The 15 Most Expensive Guitars Ever Sold at Auction — Including Kurt Cobain and David Gilmour’s Legendary Instruments
CHICAGO – Rock legends don’t just leave behind timeless tracks — they also leave behind instruments that command millions at auction. From Fender Stratocasters played by Jimi Hendrix and David Gilmour to the acoustic guitar that accompanied Kurt Cobain on MTV Unplugged, these pieces of music history have become some of the most valuable collectibles on the planet.
Whether it’s due to a historic performance, a signature sound, or a pop culture moment, these guitars are more than just wood and strings — they’re icons.
1. Kurt Cobain’s Martin D-18E — $6,010,000
The acoustic-electric used during Nirvana’s MTV Unplugged in 1993 became the most expensive guitar ever sold when it fetched over $6 million at auction in 2020. Cobain modified the rare Martin with a Bartolini pickup. It was later acquired by RØDE Microphones founder Peter Freedman.
2. Kurt Cobain’s ‘Teen Spirit’ Fender Mustang — $4,550,000
This left-handed Lake Placid Blue Mustang appeared in the Smells Like Teen Spirit video — one of the most culturally iconic moments in music history. Despite not being Cobain’s favorite, the guitar’s role in shaping ‘90s rock skyrocketed its value.
3. David Gilmour’s Black Fender Stratocaster — $3,975,000
Known simply as “The Black Strat,” this guitar was used on classics like Comfortably Numb and Money. Modified countless times by Gilmour, the Strat now resides in the Jim Irsay Collection.
4. Eddie Van Halen’s ‘Hot For Teacher’ Kramer — $3,932,000
Used in Van Halen’s iconic music video, this custom Kramer captured a piece of Eddie’s energetic spirit and guitar wizardry. It sold for nearly $4 million at Sotheby’s in 2023.
5. John Lennon’s Framus Hootenanny 12-String — $2,857,000
Featured in Help! and played on Beatles tracks like You’ve Got to Hide Your Love Away, this lost-and-found treasure broke Beatles guitar records when it sold in 2024.
6. ‘Reach Out to Asia’ Fender Stratocaster — $2,700,000
This charity Strat wasn’t played by a single legend — it was signed by dozens, including Mick Jagger, Paul McCartney, and Eric Clapton. Sold to support tsunami relief, it raised millions for a good cause.
7. John Lennon’s 1962 Gibson J-160E — $2,410,000
Used on early Beatles hits like Love Me Do, this J-160E was shared with George Harrison and became a favorite for Lennon throughout his life.
8. Jerry Garcia’s Wolf — $1,900,000
Crafted by Doug Irwin, this custom electric was used by the Grateful Dead frontman for decades. Known for its unique electronics and wild aesthetics, it sold in 2017 with proceeds going to charity.
9. David Gilmour’s 1954 Fender Stratocaster — $1,815,000
Serial number #0001 led many to believe it was the first Strat ever made. Used on Another Brick in the Wall Pt. 2, this guitar’s value matched its historic significance.
10. Kurt Cobain’s ‘Sky Stang 1’ Fender Mustang — $1,587,500
Built in 1993 and used during Nirvana’s final tour, this left-handed Mustang was another piece of Cobain’s rare and emotionally charged legacy. It sold in 2023 to a Japanese collector.
11. Jeff Beck’s ‘Oxblood’ 1954 Les Paul — $1,329,335
This heavily used Les Paul saw Beck through Blow by Blow and live shows with Bowie. Its deep tone and visual uniqueness made it one of Beck’s most beloved instruments.
12. Elvis Presley’s 1942 Martin D-18 — $1,300,000
The King used this D-18 during his legendary Sun Studio sessions. Though it underperformed its estimate, the guitar still brought in $1.3 million in 2020.
13. Eric Clapton’s ‘Fool’ 1964 Gibson SG — $1,270,000
Painted by The Fool art collective and featured in Cream’s psychedelic era, this SG was bought by Jim Irsay in 2023. It remains one of Clapton’s most visually iconic guitars.
14. George Harrison’s Futurama — $1,270,000
The first Beatles electric to crack $1 million, this humble guitar shaped Harrison’s early years in Liverpool and Hamburg. It originally cost £59 in 1959.
15. Jeff Beck’s ‘Anoushka’ Stratocaster — $1,254,045
Custom-built in 1993, this was a tour staple for Beck and included swappable necks and pickguards. It was auctioned alongside another Beck guitar in 2005.
What Drives These Prices So High?
Beyond craftsmanship, what elevates these guitars is cultural memory. They’re tied to moments that shaped music — and sometimes, the world. Whether it’s Cobain unplugged, Gilmour’s hypnotic solos, or Elvis in Memphis, each guitar sold is a piece of history with strings attached.
What’s your dream guitar?
Would you ever pay millions for a piece of rock history? Share your favorite iconic instrument stories with us at ChicagoMusicGuide.com.