Have You Seen the World’s Most Valuable Guitar Collection Yet?
If you’re a guitar enthusiast, then you must be aware of the world’s most valuable guitar collection! That’s right; in this blog post, we’ll be discussing the most astonishing guitar collection that has ever existed. From the iconic Fender Stratocaster to the legendary Gibson Les Paul, this collection boasts the rarest and most precious guitars in the world.
So, get ready to delve into the ultimate guitar lover’s paradise, and don’t forget to fasten your seatbelts!
Table of Contents:
1. Introduction
2. History of the collection
3. The jewels of the collection
a. Fender Stratocaster (Blackie)
b. Gibson Les Paul (The Log)
c. Gibson Les Paul (Number One)
4. The collection’s worth
5. The collector’s passion
6. The museum
7. The future of the collection
8. Conclusion: A Guitar Lover’s Dream
9. FAQ
History of the Collection
The world’s most valuable guitar collection has come to fruition through the passion and dedication of one man, Rick Nielsen, the co-founder, and lead guitarist of the American rock band, Cheap Trick.
Nielsen’s love for music started during his childhood, and he began collecting guitars at the age of 12. Over the years, he continued to expand his collection, and by the time he joined Cheap Trick in 1975, he had already amassed a considerable number of unique and rare guitars.
As he continued to grow his collection, his love for guitars only intensified, and he became obsessed with finding the most unusual and valuable pieces he could find. Today, his guitar collection stands as a testament to his incredible devotion to music and guitars.
The Jewels of the Collection
Here are some of the most precious and iconic guitars in the collection:
1. Fender Stratocaster (Blackie)
One of Nielsen’s prized possessions is the Fender Stratocaster, famously known as Blackie. This guitar has an interesting backstory. In the early seventies, Eric Clapton, the legendary English rock guitarist, had a significant issue with his Fender Stratocaster. The guitar required major repair and was considered beyond salvageable.
Eric Clapton contacted Fender, asking them to build him a new Stratocaster by using the best parts from different older Stratocasters, resulting in the creation of Blackie. After owning it for over a decade, Eric Clapton sold it in 2004 by auction for a staggering $959,500, the highest price ever paid for a guitar!
2. Gibson Les Paul (The Log)
Another gem in the collection is the Gibson Les Paul known as The Log. The Log has a unique design in that it is a solid piece of wood with pickups and hardware attached rather than a hollow-body guitar. This guitar was designed and built by Les Paul himself, making it priceless!
The Log served as Les Paul’s primary guitar for many years, and you might even recognize it from some of his album covers. Les Paul’s innovation and creativity paved the way for modern guitar designs that still use some of his techniques to this day.
3. Gibson Les Paul (Number One)
Gibson Les Paul (Number One) is perhaps the most iconic guitar in the collection. This guitar was used extensively by the legendary guitarist, Slash, when he was a part of Guns N’ Roses. It’s named Number One because it was the first guitar Les Paul gave to Slash.
This Gibson Les Paul was stolen in 1990, and after a subsequent investigation, it was recovered in 1991. Gibson Guitar Corporation helped restore it to its pre-theft state. This guitar is valued at over $500,000, and it remains one of the most precious guitars in the world!
The Collection’s Worth
The collection is undoubtedly one of the most expensive guitar collections in the world, and it is valued at over $25 million! There are over 2,000 guitars in the collection, with some of them dating back to the early 1900s.
The guitars are stored in meticulous conditions, with a temperature-controlled room, and they are regularly inspected to ensure they remain in top-notch condition. Some of the guitars have been played by legendary guitarists like Eric Clapton, Jimmy Page, and Jeff Beck.
The Collector’s Passion
The collector, Rick Nielsen, has had an unwavering passion for guitars throughout his life. Guitar collecting has been his lifelong hobby and he continues to acquire new additions to his fantastic collection.
In an interview, Rick attributes his love for guitar collecting to his pursuit of the perfect sound. He believes that each guitar has a unique sound, and he collects them to understand the nuances of each one.
He even uses his collection for recording purposes. He remarked that some songs would not have been possible without the unique characteristics of certain guitars.
The Museum
In 2019, Rick Nielsen opened a museum in Rockford, Illinois, called “Rick’s Picks: A Lifelong Affair with Guitars & Music.” The museum consists of over 500 guitars on display, including some from his personal collection.
The museum is not limited to guitars, as there are also other notable rock and roll memorabilia on display. The museum’s primary purpose is to inspire people with a love for music and guitars.
Rick’s Picks museum has received excellent reviews from guitar enthusiasts worldwide, with many praising the variety of guitars in the collection. Nielsen’s collection has cemented a place in guitar history, and the museum serves as a befitting tribute to his passion for music.
The Future of the Collection
It’s amazing to think that the world’s most valuable guitar collection is still growing. Rick Nielsen continues to add to his collection today, and who knows what unseen gems will come to light in the future.
Nielsen has said that he hopes to keep his collection in excellent condition so that future generations of guitar enthusiasts can appreciate and enjoy the guitars he has accumulated.
Conclusion: A Guitar Lover’s Dream
In conclusion, the world’s most valuable collection of guitars is nothing short of amazing. The guitars in this collection have a rich history and are undoubtedly some of the most precious and valuable guitars in the world.
The collection is a testament to Rick Nielsen’s passion for music and guitars, and it is inspiring to see someone devote themselves to something they love so much.
The collection has inspired many guitar enthusiasts worldwide, and Rick’s Picks museum is becoming a popular destination for guitar lovers everywhere.
FAQ
1. What’s the most valuable guitar in the collection?
The Gibson Les Paul (Number One) is the most valuable guitar in the collection, valued at over $500,000.
2. Who owns the collection?
The collection is owned by Rick Nielsen, co-founder, and lead guitarist of the American rock band, Cheap Trick.
3. Can I visit the collection?
The collection is displayed at Rick’s Picks museum, located in Rockford, Illinois. You can visit the museum to see the guitars on display.
4. How many guitars are in the collection?
There are over 2,000 guitars in the collection.
5. What’s the collection worth?
The collection is valued at over $25 million.
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