Pink Floyd Guitarist's 'Black Strat' Becomes Most Expensive Guitar Ever Sold at Auction

David Gilmour's legendary 1969 guitar fetched $14.5 million at Christie's Jim Irsay Collection auction in New York City.

Mar. 13, 2026 at 5:33pm

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The iconic 1969 'Black Strat' guitar played by Pink Floyd guitarist David Gilmour shattered the record for the most expensive guitar ever sold at auction, fetching $14.5 million at Christie's Jim Irsay Collection auction in New York City. The sale surpassed the previous record of $6.1 million set by Kurt Cobain's Martin D-18E guitar from Nirvana's MTV Unplugged performance.

Why it matters

Gilmour's 'Black Strat' is considered one of the most legendary and influential guitars in rock history, having been used on seminal Pink Floyd albums like 'The Dark Side of the Moon' and 'The Wall'. The record-breaking sale highlights the immense value and cultural significance of iconic music memorabilia, especially from legendary artists like Pink Floyd.

The details

Gilmour purchased the guitar in 1970 at Manny's Music in New York City, after Pink Floyd's instruments were stolen during a tour stop in New Orleans. The 'Black Strat' went on to be featured on every Pink Floyd album from 1970 to 1983, as well as all four of Gilmour's solo records. In addition to setting the record for the most expensive guitar ever sold, the sale also broke records for the most expensive Stratocaster and the most expensive David Gilmour-related item.

  • The auction took place on March 13, 2026 in New York City.
  • Gilmour purchased the 'Black Strat' in 1970 at Manny's Music in New York City.

The players

David Gilmour

The legendary guitarist for the rock band Pink Floyd, known for his iconic use of the 'Black Strat' guitar on many of the band's most acclaimed albums.

Christie's

The renowned auction house that hosted the sale of the 'Black Strat' as part of the Jim Irsay Collection auction.

Jim Irsay

The late owner of the Indianapolis Colts NFL team, whose extensive collection of music, movie, and pop culture memorabilia was auctioned off by Christie's.

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What they’re saying

“This was like the Super Bowl for this market, this is the biggest auction for music memorabilia.”

— Thomas Scriven, Auction attendee

“I came here initially to watch a friend of mine bid, but I'm a big guitar and music enthusiast and I think these are just icons and relics of an era that I hope I'll see again — but maybe won't.”

— Shawn, Auction attendee

“Lot after lot, we felt like we were making history.”

— Julien Pradels, Christie's Americas president

What’s next

The remaining items from the Jim Irsay Collection will continue to be auctioned off by Christie's through March 17, 2026.

The takeaway

The record-breaking sale of David Gilmour's iconic 'Black Strat' guitar underscores the immense cultural value and collectibility of legendary musical instruments, especially those associated with iconic artists and bands like Pink Floyd. This auction has cemented the 'Black Strat' as one of the most valuable and sought-after guitars in music history.