What is the most expensive guitar?

The most expensive guitar ever sold is the Fender Stratocaster which was owned by Eric Clapton. It sold for an astonishing $959,500 at a 2004 auction in New York City. The instrument had been modified to include art from renowned artist Peter Blake and guitarist Andy Summers, as well as its own personalized case. This makes it one of the rarest and most sought-after guitars in the world today. The fact that it belonged to a legendary musician such as Eric Clapton adds even more value to this incredible piece of musical history.

The Top 7 Most Expensive Guitars in the World

For the highest of high-rollers, the top 7 most expensive guitars in the world can be quite a coveted purchase. From rare collectables to limited edition models, these seven stringed instruments come with huge price tags that are sure to put a dent in anyone’s wallet.

At number seven is the PRS Custom 24 Floyd Rose which sold for $50,000 at an auction. The signature piece is crafted out of koa wood and features intricate details like custom hand-picked parts and gold hardware. For anyone looking for an acoustic guitar that exudes opulence and grandeur, this exquisite instrument from Paul Reed Smith fits the bill perfectly.

Right up there on the list at number six is Eric Clapton’s Blackie Fender Stratocaster electric guitar which was purchased by Microsoft co-founder Paul Allen for a whopping $959,500 in 2004 – breaking records as one of the most expensive guitars ever bought. This iconic instrument was created when Clapton combined three vintage Fender Stratocasters into one distinct masterwork; creating tones synonymous with classic rock legends such as Jimi Hendrix and Jimmy Page.

The fifth spot on this exclusive list belongs to a 1959 Gibson Les Paul Standard owned by Keith Richards – ‘Micawber’ – that was recently auctioned off for around $1 million dollars. With its mahogany body shaped just like any regular Les Paul model but with a distinct set of pickups capable of producing amazingly warm sound and sustain, Micawber has become one of the most sought after gems in music history today.

Number four goes to another Gibson masterpiece – Peter Green’s 1958 Les Paul Standard dubbed “Greeny” which fetched over £750k at Christie’s back in 2013 – making it one of the most valuable electric guitars ever produced. Even though many copies have been made since then, none can replicate its unique character or tone quality that catapulted blues rock into stardom during its heyday back in 1960s Britain.

Stratocaster fans will no doubt recognize Bo Didley’s axe coming right up at number three -the famous ‘Twang Machine’ he used between 1955-1958 while touring America playing his self-titled song “Bo Diddly”. It went under hammer several years ago fetching an astounding $2 million dollars. This incredible guitar has been referred to as ‘the missing link’ bridging Chuck Berry’s seminal single “Johnny B Goode” and Buddy Holly’s revolutionary sounds later on during 1950s era rock n roll explosion across America.

In second place comes David Gilmour from Pink Floyd owning what could possibly be called one of his prized possessions – Black Strat (a 1972 Fender Stratocaster). Purchased from Manny’s Music Store New York City some 40 years ago for only $369, Gilmour famously played this particular instrument throughout many classic albums recorded over course of Pink Floyd career including 1973 album Dark Side Of The Moon. Most recently it sold for remarkable $3 million dollars plus funds going towards various charities supported by him personally.

Reaching numero uno amongst our very special selection here we have Bob Dylan who made history purchasing Woodstock 1969 Martin D45 Dreadnought acoustic guitar first released 1931 (valued now well north 3 million dollar mark.). Notable pieces include genuine pearl detailed neck binding along with cool sunburst paint job truly making sublime piece art form!

The Fender “Reach Out to Asia” Stratocaster – $2.7 Million

The most expensive guitar in the world is a Fender Reach Out to Asia Stratocaster. This very special piece of equipment was created for an auction in Japan, with proceeds going to relief funds for those affected by the 2004 tsunami. The lucky bidder paid an astonishing $2.7 million for this one-of-a-kind instrument.

This custom designed model was made by Japanese luthier Yoshihiko Ienaga and features a solid mahogany body and neck as well as two Seymour Duncan humbucking pickups. It also has gold frets and pearloid tuners along with abalone dot position markers on its rosewood fingerboard. Its bridge is adorned with gold plated parts, while its single volume knob is made from mother of pearl. Each fret on the guitar’s neck had been individually numbered with individual engravings that read “ROTAS” (Reach Out To Asia).

What makes this particular guitar so valuable? First off, it stands out from other guitars due to its unique construction and design – not only does it look like no other guitar but it sounds amazing too. Also, its creator was a master craftsman who put his heart into making it perfect before passing away shortly afterwards – adding to the sentimental value of the instrument. Being used to raise money for those affected by such a devastating event makes it truly priceless!

Gibson “Eden of Coronet” Les Paul – $2 Million

As far as the most expensive guitars go, there is one that stands out from the crowd. The Gibson “Eden of Coronet” Les Paul from 1962 takes this title with its $2 million price tag. This incredible instrument was owned by Eric Clapton for nearly two decades before it went up for auction in 1999. It features a unique engraving and some of the finest craftsmanship found on any guitar ever produced.

The Gibson “Eden of Coronet” Les Paul is part of an incredibly limited edition run of just six guitars, all made in 1962 to commemorate the 10th anniversary celebration of Clapton’s career. Each guitar had individualized engravings that depicted scenes from Clapton’s music career, including a scene where he is playing with his band Cream at the Cavern Club in Liverpool. Every detail on these instruments has been crafted with meticulous precision and painstakingly applied by highly skilled artisans who are considered among the best luthiers in the world.

The Gibson “Eden of Coronet” Les Paul also features a one-of-a-kind maple top which produces unparalleled resonance and rich tones when plugged into an amplifier or played acoustically. Its mahogany body adds plenty of sustain to each note while still delivering clarity and brightness to every chord you strum or pick on its fretboard, making it sound like no other electric guitar available today.

