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Played, Worn & Torn II: A Deep Dive into the Guitars That Shaped Music History
Come and riff with us during our 'Played, Worn & Torn II' auction featuring over 850 lots of historically significant guitars, including the 1956 Fender Stratocaster associated with Mary Kaye, Sister Rosetta Tharpe's 1939 Gibson L-5, and instruments linked to The Beatles, Steely Dan, AC/DC, and Van Halen, with proceeds supporting organizations like Music Health Alliance and Sweet Relief Musicians Fund.
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Own the legendary axes that rocked the biggest stages, each up for bid in our 'Played, Worn & Torn II' auction -- an exclusive two-day event on November 20th and 21st at the Musicians Hall of Fame & Museum, Nashville, Tennessee and streaming online. Register and bid.
Guitar collecting is more than just a hobby; it's a passionate pursuit that merges a love for music with a fascination for tangible pieces of history. These instruments are more than just wood and strings; they are vessels of creativity, witnesses to iconic performances, and extensions of the artists themselves.
Julien's Auctions is renowned for offering some of the most coveted and historically significant guitars ever to grace the auction block. Our upcoming "Played, Worn & Torn II" auction is no exception, featuring an extraordinary collection of over 850 lots, each with its own unique story to tell.
The Mary Kaye Stratocaster: A Legend in Blonde and Gold
One standout piece is the legendary 1956 Fender Stratocaster, famously associated with Mary Kaye, "The First Lady of Rock n' Roll." This guitar, with its distinctive blonde finish and gold hardware, has become an icon in its own right. Though Mary Kaye never actually owned the instrument, its appearance in a widely circulated Fender promotional photo and the 1956 film "Cha-Cha-Cha Boom!" cemented its place in music history.
The guitar's journey through the hands of various owners, including Jimmy Crespo of Aerosmith and John Entwistle of The Who, adds to its allure. Its well-documented history, complete with photographs, interviews, and even a letter of authenticity from Mary Kaye herself, makes it a truly exceptional collector's item.
Sister Rosetta Tharpe's 1939 Gibson L-5: A Gospel Pioneer's Instrument
Another remarkable piece is the 1939 Gibson L-5 archtop guitar owned and played by Sister Rosetta Tharpe, the "Godmother of Rock n' Roll." This guitar was Tharpe's companion from 1939 until 1952, witnessing her groundbreaking gospel performances that blended spiritual fervor with innovative guitar techniques. The guitar's presence in numerous photographs from that era further enhances its historical significance.
Joe Rizzo's Custom-Made 1938 Gibson DN Double Neck Console Steel: A Rare Gem
For steel guitar enthusiasts, the custom-made 1938 Gibson DN double neck console steel guitar owned by Joe Rizzo is a true rarity. Featured in the book "Gibson Electric Steel Guitars: A Short Story 1935-1967," this instrument exemplifies Gibson's craftsmanship and innovation in the early days of electric steel guitars.
1. Lot #41. Mary Kaye | 1956 Fender Stratocaster, Blonde with Gold Hardware With Photos, DVDs, VHS, Vinyl, 2. Lot #71. Les Paul | 1980 Gibson Les Paul Heritage Standard 80 Elite, Honeyburst, 3. Lot #49. Joe Rizzo | Custom-Made 1938 Gibson DN Double Neck Console Steel, Natural Flame Maple With Book, 4. Lot #301. The Rolling Stones | Ronnie Wood Signed 1997 Gibson VSJ-200 Signature Guitar with Images, 5. Lot #511. Steely Dan | Walter Becker 1977 Ibanez Super 70s Electric Guitar, 6. Lot #512. Steely Dan | Walter Becker Fender Blacktop Baritone Telecaster Electric Guitar, Classic Copper, 7. Lot #513. Steely Dan | Walter Becker Studio and Stage-Played Sadowsky "Wilkinson Strat" [Includes Walter's Fender gig bag],
Les Paul's 1980 Gibson Les Paul Heritage Standard 80 Elite: A Piece of the Maestro's Legacy
From the estate of Les Paul himself comes the 1980 Gibson Les Paul Heritage Standard 80 Elite. Believed to be the first of its production run, this guitar bears Les Paul's handwritten note, adding a personal touch to an already extraordinary instrument.
The Everly Brothers' Legacy: Ike Everly's 1950 Gibson ES-5
The Everly Brothers' influence on rock and roll is undeniable, and the "Played, Worn & Torn II" auction offers a piece of their family history: Ike Everly's 1949-1950 Gibson ES-5. This guitar, played by the father of the iconic duo, provides a glimpse into the roots of their musical heritage.
The Beatles, Steely Dan, AC/DC, Van Halen, and More: A Constellation of Rock Royalty
The auction also features an array of guitars associated with some of the biggest names in music history:
- John Lennon's stage-played 1962 Fender Jazzmaster, affectionately named "Jenny," shared a memorable night with Jacky Spelter, a German rock and roll pioneer, during the filming of "Help!" in Austria.
- Ronnie Wood's signed 1997 Gibson VSJ-200 Signature acoustic guitar, a limited edition instrument bearing his autograph and handwritten lyrics.
- Walter Becker's 1977 Ibanez Super 70s electric guitar, a witness to Steely Dan's innovative sound.
- Cliff Williams' 1984 Music Man Stingray bass, a trusty companion during AC/DC's "Black Ice" tour.
- Eddie Van Halen's stage-played guitars, including a 1993 Ernie Ball Music Man EVH Signature model with a Canadian flag graphic and a 2004 Charvel EVH Art Series guitar.
These are just a few highlights from a collection that spans genres and generations. Each guitar has a story to tell, a connection to a moment in music history that resonates with fans and collectors alike.
1. Lot #574. AC/DC | Cliff Williams "Black Ice" Touring Bass Guitar with Photo, 2. Lot #585. Van Halen | Eddie Van Halen Signed and Stage-Used Charvel EVH Art Series, Red with Black and White Stripes With Photo, 3. Lot #584. Van Halen | Eddie Van Halen 1993 Ernie Ball Music Man EVH Signature Electric Guitar, Canadian Flag Graphic With Photos, 4. Lot #615. Psychedelic Furs | Tim Butler 1984 Zon Legacy Bass Guitar, Planes and Stars Graphic, 5. Lot #638. Otoboke Beaver | Accorinrin Stage and Studio Played 2009 Fender American Standard Stratocaster Electric Guitar, Surf Green, 6. Lot #243. The Beatles | John Lennon and Jacky Spelter's Stage Played 1962 Fender Jazzmaster "Jenny" and 1961 Bandmaster Piggyback Amp, 7. Lot #90. The Everly Brothers | Ike Everly 1950 Gibson ES5 Electric Archtop Guitar, Natural With Photo,
More Than Just an Auction: Supporting Musicians in Need
Beyond the thrill of owning a piece of music history, the "Played, Worn & Torn II" auction also serves a philanthropic purpose. Julien's is proud to partner with organizations like Music Health Alliance, Sweet Relief Musicians Fund, Teenage Cancer Trust, and Gibson Gives, offering a selection of items, including handwritten lyrics and signed guitars, to benefit their invaluable work in supporting musicians and their families.
Own the Legendary Axes that Rocked the Biggest Stages
Whether you're a seasoned collector, a passionate music fan, or simply appreciate the artistry and craftsmanship of these instruments, the "Played, Worn & Torn II" auction is an event not to be missed. Register and bid now for a chance to own a piece of music history and support a worthy cause. Join us for this exclusive two-day event on November 20th and 21st at the Musicians Hall of Fame & Museum in Nashville, Tennessee, or bid online from anywhere in the world.
