Introduction

If you’ve ever owned a guitar or known someone who has, chances are you’ve heard about some of the rarest and most valuable guitars ever made. And maybe you’ve even daydreamed about stumbling upon one of these rare beauties at a garage sale or flea market, or inheriting one from a rich relative. But just how rare are these guitars, and how much are they really worth?

In this blog post, we’ll explore the top 10 rarest guitar collections that have ever been assembled, along with some of the fascinating stories behind them. From vintage classics to modern masterpieces, these guitars represent a true treasure trove for any serious collector or enthusiast.

Collection #1: The Black Beauty Collection

Named after the iconic 1957 Les Paul “Black Beauty” that started the collection, the Black Beauty Collection is truly one of the rarest and most impressive guitar collections in the world. Assembled by a private collector over the course of several decades, this collection features some of the most sought-after Les Pauls ever made, including several custom shop models and one-of-a-kind prototypes.

The crown jewel of the collection is undoubtedly the 1957 Les Paul “Black Beauty”, which is widely considered to be one of the finest examples of the Les Paul model ever produced. This guitar was famously owned by Paul McCartney, who used it extensively during his time with The Beatles.

Other notable guitars in the collection include the 1960 Les Paul Custom “Black Beauty”, which features a stunning black finish and gold hardware, as well as a rare 1959 Les Paul Custom with an ebony fingerboard. There’s also a 1959 Les Paul Standard that’s prized for its exceptional tone and sustain, as well as a prototype Les Paul Custom “Black Beauty” that was never released to the public.

Collection #2: The Excalibur Collection

The Excalibur Collection was assembled by legendary guitar collector and dealer Norman Harris, who has been buying, selling, and trading guitars for over 40 years. This collection is notable for its focus on the Gibson ES-335 model, which is widely regarded as one of the most versatile and iconic guitars ever made.

The centerpiece of the collection is the 1959 Gibson ES-335 “Dot Neck”, which is widely regarded as one of the most important guitars in the history of rock and roll. This guitar features a stunning sunburst finish and a beautiful maple top, as well as the classic dot inlays that give it its name.

Other notable guitars in the collection include a 1960 Gibson ES-335 that’s prized for its exceptional sustain and clarity, as well as a rare 1958 ES-335 with a custom order color that’s known as “Burgundy Mist”. There’s also a 1965 ES-335 TD that was owned by blues legend Freddie King, as well as a 1959 ES-345 that features a rare factory-installed tremolo.

Collection #3: The Jazz Box Collection

The Jazz Box Collection is a celebration of some of the most iconic jazz guitars ever made, from the archtops of the 1930s and 40s to the modern masterpieces of today. Assembled by a private collector who is passionate about the history and evolution of jazz guitar, this collection is a true joy for anyone who appreciates the unique sound and feel of a great jazz guitar.

The jewel of the collection is undoubtedly the 1934 Gibson L-5, which is widely considered to be one of the most important jazz guitars ever made. This guitar was played by a number of jazz greats, including Wes Montgomery and Johnny Smith, and continues to inspire players to this day.

Other notable guitars in the collection include a 1949 Gibson L-5 that’s prized for its unique sunburst finish and exceptional tone, as well as a 1953 D’Angelico New Yorker that was owned by the legendary jazz guitarist Jimmy Raney. There’s also a 1969 Gibson Johnny Smith that was played by the man himself, as well as a stunning 1981 Benedetto Bambino Deluxe that proves that great jazz guitars are still being made today.

Collection #4: The Stratocaster Collection

No guitar collection would be complete without at least a few Stratocasters in the mix, and the Stratocaster Collection is one of the finest collections of its kind. Assembled by a private collector who has a deep love for the Stratocaster, this collection features some of the rarest and most unique Stratocasters ever made.

The holy grail of the collection is the 1954 Fender Stratocaster, which is widely regarded as one of the most important guitars in the history of rock and roll. This guitar features a stunning blonde finish and a sleek, futuristic design that would go on to define the Stratocaster for generations to come.

Other notable guitars in the collection include a 1959 Fender Stratocaster that’s prized for its exceptional tone and sustain, as well as a rare 1962 Stratocaster with a custom order color known as “Fiesta Red”. There’s also the iconic “Blackie”, a 1968 Stratocaster that was famously pieced together from several different guitars by none other than Eric Clapton himself.

Collection #5: The Hollow Body Collection

The Hollow Body Collection is a celebration of some of the most unique and beautiful guitars in the world, from the archtops of the 1920s and 30s to the modern masterpieces of today. Assembled by a private collector who is passionate about the artistry and craftsmanship of these guitars, this collection is a true testament to the timeless appeal of the hollow body design.