Most Expensive Instruments

Most Expensive Instruments

It’s no secret that instruments can be expensive. You can pay upwards of £500 for a decent guitar, with some even ranging into the thousands for brands like Gibson. And that’s only a fraction of what you can expect to pay for a grand piano or custom-made violin.

While the examples given above are certainly pricey, they pale in comparison to some rarer, more unique instruments. Let’s dive in and explore some of the most expensive instruments ever sold.

Eric Clapton’s “Blackie” Stratocaster

There have been many high-value instruments in the world of rock and roll. From priceless guitars to signed plectrums or CDs, there are ample opportunities to spend a fortune. But there is one instrument that sticks out amongst the rest: Eric Clapton’s “Blackie” Stratocaster.

Eric Clapton is one of the most famous rock and roll stars of all time, creating many well-known hits as well as being known for his solos and love for guitars. Blackie was one of Clapton’s favourite guitars, and it was played at many iconic events.

As such, when Blackie appeared at an auction in 2004, it’s an understatement to say there was a lot of interest. Blackie ended up selling for $959,500/£720,200, making it one of the most expensive guitars of all time.

The Vieuxtemps Guarneri violin

Violins are a prestigious instrument in the musical universe. The method for making quality violins can be quite delicate, and well-made ones tend to sound much better than violins of average quality. In other words, the ceiling for quality is much higher than it is with other instruments.

Because of this, there have been some pretty famous luthiers over the years who were known for producing extraordinary violins unlike anything else. One of these luthiers was Giuseppe Guarneri.

Guarneri violins are particularly distinct, having a powerful sound that makes them perfect for solo performances. The Vieuxtemps Guarneri violin, which was made in 1741 and considered to be one of the highest-quality violins ever made, was the best of the best.

In 2012, this violin sold for an undisclosed sum, although it is estimated that it would have been worth around $16 million/£12 million.

That’s right; even if you are set for life thanks to Cash For Life fixed odds lotto betting, you likely wouldn’t even be able to afford the Vieuxtemps Guarneri violin.

The Vieuxtemps Guarneri violin is still played despite its value, showcasing that its worth is determined by more than just its price tag.

John Lennon’s Steinway piano

It is not uncommon for pianos to sell for thousands or even tens of thousands of pounds. Grand pianos, in particular, are known for their craftsmanship and elegance, not to mention gigantic sizes that can fill out an entire arena. But some pianos are worth more than their size and craftsmanship. One such example is John Lennon’s Steinway Piano.

John Lennon is a legendary British artist, not only was he the lead singer of one of the most popular bands ever, The Beatles, but he also wrote many hit singles.  As such, it’s no surprise that when his iconic piano was up for grabs in 2000, it sold for an unimaginable sum.

George Michael, another British superstar, paid around £1.5 million for the piano, with the goal of ensuring it remains on British soil.

It might only be a fraction of Robert De Niro’s net worth, but to most people, £1.5 million is an incomprehendable amount of money, especially for a piano.

But as you may have guessed, John Lennon’s Steinway piano was not valuable for its quality of craftsmanship. Sure, it was an incredible piano in its own right – it would not seem out of place headlining even the biggest events and festivals.

However, its history is what makes it so valuable. A devout proponent of peace in a time that was full of war, John Lennon was a symbol of peace. So too was his piano, which was used to compose and perform Imagine, a song about peace, togetherness, and empathy.

Conclusion

So, were you surprised by how much any of these instruments sold for? If so, we can’t blame you. Even fanatical musicians would be brought to tears at some prices we mentioned; for the casual music enjoyer, it may seem unbelievable that people would be willing such high amounts.

But it’s not just about the wood or metal – it’s about the history, the story, and the legacy. That’s what sells. In some cases, instruments can even have a unique sound due to the ageing or damage caused over time, further contributing to the price tags. It’s fascinating.