Eddie Van Halen’s Prized Electric Guitar Heads to Auction — Got a Spare Million?
A Famous Guitar Returns to the Spotlight
When fans think of Eddie Van Halen, they often picture his striped guitars as much as his fast solos. Now, one of those instruments is heading to auction, and it carries a price that reflects its place in rock history.
The late guitarist’s striped 1985 Kramer studio guitar is going up for sale through Gotta Have Rock and Roll. Bidding opens today and will run through March 13. The guitar is expected to sell for between $1,000,000 and $1,500,000. The starting bid has been set at $700,000.
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From Studio to Stage to Contest Prize
The instrument is not just another stage prop. It was used during a key period in Van Halen’s career and stands as part of his long partnership with Kramer Guitars. During the mid-1980s, Kramer models became closely linked with his sound and image.
There is also a personal story behind this specific guitar. In 1985, Eddie presented the instrument as part of a contest held during the NAMM guitar show. The promotion was boldly titled, “One lucky winner will win one of Eddie Van Halen’s personally owned Kramer Guitars.”
A Lucky Winner and a Rare Opportunity
More than 100,000 people entered the contest, hoping to walk away with a guitar once owned by one of rock’s biggest names. The winner was Michael Gutierrez. Against steep odds, his name was selected, and he received the striped Kramer directly from Eddie.
Now, decades later, Gutierrez is the consignor for the sale. That means he is the one placing the guitar in the auction and will transfer it to the highest bidder once the sale is complete. The listing presents a rare chance for collectors to own an instrument with a clear line of ownership back to Van Halen himself.
The expected price shows how valuable music history can become over time. Guitars tied to famous recordings or tours often attract strong interest, but pieces connected so closely to a defining figure in rock can reach even higher figures. For fans and collectors with deep pockets, the sale offers more than a display piece. It offers a direct link to a musician whose style changed how many players approached the electric guitar.
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