The world's most expensive guitars

Martin 1930 OM-45 Deluxe (Roy Rogers) – US$554,500

This rare Martin guitar owned by American singer and actor Roy Rogers was sold in 2009 for over half a million US dollars!

Fender 1965 Stratocaster (Jimi Hendrix) – US$570,000

This is the guitar the iconic guitarist famously set on fire during a performance at London's Astoria in 1967. The torched guitar was bought by collector Daniel Boucher in 2008 for £280,000 (which was around US$570,000 at the time).

Rex Acoustic (Paul McCartney) – US$615,000

This was the very first guitar played by Paul McCartney. It was owned by the his former school friend Ian James, who sold it at auction in 2006 for £330,000 (about US$615,000 at the time).

Rickenbacker 1962 425 (George Harrison) – US$657,000

This Ricky can be seen during The Beatles’ first appearance on the TV show 'Ready Steady Go!' in 1963. In 2014, it sold for US$657,000 at auction.  

Gibson 1964 ES-335 TDC (Eric Clapton) – US$847,500

Also known as the 'Cream guitar,' this instrument was used by Clapton from 1964 until the date it was sold at a charity auction in 2004 for US$847,500.

Fender 'Blackie' Stratocaster (Eric Clapton) – US$959,500

'Blackie' is arguably Eric Clapton's most iconic guitar. The black Strat was sold at a charity auction for nearly a million. The proceedings went towards Clapton's foundation, Crossroads Center.

Gibson 1959 Les Paul Standard (Keith Richards) – US$1 million

This guitar owned by The Rolling Stones' famous guitarist was auctioned off in 2003 and sold for a whopping US$1 million.

Gibson 1957 Les Paul (Duane Allman) – US$1.25 million

Duane Allman's second entry on this list is all about his '57 Gibson Les Paul gold top, which sold at auction for US$1.25 million in 2019.

Martin 1942 D-18 (Elvis Presley) – US$1.32 million

The King famously used this guitar in his recording sessions at Sun Studios in Memphis. In 2020, Elvis Presley's "Sun Sessions" Martin sold for US$1,320,000 at auction.

Fender 1954 Stratocaster (David Gilmour) – US$1.815 million

This was the guitar used by David Gilmour in the recording of Pink Floyd's 1979 album 'The Wall.' It was first owned by country star Rex Gallion. The guitar fetched US$1,815,000 in 2019.

1959 Gibson Les Paul Standard 'Greeny' (Peter Green/Gary Moore) – US$2 million (or less)

This 1959 Les Paul was previously owned by Gary Moore and then by Peter Green. In 2014 'Greeny' found its way to Metallica's guitarist Kirk Hammett, who is said to have paid "less than US$2 million" for it. 

Gibson 1962 J-160E (John Lennon) – US$2.41 million

John Lennon's iconic acoustic guitar was purchased in 1962 and used in numerous live performances and recording sessions. It sold for US$2.41 million in 2015.

Kramer Custom (Eddie Van Halen) – US$3.932 million

Van Halen fans will remember this guitar from the 'Hot For Teacher' music video. The legendary instrument fetched US$3,932,000 at auction in 2023.

Fender 1969 Mustang (Kurt Cobain) – US$4.6 million

This is the guitar used by Nirvana's front man in the band's music video of their hit 'Smells Like Teen Spirit.' Kurt Cobain's Fender Mustang sold for US$4,550,00 at auction in 2022.