossroads Guitar Auction in 2004. The event was organized to benefit Clapton’s Crossroads Centre, a rehabilitation facility, which made the sale even more meaningful. Clapton was known for his love for vintage guitars making this piece one of the most iconic and expensive ones ever sold.

2. Eric Clapton’s 1964 Gibson ES-335
Price: $847,500

The 1964 Gibson ES-335 TDC is another one of Clapton’s collections, which fetched an impressive $847,500 at the same Crossroads auction in 2004. Clapton played this electric guitar in several stages of his career, particularly his work with Cream, The Yardbirds, and Blind Faith. Originally estimated at a value of under $80,000, it surpassed expectations by selling for nearly 10 times the initial price. Well, it’s worth the hefty price considering this piece is a milestone instrument in Clapton’s electric guitar evolution.

3. Jerry Garcia’s Tiger Guitar
Price: $957,500

Jerry Garcia’s “Tiger” guitar was designed by Doug Irwin. It was a customized creation that became one of the most recognized guitars in rock history. The Grateful Dead guitarist played it for years, especially during on-stage performances. The guitar was sold for $957,500 in 2002, marking it as one of the top entries in rock guitar auction history. With its intricate design and history with Garcia, no wonder it’s an iconic piece of musical history.

4. Eric Clapton’s Blackie Strat
Price: $959,500

The “Blackie” Stratocaster was assembled from parts of three different Strats by Clapton himself. This guitar became his go-to instrument for 15 years, which played a central role in shaping his signature sound. When it was auctioned in 2004, it sold for $959,500, making it one of the most valuable guitars priced in an auction.

5. Bob Dylan’s Newport Strat
Price: $965,000

Bob Dylan’s sunburst Fender Stratocaster, which he famously played at the 1965 Newport Folk Festival, sold for $965,000 in 2013. This guitar is significant because it marks Dylan’s famous “electric” debut which shocked many folk fans. The auctioned guitar broke records at the time, surpassing Clapton’s “Blackie” as the most expensive guitar ever sold.

6. Keith Richards’ 1959 Les Paul
Price: $1 Million

Keith Richards’ 1959 Gibson Les Paul Standard is one of the most expensive and sought-after guitars on the market. This iconic guitar, which Richards played on The Ed Sullivan Show, fetched $1 million at auction. The price tag tells much of its history, as the late-’50s Les Paul models are known for their rarity and exceptional craftsmanship. With Richards’ connection to this piece and how it brought the Rolling Stone’s unique sound, this guitar is truly priceless.

7. David Gilmour’s 1969 Martin D-35 Acoustic
Price: $1.09 Million

David Gilmour’s 1969 Martin D-35 acoustic guitar sold for a staggering $1.09 million in 2019. Gilmour once called it “the best guitar I own,” and it’s clear why this guitar is so prized by fans and collectors alike. It was frequently by Gilmour’s side during his career, shaping the sound of Pink Floyd. Quality and its sentimental value to Gilmour’s musical journey make it a prized piece.

8. 1958 Gibson Korina Explorer
Price: $1.1 Million

The 1958 Gibson Korina Explorer, one of the most rare and valuable guitars ever, went for $1.1 million at auction. Only 10 of these guitars were ever made, so talk about a highly collectible piece. While this particular model isn’t associated with any specific rock star, its rarity and unique construction have made it a highly sought-after piece among collectors. The original ‘58 Korina Explorers have found homes with some of the biggest names in rock history.

9. Bob Marley’s Custom Washburn Hawk
Price: $1.2 Million

Bob Marley’s customized Washburn 22-Series Hawk guitar was sold at $1.2 million at auction. Although it was never Marley’s main performance instrument, the guitar was a personal gift from his technician, Gary Clausen. With its distinctive design and its association with the reggae legend, this piece earned an immense historical value.

10. Duane Allman’s 1957 Gibson Les Paul
Price: $1.2 Million

Duane Allman’s 1957 Gibson Les Paul Goldtop, which he played on the legendary “Layla” track, was sold for $1.2 million in 2019. This iconic instrument had been displayed at the Big House Museum before being auctioned off. Allman’s work with the Allman Brothers Band, especially on the “Layla” album, contributed to the guitar’s fame.

