Elvis guitar valued as the world’s most expensive instrument
An iconic guitar that was played by Elvis Presley in his comeback special has been valued at $5 million, making it the world’s most expensive instrument.
The guitar, a cherry red Hagstrom Viking II, was played by Presley during his 1968 NBC television special, which is widely regarded as one of the greatest comebacks in music history. The guitar was also used on Presley’s subsequent album, From Elvis in Memphis.
The guitar was sold by Julien’s Auctions in Las Vegas on August 12, 2023. It was bought by an anonymous bidder who placed the winning bid over the phone.
The previous record for the most expensive instrument was held by Kurt Cobain’s Martin D-18E acoustic guitar, which was sold for $6 million in 2020.
The Hagstrom Viking II is a rare and valuable guitar in its own right. It was only produced for a few years in the late 1960s, and it is considered to be one of the most comfortable and playable guitars ever made.
However, the value of Presley’s guitar is also due to its historical significance. It is a tangible reminder of one of the greatest moments in music history, and it is sure to be a prized possession for its new owner.
The sale of Presley’s guitar is a reminder of the enduring popularity of the King of Rock and Roll. It is also a testament to the value of music memorabilia. Instruments that have been played by famous musicians are often worth a fortune, and they can fetch even higher prices if they are associated with a major event in the musician’s career.
The sale of Presley’s guitar is also a sign of the growing popularity of vintage guitars. In recent years, there has been a surge in demand for old guitars, especially those that were played by famous musicians. This trend is likely to continue in the years to come, as more and more people appreciate the history and craftsmanship of vintage guitars.