The “Black Strat,” a renowned electric guitar extensively used by David Gilmour in Pink Floyd albums and as a solo artist, was auctioned for a staggering $14.55 million US, setting a new record as the most expensive guitar ever sold. An unidentified buyer secured the iconic instrument after a spirited bidding war at a live Christie’s auction lasting about 20 minutes.
This sale surpassed the previous record set at a 2020 Julien’s auction when Kurt Cobain’s Martin guitar from the “MTV Unplugged” performance fetched $6.01 million. Gilmour acquired the black Fender Stratocaster in 1970 in New York as a replacement after Pink Floyd’s equipment was stolen during a U.S. tour. Gilmour described it as his primary guitar, used extensively except when a different sound was desired.
The instrument, with various alterations and customizations over the years, gained prominence during Pink Floyd’s Live 8 reunion performance in 2005 after a stint at the Hard Rock Café for display. Jim Irsay, the late owner of the NFL’s Indianapolis Colts, purchased it in 2019 for $3.975 million. The recent auction, part of Irsay’s eclectic music collection, featured several iconic guitars and memorabilia, achieving a total of over $84 million in sales.
The Black Strat was not the only guitar that made headlines at the auction. Other top-selling guitars included Jerry Garcia’s custom guitar, one of Kurt Cobain’s guitars from Nirvana albums, and two guitars played by Eric Clapton. All 44 lots offered at the auction were successfully sold, adding to the evening’s grand total.
