Eddie Van Halen’s Iconic Kramer Ad Guitar Sells for Nearly $3 Million — Now the Sixth Most Expensive Ever

A Historic Sale

Eddie Van Halen’s custom 1982 Kramer guitar, famously featured in a classic advertisement and later used by Mötley Crüe’s Mick Mars, has sold for nearly $3 million. The instrument, which became one of Van Halen’s early Kramer models, was auctioned by Sotheby’s on October 24, fetching an impressive $2,734,000.

When the sale was first announced in August, experts estimated it would land between $2 million and $3 million. Their prediction proved accurate. The guitar, known as the “Kramer Ad” guitar, was first seen in an early-1980s ad showing Van Halen holding it alongside the tagline: “It’s very simply the best guitar you can buy today.”

The Guitar’s Origin and Design

The Kramer Ad guitar was one of the first instruments Van Halen both played and helped design. Modeled after his legendary “Frankenstein” guitar, it carries the same red, black, and white striped design that became his signature look.

According to Sotheby’s, Van Halen built the guitar “to his own specifications” at the Kramer factory in 1982, “using the original Frankenstein guitar as a template.” Photographs from the auction show him working on the instrument with an electric drill — a fitting image for a musician who constantly tinkered with his sound and equipment.

A Symbol of Innovation

Sotheby’s described the instrument as a reflection of Van Halen’s inventive approach to music and craftsmanship. “Van Halen was endlessly striving to create the ultimate guitar for tone, playability and dependability; this Kramer guitar personifies not only Eddie Van Halen’s innovative playing style but also his passion for design and engineering and was the culmination of Van Halen’s experience and research up to this time,” the listing read.

The guitar wasn’t just built for show. Van Halen played it live during the band’s 1982 and 1983 tours, including performances in Philadelphia, Caracas, São Paulo, and Buenos Aires.

From Van Halen to Mick Mars

After the tour, Van Halen’s longtime guitar technician Rudy Leiren sold the instrument to Mick Mars of Mötley Crüe. Mars later used it to record several songs on the band’s 1989 album Dr. Feelgood, giving the Kramer Ad guitar another chapter in rock history.

With its connection to two of rock’s biggest names, it’s no surprise the instrument drew attention from collectors. At its final price of $2,734,000, it now ranks as the sixth most expensive guitar ever sold.

The World’s Most Valuable Guitars

Only a handful of guitars have ever sold for higher prices. Just above Van Halen’s Kramer Ad guitar is John Lennon’s Framus Hootenanny 12-string, which sold for $2,857,000. Used on The Beatles’ 1965 album Help!, it was thought lost for decades before being rediscovered in a British attic in 2024. Lennon played it on “It’s Only Love,” “I’ve Just Seen a Face,” and “Girl,” while George Harrison used it for “Norwegian Wood.”

Next is Eddie Van Halen’s own “Hot For Teacher” Kramer, which sold for $3,932,000. This guitar appeared in the band’s iconic music video and became one of his most recognizable instruments.

Rock Legends and Record Prices

In third place sits David Gilmour’s Black Fender Stratocaster, selling for $3,975,000. The 1968 model, heavily modified over the years, was central to Gilmour’s work with Pink Floyd and now belongs to the Jim Irsay Collection.

Second place also belongs to Kurt Cobain, whose “Smells Like Teen Spirit” Fender Mustang sold for $4,550,000. The Nirvana frontman’s instrument, featured in the song’s landmark video, joined Gilmour’s Strat in Irsay’s collection.

Finally, the top spot remains with Cobain’s Martin D-18E, used during Nirvana’s MTV Unplugged session in 1993. Purchased by RØDE Microphones founder Peter Freedman for $6,010,000 in 2020, it still holds the record as the most expensive guitar ever sold.