David Gilmour's 'The Black Strat' Guitar Sells for Record $14.55M

The iconic Fender Stratocaster used on Pink Floyd albums breaks auction record.

Mar. 13, 2026 at 9:00pm

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A guitar previously owned by Pink Floyd's David Gilmour, known as 'The Black Strat,' has sold for a record-breaking $14.55 million at a Christie's auction. The black Fender Stratocaster was used by Gilmour in the recording of several Pink Floyd albums, including 'The Dark Side of the Moon' and 'The Wall,' as well as his solo debut. The sale price surpasses the previous record for a guitar at auction, set by Kurt Cobain's Martin D-180E from Nirvana's 'Unplugged' performance.

Why it matters

The sale of Gilmour's iconic 'Black Strat' guitar underscores the enduring popularity and value of musical instruments used by legendary artists. As the music industry continues to evolve, the auction of such historic instruments highlights the cultural significance and investment potential of rock memorabilia.

The details

Gilmour's black Fender Stratocaster, known as 'The Black Strat,' was part of a 21-minute online bidding war at the Christie's auction. The guitar was previously purchased by the late Indianapolis Colts owner Jim Irsay for $5 million in 2019. The latest sale was part of a larger auction of Irsay's vast memorabilia collection.

  • The auction took place on Thursday, March 13, 2026.
  • Gilmour used the guitar in the recording of six Pink Floyd albums between 1973 and 1979.

The players

David Gilmour

The lead guitarist and vocalist for the iconic rock band Pink Floyd, known for his use of the 'Black Strat' guitar.

Jim Irsay

The late owner of the Indianapolis Colts NFL team, who previously purchased Gilmour's 'Black Strat' guitar for $5 million in 2019.

Christie's

The renowned auction house that facilitated the record-breaking sale of Gilmour's 'Black Strat' guitar.

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The takeaway

The record-breaking sale of David Gilmour's 'Black Strat' guitar highlights the continued demand for rare and historically significant rock memorabilia, underscoring the cultural impact and investment potential of these iconic instruments.