Legendary Guitars & Musical Treasures

Auction Details

• Auction:
  December 2, 1PM


• Preview:
  December 1, 1PM - 9PM
  December 2, 10AM - 1PM


• Location:
  Bohemian National Hall
  321 East 73rd Street
  New York, NY


• Online Bidding:
  www.liveauctioneers.com
• www.invaluable.com


• Absentee Bidding:
  By e-mail, mail and telephone


• e-Catalogue:
  View / Download (PDF)

For weeks, the music world has been buzzing over Guernsey’s December 2nd auction - being held live in New York City - and available around the world via Liveauctioneers.com and Invaluable.com. – featuring the most extraordinary guitars, other treasured instruments and unreleased audio tapes by iconic performers.

Collectors of rare guitars are sure to be excited by a ’59 Blue Sparkle Stratocaster, a ’66 Fender Jaguar with Orange/Gold Sparkle finish, an early 20th century Antonio Cerrito arch top, various sought-after Martin guitars, and an 1881 Barrios parlor model. Serious enthusiasts will appreciate that a number of the electric guitars come with matching (and extremely rare) amps and original literature.

The list of celebrity-played instruments in the event is nothing short of spectacular with guitars from Jimi Hendrix (a memorable ’63 Strat featured in leading publications and a remarkable Guild electric), Jerry Garcia (two acoustics played at the Warfield), Bruce Springsteen (the base used on his first album), Tom Petty (two guitars including one being sold to fund the re-building of San Diego’s Starlight Bowl), Madonna (her first stage-played Les Paul), David Bowie (the Gibson L4 he played extensively in the 80’s and 90’s), John Denver (three beloved instruments), Johnny Winter (three guitars including two Lazers and a famed Firebird), Foghat, Les Paul, Steve Miller, Paul McCartney (two instruments including his 1953 Les Paul straight from being displayed at the Grammy Museum ), Eric Clapton, Neil Gallagher (Oasis) and others. Recently added to the auction is a rare 1962 Fender Stratocaster with a Gold Sparkle finish, that was once owned by the legendary Bob Dylan.

An entire section of the sale will feature guitars inscribed by Les Paul to legendary perfumers including Bob Dylan, Paul Simon, Santana and Bono.

Importantly, the auction will also feature approx. thirty lots constituting the Gerry Mulligan Jazz Collection. Coming directly from Gerry’s estate, there are four saxophones, a clarinet, handwritten music and personal effects of every description.

In addition to these wonderful instruments, a big section of the auction will feature original professionally-recorded audio tapes from live 1960’s performances and recording sessions. Tapes recorded by the famed Hollywood Bowl’s late sound engineer Charles Lewis recently were discovered, and include live performances by the Beatles, the Beach Boys, Aretha Franklin and Neil Young. Live recordings from San Francisco’s Boarding House include such legendary performers as the Grateful Dead, Jefferson Airplane, Merle Haggard and Louis Armstrong. Studio session master tapes feature Elvis Presley, Jan and Dean, and the great James Brown.

Guernsey’s, long known for producing innovative and exciting auctions, is particularly delighted to be involved in an event with so many important and unique items.

A sneak preview of the items being offered in this collection:

Those who are interested in participating can view the full catalogue online, and leave advance absentee bids, as well as bid live as the sale is taking place at liveauctioneers.com and invaluable.com.

Interested bidders should also review the Terms & Conditions, as well as the Bidder Agreement form, and the Absentee Bid form.

Guernsey's welcomes inquiries from the media regarding both past and upcoming events. PDF copies of the press release and links to media coverage of our B.B. King Auction are available below:

• Press Release (December 2)