Come February 27, Guernsey’s is holding a legendary guitar auction like never before, in what they call “the most diverse assemblage of collectible guitars ever presented”. From fine acoustic instruments made way back in the 1800s to more modern, recently made masterpieces, the over 300 lots in the sale are a truly eclectic collection. The auction, which is also available online, will go live on February 27 at New York City’s East 73rd Street Bohemian National Hall. Several private collections will be featured in the event, including over 20 from legendary jazz guitarist George Benson’s personal collection. The Henry Lowenstein Collection will also present some of the rarer mandolins and guitars made by Joseph Bohmann. The late Robert Yelin also debuts at the auction with an impressive collection of over 40 guitars, including ones by Gibson, D’Angelico, Benedetto, and Buscarino. The extremely rare and diverse collection will also feature a collector’s favorite, the lesser known (but not any less fine) Larson. Bidders can also expect to see lots of autographed-and-played guitars, including one by Richie Sambora and Eddie Van Halen. Other famous owners include Eric Clapton, Tony Mottola, Stevie Ray Vaughn and Franny Beecher. And, in an eerie turn of events, those who remember the chilling thriller In Cold Blood will be thrilled (or horrified) to know that the guitar used by Robert Blake, who plays killer Perry Smith in the Academy Award-winning film, is the exact one that belonged to the actual Perry Smith. From cold blooded murderers to late legends and current pop icons, this truly diverse assembling is definitely one to look out for. Here are some guitars waiting to be featured at the auction, including Eddie Van Halen’s 1982 black and yellow Charvel, a custom-made beauty played by Van Halen himself, a 1962 Gretsch White Falcon, and an autographed Gibson Ace Frehley Les Paul.
