Over the course of human history we have produced a wide range of different musical instruments. Music is engrained within us, as we have always created some from of an instrument whether it be a primitive drum or a complex electronic synthesizer. Today there are many modern stores that one can purchase nearly any type of musical instrument. Since there are so many instruments out there, logically some are more expensive than others. Typically the instruments that cost the most are old or vintage, yet are still in great working condition. Wooden instruments that are old are also some of the most valuable as wood ages over the years yielding a better sounding instrument. We are going to take a look at the five most expensive musical instruments that were ever sold and these instruments were all sold at auctions for some pretty incredible prices.
5. The OM-45 Deluxe Acoustic Guitar – $554,500
The first instrument that is on our list is an acoustic guitar made by C.F. Martin and Company. For those who don’t know, C.F. Martin and Company are often regarded as the best acoustic guitar manufacturer in the world. They are essentially the Roll-Royce’s of guitars, and their top-tier instruments are truly incredible. The make their high end guitars by hand in a small factory in the United States. I have personally had the pleasure of visiting the factory and got a tour. It really is an amazing experience and when you see how they make these instruments, you understand why they are so expensive. The guitar that makes our list is the OM-45 Deluxe Acoustic Guitar. This particular guitar was originally produced in 1930 and it was one of only fifteen ever made. The famous Roy Rogers owned and played this guitar back in the day. For many years it was held in a museum in Missouri, however in 2009 the museum decided to sell the guitar. They expected it to fetch around $250,000 dollars but it was eventually sold for an astounding $554,500 dollars.
4. Eric Claptons “Blackie” Electric Guitar – $959,500
Next up on our list we have another guitar, however this time it is an electric guitar. The guitar in question is a Fender Stratocaster that was used by the famous Eric Clapton. Ever since the Fender Stratocaster was first introduced it was an immediate hit among fans. Famous guitarists and rockers such as Jimi Hendrix, David Gilmour, Jeff Beck, Billy Carson, Buddy Guy, and John Mayer to name just a few from a truly long list. Eric Clapton also favored this guitar and used one that he called “Blackie”. This Stratocaster was actually made from three different ones. The guitar was sold at an auction for $959,500.
3. Reach Out To Asia Stratocaster – $2.7 Million
We see another Fender Stratocaster on our list, however this one is considerably more money at $2.7 million dollars. This guitar is a standard made in America Stratocaster, however the signatures on it are what make this guitar so special and valuable. This guitar was sold in an auction in Qatar to help raise money for the Reach Out to Asia charity who were collecting money for victims of the horribly tsunamis in 2004 that left 230,000 people either dead or missing. The charity had a bunch of people sign this guitar, and it is signed by Mick Jagger, Keith Richards, Eric Clapton, Brian May, Jimmy Page, David Gilmour, Jeff Beck, Pete Townsend, Mark Knopfler, Ray Davis, Liam Gallagher, Ronnie Wood, Tony Iommi, Angus and Malcolm Young, Paul McCartney, Sting, Ritchie Blackmore, Def Leppard and Bryan Adams. Given that amazing list of people who signed this guitar it is no surprise why it was sold for so much.
2. The Hammer Violin from Antonio Stradivari – $3.54 Million
Coming in at second place on our list is a violin made by Antonio Stradivari. In fact, the last two items on our list both were made by Stradivari. Antonio Stradivari was an Italian instrument maker who lived from 1644-1737, and is often regarded as the best luthier of all time. The violin itself is dated to 1707, making it 307 years old. So combine that fact that it is super old, rare, and made by the best luthiers of all time and suddenly you’ve got a pretty exceptional musical instrument on your hands. The violin has gone through many owners over its long lifetime, and in 2006 it was sold at a Christie’s auction for $3.45 million dollars to an anonymous bidder.
1. The MacDonald Stradivari Viola – $45 Million
Finally we have the most expensive instrument ever being the MacDonald Stradivari Viola. This particular viola is only one of ten that are still in existence to be made by Stradivari himself. The viola was made in 1719 and those were the years that he produced some of his best work. The viola has been kept in great condition over the years, and currently is the most expensive instrument of all time.
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