BEVERLY HILLS, CA.- A 1959 Gibson Les Paul Standard Sunburst Left-Handed Solid Body Electric Guitar, Serial # 9 0136 is expected to bring at least $125,000 when it comes across the auction block on Oct. 26 as part of
Heritage Auctions Vintage Guitars & Musical Instruments Signature® Auction.
The most famous and sought-after electric guitars in the world are the Gibson Les Paul bursts from the first three years of their manufacture, 1958-1960, in which just about 1,600 were created. Of those 1,600, only four were made left-handed guitars two in 1959 and two in 1960.
Of the two 59 left-handed bursts, only the whereabouts of one of them is currently known, said Mike Gutierrez, Consignment Director at Heritage Auctions, and its in the vault at Heritage waiting for a new owner to come and claim it after the auction. Talk about a Holy Grail piece, this one has it all; rarity, beauty, a story and unquestioned value.
The two 1960 left-handed Les Paul bursts are of almost equal legend to the 1959s. Of those two, one is known to be in the possession of none other than Sir Paul McCartney. The other 1960 left handed Gibson Les Paul burst Solid Body Electric Guitar, Serial # 0 1475, is currently keeping its 1959 counterpart company in the Heritage vault, awaiting its moment in the same auction, where it is expected to bring $60,000+.
Consider this then, said Gutierrez. Of the full census of four left-handed bursts made in 1959 and 1960, half of them are accounted for in this auction. It doesnt matter how you play guitar, right or left-handed, or if you play at all, these instruments transcend music and qualify as being among the very best collectibles in the world.
The U.S. Marshalls Service is selling these guitars at auction to benefit victims of the Aspen Energy Oil and Gas Investment Scheme.
Further highlights from the U.S. Marshall Service consignment include:
1959 Fender Stratocaster Blonde Hardtail Left Handed Solid Body Electric Guitar, Serial # 51672: Original electronics are untouched. Original tweed left handed hard case included. Estimate: $15,000+.
1965 Fender Stratocaster Sunburst Left Handed Solid Body Electric Guitar, Serial # L85097: Original electronics are untouched. Righty vibrato. Original hard case included. Estimate: $6,500+.
Circa 1969 Marshall JMP White Guitar Amplifier Head, Serial # S/A 10004: Rare small box Marshall for this era. There is no power cord with the amp, so it has not been tested. Estimate: $3,500+.
Circa 1968 Marshall Super Lead 100 White Guitar Amplifier Head, Serial # SL/15235: There is no power cord with the amp, so it has not been tested. Estimate: $2,500+.
Circa 1969 Marshall Super Lead 100 Red Guitar Amplifier Head, Serial # SL/A 10705: Very rare color. There is no power cord with the amp, so it has not been tested. Estimate: $2,500+.
Circa 1964 Marshall 2 X 12 Black P.A. Cabinets: One has speakers branded Marshall, the other is branded Celestion. Untested. Estimate: 2,400+.