What is the Rarest Guitar a Collector Has Ever Acquired?
Music lovers always had a weakness for guitars, and when it comes to collectors, they take their passion to the whole new level. Collectors would go miles and miles to get their hands on a rare piece of guitar history.
Many rare guitars have been created throughout the history of the instrument, making collecting guitars exciting and fun. But, what is the rarest guitar a collector has ever acquired? In this blog post, we will take a closer look at some of the rarest guitars ever to exist and some famous collectors who acquired them.
Let’s dive in!
The 1936 Martin D-45 Acoustic Guitar
When it comes to rare guitars, the 1936 Martin D-45 Acoustic Guitar is the holy grail of them all. Upon its creation in 1936, only 91 of these guitars were made, making them incredibly rare.
The D-45 was known for its pearl inlay on the fingerboard, neck, and headstock, which made it a unique and beautiful instrument. The guitar was also played by popular musicians like Elvis Presley, Crosby, Stills, Nash, and Young, and The Eagles.
Today, the guitar is owned by the Country Music Hall of Fame and is valued at over $2 million.
The Gibson Les Paul “Black Beauty” Guitar
Another guitar that makes the top list of rarest guitars ever created is the Gibson Les Paul “Black Beauty” Guitar. This guitar’s first prototype was designed in 1953 by jazz guitarist Les Paul.
This particular model was known for its sleek black finish, three pickups, and gold-plated hardware, which made it an elegant and impressive instrument. Only a limited number of these guitars were ever made, making them a rare item to find nowadays.
The guitar was played by famous musicians like Carlos Santana, Joe Perry, Jimmy Page, and Peter Green. In 2006, one of the original Black Beauty guitars was sold for $180,000.
The Fender Stratocaster “Hard Rock Café” Guitar
The Fender Stratocaster “Hard Rock Café” Guitar was created in 1987 and was one of the most unique and rare guitars ever created. It was auctioned off for charity with over 100 bids, going up to $20,000.
This guitar was designed to be a tribute to the Hard Rock Café, with its black and gold color scheme, and the legendary restaurant chain’s logo was proudly displayed on the guitar’s body.
The guitar was played by well-known musicians like Eric Clapton, Jimi Hendrix, and Buddy Guy. Somewhere in the world, a collector owns this rare instrument, and its current value is unknown.
The 1959 Gibson Les Paul “Burst”
When it comes to Gibson Les Paul guitars, the 1959 is the holy grail of them all. This vintage model is considered the most valuable and sought-after guitar in the world.
The Gibson Les Paul “Burst” is known for its deep cherry red color, three humbucker pickups, and double-cutaway body design.
Only 640 of these guitars were ever made, making them incredibly rare and priceless. The guitar was played by famous musicians like Jimmy Page, Joe Walsh, Eric Clapton, and Slash.
Because of its rarity and the legends associated with it, the 1959 Gibson Les Paul “Burst” is valued at over a million dollars.
The 1958 Fender Stratocaster
The Fender Stratocaster is one of the most iconic guitars out there, and the 1958 model is one of the rarest to find. This model came with various features, including a sunburst finish, a two-piece ash body design, and a gold anodized pickguard.
Only a few hundred of these guitars were made in 1958, making them incredibly rare and valuable. The guitar was played by famous musicians like Buddy Holly, Stevie Ray Vaughan, and Bob Dylan.
One of the original 1958 Fender Stratocasters was sold for $250,000 at a recent auction.
Famous Collectors and Their Rare Guitars
Many collectors worldwide have made it their mission to acquire rare and valuable guitars. Let’s take a closer look at some of the world’s most famous collectors and their guitar collections.
Joe Bonamassa
Joe Bonamassa is a famous blues guitarist and collector who has an impressive collection of guitars on display at his website. He is known for his exceptional taste in rare and vintage guitars.
Some of his most valuable acquisitions include the 1959 Gibson Les Paul “Burst,” 1960 Gibson Les Paul Standard, and 1954 Fender Stratocaster.
Peter Green
Peter Green, founder of Fleetwood Mac, was a collector, and he owned some of the most valuable and rare guitars ever created.
The Gibson Les Paul “Burst,” which was stolen in 1970, was played and owned by Green. Another one of his most prized possessions was the 1959 Les Paul.
Green passed away in July 2020, but his collection of rare and valuable guitars still remains.
Eric Clapton
Eric Clapton is known for his legendary music but also for his collection of rare and valuable guitars. Some of his most prized possessions include the Blackie Fender Stratocaster, which he played extensively in the 1970s, and the 1956 Fender Stratocaster, which he purchased at a guitar shop for $120 in the 1960s.
He once sold his Fender Stratocaster, “Brownie,” for $450,000 at a Christie’s auction in the early 2000s.
Final Thoughts
When it comes to rare guitars, collectors worldwide go out of their way to acquire them. From the 1936 Martin D-45 Acoustic Guitar to the 1959 Gibson Les Paul “Burst,” these guitars are considered some of the rarest and most expensive to exist.
Famous musicians and collectors own these rare instruments, and they hold an important place in the history of music. They represent the craftsmanship and artistry that went into creating these iconic guitars.
We hope you enjoyed this blog post about the rarest guitar a collector has ever acquired. If you’re a guitar enthusiast and would like to add to your collection, keep an eye out for these rare and valuable guitars. They may be hard to come by, but they’re worth every penny.
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