GWS Auctions in Agoura Hills, California is hosting a Legends of Rock and Roll auction including instruments and artifacts owned and used by various music stars including Kurt Cobain, Elvis Presley and Jimi Hendrix.
The star of the 189 lot auction is likely to be Elvis Presley’s personally owned 1975 Martin D-28 guitar with an estimate of $75,000.
The guitar is sold with a letter of provenance from Elvis’ friend and bodyguard Sam Thompson stating it was gifted to him on a visit to Graceland, and also a letter from Vernon Presley confirming the gift of the guitar.
Elvis had used the guitar during his Las Vegas performances in December 1976, his final Vegas shows before his death in August 1977.
Used by Elvis from the 1960’s, the Martin D-28 became so iconic that Martin produced a replica limited edition Elvis D28 for collectors.
Also available is Kurt Cobain’s CS-19 Acoustic Guitar that has been held in a private collection since it’s purchase at the Cobain Estate Auction in 1996. Bidding starts at $50,000.
A paisley flannel shirt owned and worn by Kurt Cobain is also available with a starting bid of just $1,500.
The shirt is sold with a 1992 letter of provenance from a member of staff at Geffen Records describing the shirt as ‘the Kurt shirt’ and as having been found in the Geffen Record offices.
For $20,000 you could find yourself the owner of Janis Joplin’s personal Mandolin that she gifted to Jimi Hendrix.
The hand painted Mandolin features flowers and hand-written quotes such as “Love thy Neighbor” alongside the name “Jimi Hendrix”.
The Mandolin has previously been displayed at the Memphis Hall of Fame and is presented in it’s original museum display case.
Another star lot, with a $50,000 estimate, is Jimi Hendrix’s 1960’s Sunburst Electric Guitar.
The auction description states that the guitar was used by Hendrix shortly after he returned to Clarksville after his stint in the US Army in 1962.
After relocating to New York Jimi left the guitar in the apartment of his friend Mike Quashie when he moved to London in 1966.
The guitar is sold with a letter of provenance from Quashie
At the lower end of the bidding spectrum $1,500 could get you a fantastic guitar signed by all AC/DC band members.
The provenance includes photos of Angus Young, Malcolm Young, Phil Rudd, Brian Johnson and Cliff Williams signing the guitar.
Head over the GWS Auctions to check out the other lots in the Legends of Rock and Roll Auction.