Eddie Van Halen’s Legendary 1982 Guitar Goes to Auction for the First Time
via Freddy Krumins / YouTube
A Rare Chance for Fans and Collectors
Nearly five years after Eddie Van Halen’s passing, one of his most recognizable guitars will be up for auction this fall. The sale is part of a rock memorabilia event by Sotheby’s, where the public can bid on a 1982 Kramer guitar he played during Van Halen’s 1982 and 1983 tours. The guitar also appeared in a widely seen TV ad for the Kramer brand.
With its black and white spray-painted stripes, the instrument closely matches the design of Van Halen’s famous 1975 “Frankenstein” guitar. Built in the same style, it carries both a visual and historical link to the musician’s earlier work.
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From Stage to Studio
A few years after those concerts, Van Halen gave the guitar to his longtime tech, Robin “Rudy” Leiren, adding a personal inscription to it. Leiren later sold it to Mötley Crüe guitarist Mick Mars, who used it during the recording of the band’s Dr. Feelgood album. The current owner has not been identified and has chosen to remain anonymous.
Sotheby’s says the guitar will be shown to the public tomorrow in Monterey, California. According to the auction house, this will be “the first time the guitar has appeared on public view in 40 years.”
Auction Expectations
The auction itself is set for late October, with estimates placing the sale price between $2 million and $3 million. Interest is expected to be high, not only because of Van Halen’s legacy but also due to the guitar’s documented history on stage and in the studio.
This is not the first time Van Halen’s guitars have entered the market. In late 2020, two months after his death, three instruments sold for a combined $422,000 at Julien’s Auctions. One of those was a prop guitar from the “Hot for Teacher” music video, used by a child actor portraying a young Van Halen.
Rising Value of Rock History
Since then, the market for his guitars has grown significantly. In 2023, the original “Frankenstrat” from the same “Hot for Teacher” video sold for $3.9 million—over $1 million more than expected—showing the lasting demand for instruments connected to the legendary guitarist.
