Eddie Van Halen’s iconic 1982 Kramer guitar is set to go up for auction this October at Sotheby’s New York, with an estimated sale price of $2-3 million. Rolling Stone reported this development.
Ian Ferreyra de Bone, Sotheby’s Managing Director of the Luxury Division, emphasized the guitar’s significance and its connection to rock history.
“Eddie Van Halen’s influence on modern guitar playing is immeasurable, and this guitar is a rare piece of that legacy,” he said. “Played during some of Eddie’s most iconic performances and later used by Mötley Crüe’s Mick Mars, this instrument connects two giants of heavy metal.”
The auction is part of Sotheby’s inaugural “Grails Week,” which showcases highly sought-after collectibles from entertainment and pop culture.
“With its custom build and incredible backstory, it’s a true grail – exactly the kind of piece we had in mind for Sotheby’s first-ever ‘Grails Week’, which shines a spotlight on the most sought-after treasures from music, film, TV, and comics and puts Sotheby’s right at the center of pop culture,” Ferreyra de Bone continued.
The guitar’s unique history includes its use by both Van Halen and Mötley Crüe’s Mick Mars, making it a significant piece of heavy metal heritage.
The instrument’s journey from Van Halen to Mars tells a compelling story of rock and roll camaraderie and craftsmanship that spans decades.
Sotheby’s auction listing revealed that Eddie Van Halen originally gifted the guitar to his longtime guitar technician Rudy Leiren, who later sold it to Mars. The guitar features a personal inscription from Eddie to Rudy that reads: “Rude – Its Been a Great Ten Years – Lets Do Another Ten. Eddie Van Halen.”
The guitar’s construction history adds another layer to its significance. Ground Guitar documented that Eddie Van Halen personally visited the Kramer factory in Neptune, New Jersey to modify this guitar. He was even photographed working on it with an electric drill. This hands-on approach to customization was typical of Van Halen’s meticulous attention to his instruments.
Under Mick Mars’ ownership, the guitar continued to make musical history. Blabbermouth noted that Mars used the guitar extensively during the recording of Mötley Crüe’s “Dr. Feelgood” album, including on the track “Slice Of Your Pie.”
“Hope you enjoy it as much as I did. Also it’s a great piece of history,” Mars stated in his letter of authenticity that accompanies the lot.
The auction lot includes the original Kramer factory case and Mars’ letter of authenticity, making it a complete package for collectors. The guitar is also notable for appearing in a famous Kramer advertisement. This adds to its collectible status and historical documentation.