11. Eric Clapton’s 1964 ‘The Fool’ Gibson SG
Price: $1.27 Million

Clapton’s 1964 Gibson SG, known as “The Fool,” fetched $1.27 million at auction in 2023. The guitar’s psychedelic paint job was done by the Dutch collective, The Fool. It stood out as one of Clapton’s most recognizable instruments. Clapton used it extensively during his time with Cream and throughout his solo career.

12. Kurt Cobain’s Skystang 1
Price: $1.587 Million

Kurt Cobain’s Skystang 1, a 1993 Fender Mustang, was sold for $1.587 million in 2023. This left-handed guitar, which Cobain used frequently during Nirvana’s tours, is closely associated with the band’s later performances. It was especially prominent during the In Utero tour and Cobain’s final shows. Its price tag showed how this instrument impacted the grunge music scene and became popular during Cobain’s career.

13. David Gilmour’s 1964 Fender Stratocaster
Price: $1.8 Million

David Gilmour’s 1964 Fender Stratocaster sold for an eye-popping $1.8 million in 2019. This guitar played a crucial role in the recording of Pink Floyd’s The Wall, particularly on tracks like “Another Brick in the Wall.” The instrument’s rich history with Gilmour and its unmistakable sound made it a prized possession among collectors.

14. Jerry Garcia’s Wolf Guitar
Price: $1.9 Million

Jerry Garcia’s custom-made “Wolf” guitar, also designed by Doug Irwin, went for $1.9 million in 2017. This guitar, which helped define the Grateful Dead’s sound, had intricate inlays and a design that made it one of the most visually stunning instruments ever created. The auction sale supported the Southern Poverty Law Center, adding to its significance.

15. Jimi Hendrix’s Woodstock Strat
Price: $2 Million

Jimi Hendrix’s 1968 Fender Stratocaster, famously played at the Woodstock festival, sold for $2 million. This guitar became one of the most iconic instruments in rock history, especially for its role in Hendrix’s legendary performance at Woodstock. It was sold to Microsoft co-founder Paul Allen in the early 2000s and remains a centerpiece in the Experience Music Project Museum in Seattle.

16. Peter Green + Gary Moore’s 1959 Les Paul
Price: $2 Million

The 1959 Gibson Les Paul Standard, once owned by Fleetwood Mac’s Peter Green and later Gary Moore, sold for $2 million. This historic guitar, now owned by Kirk Hammett of Metallica, has been played by two legendary guitarists. The instrument is famous for its unique “Greeny” tone, which made it a highly coveted item among collectors. Its sale price reflects its importance in both blues and rock music history.

17. John Lennon’s Gibson J-160E Acoustic-Electric

Price: $2.4 Million
John Lennon’s Gibson J-160E, a guitar with deep ties to the Beatles, sold for $2.4 million in 2015. The guitar was used during some of the Beatles’ earliest recordings and was part of Lennon’s personal collection. Its journey from a guitar shop in San Diego to auction made it a prized piece of Beatles memorabilia.

18. ‘Reach Out to Asia’ Charity Fender Stratocaster
Price: $2.7 Million

The 2005 “Reach Out to Asia” Fender Stratocaster, signed by numerous rock legends including Eric Clapton, Mick Jagger, and Paul McCartney, sold for $2.7 million. This guitar was part of a charity initiative to raise funds for the victims of the 2004 Indian Ocean tsunami.

19. David Gilmour’s Black Strat
Price: $3.975 Million

David Gilmour’s legendary “Black Strat” fetched a staggering $3.975 million at a 2019 auction. This guitar, used on iconic Pink Floyd albums such as The Dark Side of the Moon and Wish You Were Here, became synonymous with Gilmour’s sound. It’s now the most expensive guitar ever sold, with proceeds going to charity.

20. Kurt Cobain’s ‘Unplugged’ Guitar
Price: $6 Million

The left-handed acoustic-electric Martin D-18E that Kurt Cobain famously played during Nirvana’s MTV Unplugged performance in 1993 became the most expensive guitar ever sold. Auctioned for a staggering $6.01 million at Julien’s Auctions in June, this iconic instrument raised the bar for guitar prices worldwide. Its connection to Cobain’s hauntingly memorable performance makes it a symbol of the grunge era and one of the most coveted pieces of music history.