Eddie Van Halen’s iconic 1982 Kramer guitar could sell for $3 million at auction.

Those who admire the late Eddie Van Halen are in for an exciting opportunity this coming fall. Sotheby’s in New York is gearing up for its inaugural Grails Week, set to kick off with the auction of an iconic electric guitar custom-crafted and played by the beloved rock legend himself. The instrument is estimated to fetch a staggering $2-3 million, making it a centerpiece of the event.

This particular guitar, a 1982 Kramer, holds a significant place in rock ‘n’ roll history as it saw the skilled hands of not one, but two musical icons. Eddie Van Halen wielded this prized possession during the band’s tours in the early ’80s, with the instrument making appearances at various high-energy shows across the globe, from Philadelphia to Venezuela, Brazil, and Argentina. Through meticulous photo matching, experts have been able to authenticate its use in multiple exhilarating performances.

Following Van Halen’s ownership, the guitar found its way into the hands of his friend and guitar technician, Robin “Rudy” Leiren, adorned with a heartfelt inscription from the guitar virtuoso himself. Eventually passing through the possession of Mötley Crüe’s Mick Mars, who incorporated it into the recording of the band’s hit album, Dr. Feelgood, the guitar’s lineage is rich with rock ‘n’ roll lore. The current anonymous owner has crafted an aura of mystery around the instrument.

The significance of this guitar stretches beyond its ownership lineage and historical use. Sotheby’s managing director of the luxury division, Ian Ferreyra de Bone, highlighted its impact on modern guitar playing and its symbolic connection between two heavy metal luminaries, Eddie Van Halen and Mick Mars. The instrument’s roots in the famous “Frankenstrat,” a guitar Van Halen pieced together in the ’70s, underscore its importance in his creative process.

Noteworthy for its distinct red hue accented with Van Halen’s signature black and white stripes, the Kramer guitar exudes an unmistakable ’80s metal aesthetic. Van Halen’s meticulous customization of his guitars, including modifying neck lengths and fret heights, showcased his commitment to crafting a sound and look uniquely his own. The wear and tear visible on the instrument bear witness to an illustrious career filled with memorable performances and soulful shredding.

As the guitar takes center stage at Sotheby’s Grails Week auction, it serves as a tangible link to a bygone era of electrifying rock music and the enduring legacy of a true guitar virtuoso. Fans and collectors alike will have their eyes fixed on this prized piece of musical history, eager to secure a piece of Van Halen’s immortal influence on the world of music.