Bob Marley’s Custom Washburn 22 Series Hawk – $1.2 Million

Bob Marley’s Washburn 22 Series Hawk is often referred to as the most expensive guitar in the world. This collector’s item was a gift from his wife, Rita, and cost $1.2 million when it was first purchased. The beautiful mahogany body of this custom-made axe has been coated in 24-carat gold plating, making it one of a kind.

The price tag might be high but so is the quality. It has top of the line electronics which provide a rich and full sound with plenty of clarity and sustain – perfect for performing Marley’s reggae classics. The neck is made from maple wood and includes intricate mother-of-pearl inlay detailing that gives an exquisite look to any performance. Each fretboard contains real diamond markers for added style points while playing.

Washburn also put together some luxurious extras to make sure Bob Marley would always feel like royalty whenever he had this guitar slung across him onstage: A hardshell case crafted out of carbon fiber combined with white leather interior trim; five sets of extra strings; strap locks; and two handcrafted picks stamped with Bob’s signature logo on them – all included at no additional cost. All these features ensure that any musician who plays this amazing instrument will never go unnoticed while they perform live.

Eric Clapton’s Fender Stratocaster “Blackie” – $959,000

Eric Clapton’s iconic “Blackie” Fender Stratocaster is widely considered to be the most expensive guitar ever sold. The 1954/1956 Stratocaster was purchased in 2004 for an eye-watering $959,000. It has a long and interesting history as one of the musician’s favorite instruments.

Built from parts of three vintage guitars that were scavenged from pawn shops and given to him by George Harrison and Peter Frampton, this masterpiece was used by Clapton during live performances with Derek & The Dominoes between 1970 and 1972. After it became famous thanks to its unique sound, Clapton donated it to a charity auction in 1999.

The legendary guitar has a significant amount of wear and tear due to its frequent use, but it remains a true piece of rock ‘n’ roll history – every little ding representing another classic jam session or concert night – which is likely why it commanded such an extraordinary price at auction.

Jimi Hendrix’s Woodstock Festival Fender Stratocaster – $1.3 Million

When it comes to iconic guitars, none is as immediately recognizable as Jimi Hendrix’s Woodstock Festival Fender Stratocaster. Played during the legendary 1969 performance of “The Star-Spangled Banner,” this guitar has become a symbol of freedom, creativity and rock ‘n’ roll culture all over the world. As such, it is no surprise that in 1998 the Fender Stratocaster was auctioned off for $1.3 million – an absolute record at the time.

Although some may be astounded by this amount, there are several factors which make the stratospheric price tag understandable. For starters, its place in music history makes it a priceless artifact to many fans of Jimi Hendrix and his music. In addition to this, the instrument itself has been kept in almost perfect condition since its appearance at Woodstock 50 years ago, making it attractive even to collectors who aren’t necessarily musicians themselves.

It isn’t just rarity that made this guitar so expensive either; Fender’s own craftsmanship plays a role here too. The classic sunburst design along with features like maple neck and custom single coil pickups make for an unparalleled sound quality and tone that few other instruments can replicate – or even come close to matching. Add on top of all these things one man’s legacy, and you have yourself quite literally one of most valuable guitars ever sold: Jimi Hendrix’s Woodstock Festival Fender Stratocaster worth an eye-watering 1.3 million dollars!

John Lennon’s Gibson J-160E Acoustic-Electric Guitar – $2.4 Million

John Lennon’s Gibson J-160E Acoustic-Electric Guitar is easily one of the most expensive guitars in history. Acquired by Julien’s Auctions, the instrument was sold for an astounding $2.4 million in 2015, making it a sought after piece of music memorabilia.

The Gibson J-160E has a unique body and design that stands out from other models. Created with a light spruce top and mahogany back and sides, this acoustic-electric guitar produces an incredibly full sound that resonates powerfully. It also features a distinctive pickguard made of clear Plexiglas which adds to its eye-catching appeal.

This particular guitar was owned by John Lennon himself; hence the hefty price tag placed upon it during its auctioning process. Considering how influential The Beatles were on modern music, owning a guitar once held by John Lennon surely carries some weight with those who are passionate about rock n’ roll culture and collecting vintage instruments alike.

Keith Richards’ 1959 Les Paul Standard nicknamed “Micawber” -$1 Million

Keith Richards’ 1959 Les Paul Standard, nicknamed “Micawber,” is arguably one of the most iconic guitars ever created. An original sunburst finish and a tobacco-stained neck make it highly sought after by guitar aficionados everywhere. Its remarkable tone and extraordinary playability have made it popular among legendary musicians such as Jimmy Page, Joe Walsh and Eric Clapton. What makes this Gibson Les Paul Standard so special is that its estimated worth has been appraised at an astounding one million dollars.

In 2017, renowned Rolling Stones guitarist Keith Richards had this beloved instrument insured for a whopping $1 million when he took part in a charity auction benefitting Action on Addiction in the United Kingdom. The auction was conducted by Bonhams Auctioneers in London and raised over two hundred thousand pounds for the cause. The winning bidder was said to be Japanese entrepreneur Takahiro Terauchi, who won with a bid of £575,000 ($746k). It’s possible that Micawber could become even more valuable than this if someone purchases it directly from Keith Richards himself – but only time will tell.

This rare piece of history may not be available to everyone today, but there are still many other options out there for those looking for great sounding vintage instruments that don’t cost quite as much money. There are plenty of incredible Les Paul Standards on the market that still capture some of the classic sound produced by Micawber without breaking your bank account – plus they come with none of the added hassle or responsibility associated with owning something so expensive.