Eric Clapton sold his guitar for an astonishing $959,500 at a 2004 auction at Christie’s in New York. The guitar, referred to as “Brownie,” was a beloved 1956 Fender Stratocaster originally given to Clapton by George Harrison.
It was with this guitar that Clapton performed some of his most iconic songs, such as “Layla” and “Wonderful Tonight. ” Brownie was the guitar that inspired him to switch to playing the electric guitar, and after touring for years with it, he decided in 2004 it was time to part ways.
The extraordinary amount it sold for proves how much of an impact the instrument had on Clapton and his fans.
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Does Eric Clapton still own Blackie?
Yes, Eric Clapton does still own Blackie, his famous Fender Stratocaster guitar. The instrument has been a cornerstone of Clapton’s sound since he bought it in 1970. Since then, the guitar has been central in the recording of many of Clapton’s albums over three decades and featured prominently in his live performances.
Clapton has never actually sold the guitar, preferring to keep it in his personal collection while occasionally loaning it out to other guitarists or to the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. In 2004, Clapton donated the guitar, along with numerous other pieces of his gear and equipment, to the Crossroads Centre, the drug and alcohol rehabilitation centre he founded in Antigua in 1997.
The Christie’s auction at Crossroads, which took place in 2004, raised a record-breaking $7. 4 million for the centre, of which $959,000 came from the sale of Blackie. So, while Blackie no longer resides in Clapton’s personal collection, he still owns it, and has done since it was sold to the highest bidder.
Who bought Eric Clapton’s Blackie?
Blackie was Eric Clapton’s “most famous” guitar, bought in 1970 at the Hardy’s Music Store in Nashville, Tennessee. It is a Fender Stratocaster that was used during the period of Clapton’s album “Layla and Other Assorted Love Songs” and served as his primary instrument during concerts until 1973.
In 2004 it was announced that Clapton was putting Blackie up for auction at the Crossroads Guitar Festival; it was during this auction that the guitar was bought. The buyer was Bill Ede, a retired carpet salesman, who purchased the guitar for a whopping $847,500.
It was then donated to the Country Music Hall of Fame in 2005, where it is still on display today.
Who owns the most valuable guitar?
The most valuable guitar in the world is the infamous “Reach Out to Asia” Fender Stratocaster owned by Eric Clapton. Many guitars exceed the traditional six-figure price tag, but nothing compares to the amount this particular instrument fetched in 2004.
In June of that year, Clapton sold the guitar at a London auction and the hammer price was a whopping $2,700,000. This iconic instrument was made in 1954, and Clapton had owned it since the 1970s. It was designed as a tribute to the victims of the devastating tsunami that affected many countries in southeast Asia and all of the proceeds from the sale went directly to support tsunami relief efforts.
What is the highest price ever paid for a guitar?
The highest known price ever paid for a guitar was $3. 2 million for a 1939 Martin Custom 000-42 guitar, which was purchased by Peter Blue of Dallas, Texas on December 10th, 2020. This is believed to be the highest sum ever paid for a guitar.
The instrument was owned by an anonymous collector since the early 1990’s, and subsequently put on display in the Dallas-based Alhambra Guitars. The instrument was designed by Christian Fredrik Martin IV and has been played over the years by some of the world’s most celebrated guitarists, such as Ralph Stanley, Dolly Parton and Merle Travis.
The sound quality is said to be unparalleled, with Peter Bluethoughly expressing his appreciation for the sound. The purchase was reported by CNN, who also noted that the 000-42 guitar model is one of the rarest in existence, making the purchase even more remarkable.
How many guitars did Jimi Hendrix own?
Jimi Hendrix owned at least 50 different guitars during his career. He was known for customizing and decorating his instruments, often with bright colors and other flamboyant designs. One of the most famous instruments owned by Jimi Hendrix is a white Fender Stratocaster, which he decorated with psychedelic colors.
This guitar would become one of his most iconic instruments and is currently on display in the Experience Music Project in Seattle. Jimi Hendrix also owned a Martin D-45 acoustic guitar which he used during his performance at Woodstock in 1969.
Other guitars which have become closely associated with Jimi Hendrix include his Gibson Flying V, his Gibson Les Paul Custom and his Epiphone Casino. Jimi Hendrix had an affinity for Gretsch guitars and owned several Models such as a Duo Jet, a Country Gentleman, a 6120 and a White Penguin.
Other guitars used by Jimi Hendrix include the Fender Jazzmaster, the Fender Telecaster, and the Danelectro 3021.
What is Willie Nelson’s guitar worth?
Willie Nelson’s famous guitar, “Trigger,” is a Martin N-20 classical guitar that he purchased in 1969 for a few hundred dollars. It is estimated to be worth about $8 million, making it one of the most valuable guitars in the world.
Trigger has traveled everywhere with Willie Nelson, from sold out arenas and stadiums to late night television shows. There is even a hole in the guitar from when Nelson attempted to adjust his own pickup.
Trigger has been featured in a variety of ads, photographs, and videos and is widely considered to be an iconic symbol of Willie Nelson and his unique style of country music. While the exact worth is difficult to determine, Trigger is undoubtedly priceless and a true symbol of Nelson’s lasting legacy.
How much does Ed Sheeran guitar cost?
The cost of an Ed Sheeran guitar can vary greatly depending on the model and the store you purchase it from. Generally speaking, an acoustic Ed Sheeran guitar can cost anywhere between $200 to $4,000.
For electric guitars, depending on the model and brand, prices could range from $300 to $5,000. For example, the Fender Ed Sheeran Signature Guitar costs $2,000, while the Martin Ed Sheeran “÷ Signature Edition” acoustic guitar runs for about $3,999.
Prices for Ed Sheeran’s Gibson SG Signature guitar start at around $2,500. For budget-friendly Ed Sheeran guitars, the Squier Ed Sheeran Signature Guitar is available for around $300, while the Epiphone Ed Sheeran Signature LE guitar is listed at $449.
99. So, whether you’re looking for an affordable or a luxury Ed Sheeran guitar, there’s something out there to fit everyone’s needs and budget.
