The Beatles, Jimi Hendrix, and Van Halen Gear Surfaces in Historical New York Auction

By Guitar Player Staff
last updated

See this stunning collection unearthed from the vaults of rock history.

Jimi Hendrix (1942 - 1970) (seated), South African-born American music producer and engineer Eddie Kramer (standing left) and studio manager Jim Marron as they pose in the control room of Hendrix's then still under construction Electric Lady Studio, New York, New York, June 17, 1970.
Jimi Hendrix pictured in 1970 in the control room of his New York-based Electric Lady Studios along with producer/engineer Eddie Kramer (left) and studio manager Jim Marron (right) (Image credit: Fred W. McDarrah/Getty Images)

In a couple of weeks' time, Guernsey’s will begin a huge two-day auction featuring hundreds of items, including instruments owned and played by some of rock ‘n’ roll's greatest guitarists. The New York firm will be hosting their "A Century of Music" online auction between July 14 and 15, which also features rare memorabilia from the 1969 Woodstock festival. 

Highlights from this incredible display include the “Jimi Hendrix Electric Lady Control Room Monitors” and a host of iconic guitars such as Lynyrd Skynyrd's Allen Collins' 1964 Gibson Firebird III; one of Eddie Van Halen’s Kramer Stryper guitars; Bo Diddley’s 1957 Gretsch Jet Fire Bird; Eric Clapton's 1999 Gibson ’59 reissue Les Paul Standard; and a 1970 Gibson SG used by Paul McCartney. 

Here are just a few of the incredible guitars currently on display...

Eddie Van Halen’s Kramer Stryper

Eddie Van Halen's Kramer Stryper

(Image credit: Guernsey's)

Used by Eddie on Van Halen's 1984 world tour and 1986 "5150" tour this iconic ‘superstrat’ is one of five Strypers built by the late, great man himself at the Kramer factory in New Jersey.

Allen Collins' 1964 Gibson Firebird III

Lynyrd Skynyrd / Allen Collins Firebird

(Image credit: Guernsey's)

This 1964 Firebird III was modified with a P-90 in the bridge position and became the ”Free Bird Firebird” on Lynyrd Skynyrd’s mid-Seventies "Torture Tour" 

1970 Gibson SG used by Paul McCartney

1970 Gibson SG used by Paul McCartney

(Image credit: Guernsey's)

This original Gibson SG dates to 1970 and was used by The Beatles legend to record with at London’s Air Studios in 2012.

Take a look this amazing collection here (before it disappears from sight again!)

Guitar Player Staff
Guitar Player Staff

Guitar Player is the world’s most comprehensive, trusted and insightful guitar publication for passionate guitarists and active musicians of all ages. Guitar Player magazine is published 13 times a year in print and digital formats. The magazine was established in 1967 and is the world's oldest guitar magazine.


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