The Gibson guitar has become truly synonymous with rock and roll music with some of the most iconic names in guitar music having picked up and played one of the many lines of Gibson that have been manufactured in the company’s 110 year history. Limited editions, charity auction specials, and guitars once played by musical heroes can fetch a lot of money. Below are the three most expensive Gibsons to have ever been sold.
1 – The Gibson Flying V 1959, now owned by Steven Seagal is worth an estimated $1m (approx. £625,000). It has not been sold so its true value is largely unknown but even without the credence of now being owned by Seagal this extremely rare Flying V would have a value somewhere close to $500,000 (£315,000). This particular model was played by legendary blues guitarist Albert King so it has everything from rarity to a notable previous owner and a notable current owner.
2 – If you were to compile a list of the most expensive guitars ever sold, Eric Clapton’s name would feature at least twice. Although it didn’t sell for as much as his Stratocaster at the same auction, the 1964 ES-335 TDC Gibson is the most expensive Gibson to have been sold at auction. It fetched a $847,500 (£530,000) at the Crossroads Charity Guitar Auction in 2004. His Stratocaster sold for $959,500 (£600,000).
3 – A Les Paul Sunburst 1959 reputed to have been owned and played by Keith Richards wins the accolade as potentially being the most expensive Gibson ever sold while also having the darkest cloud surrounding its ownership. The guitar was alleged to have been stolen from Richards during the 1969 tour Gimme Shelter. It was put up for auction in 2004 but questions over its credentials prevented it from selling. It is reported to have been purchased by a private buyer from Sweden for $1m (£625,000).
4 – If you’re looking for expensive Gibsons that have not had their price inflated by famous owners then the Rock Royalty Custom Gibson Les Paul, which features a staggering 2,229 diamonds (both white and black) is worth a reported $175,000 (£110,000) putting it firmly in the realm of extremely expensive Gibson guitar models.