More than 800 bidders vied for the 534 lots in this auction, translating into a 96% sell-through rate by overall value. All prices include 19.5% Buyer's Premium.
 The 1938 Gibson Advanced |
"What we're now seeing in our guitar auctions is that the pieces we're offering are realising full retail value and better on virtually everything," said Mike Gutierrez, Consignment Director at Heritage Auctions.
"Stores and shows have struggled in the soft economy while this auction was one of our most successful events across the board."
A 1957 Gibson Les Paul Standard Goldtop, stage-used by "Reverend" Billy Gibbons of ZZ Top, was the auction's top electric offering, and the second highest price realised on the day, rising amidst spirited bidding to finish the day at $44,813.
A pair of Fenders - a spectacularly clean 1961 Stratocaster and a gorgeous Ice Blue Metallic 1967 Telecaster - were the subject of much collector buzz before the auction, coveted as much for their rarity as for their beauty, before the rose to the same price realised, going home with happy collectors for $21,510 apiece.
"Quality and rarity were in great abundance throughout this auction," said Gutierrez, "and collectors responded with overwhelming enthusiasm, via repeat bidding on multiple lots. The positive resultsare hard to argue with; it's clear we've tapped into a deep collector need."
A very hard to find 1939 Martin D-28 Natural Acoustic Guitar was another of the day's highlights, realizing an impressive $15,535 final price, while a 1969 Gibson Super 400 Custom Sunburst Archtop Electric guitar, with a burled maple back was quick out of the gate on its way to a $9,560 price realised and a 1966 Fender Jazzmaster in a custom Charcoal Frost colour brought a very respectable $5,975.
One of the more interesting moments of the auction came when a highly sought-after and iconic 1964 Fender Twin Reverb black guitar amplifier, with all original tubes and in working condition, brought $3,585 from a determined and erudite collector.
