Iconic Guitars from Late Colts Owner's Collection Fetch Record Prices at Auction

Instruments owned by music legends like David Gilmour, Jerry Garcia, and Kurt Cobain sell for millions at Christie's

Mar. 13, 2026 at 7:20pm

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A collection of iconic guitars owned by the late Indianapolis Colts owner Jim Irsay fetched record-breaking prices at a recent Christie's auction in New York City. Highlights included David Gilmour's black Fender Stratocaster, which sold for $14.55 million, setting a new record for the most expensive guitar ever sold at auction. Other notable sales included Jerry Garcia's "Tiger" guitar for $11.5 million and Kurt Cobain's Fender Mustang for $6.9 million.

Why it matters

Irsay was renowned for his extensive collection of rare and historically significant guitars, amassed over decades. The record-setting auction prices demonstrate the enduring cultural significance and immense monetary value of instruments played by some of music's most iconic figures.

The details

In addition to Gilmour's Stratocaster, other highlights from the auction included Eric Clapton's custom-painted 1964 SG "The Fool" which sold for $3 million, and a 1964 SG used by George Harrison on the Beatles' "Paperback Writer" which fetched $2.27 million. A unique Cloud guitar played by Prince also exceeded its pre-auction estimate, selling for $635,000.

  • The Christie's auction took place on March 13, 2026.

The players

Jim Irsay

The late owner of the Indianapolis Colts NFL team, who was renowned for his extensive collection of rare and historically significant guitars.

David Gilmour

The iconic guitarist for the rock band Pink Floyd, whose black Fender Stratocaster set a new record for the most expensive guitar ever sold at auction.

Jerry Garcia

The legendary guitarist for the Grateful Dead, whose "Tiger" guitar sold for $11.5 million at the auction.

Kurt Cobain

The influential frontman of the grunge band Nirvana, whose Fender Mustang guitar from the "Smells Like Teen Spirit" music video sold for $6.9 million.

Eric Clapton

The renowned British guitarist, whose custom-painted 1964 SG "The Fool" sold for $3 million.

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What they’re saying

“I promise you, if that doesn't ring a bell, you'll see a picture of it and go, 'Oh, yeah, that one,' even if you're not into guitars.”

— Matt Reigle, Author (outkick.com)

The takeaway

The record-breaking auction prices for guitars from Jim Irsay's collection demonstrate the enduring cultural legacy and immense monetary value of instruments played by some of music's most iconic figures. This auction underscores the continued fascination and appreciation for these legendary instruments among collectors and music fans alike.