March 16, 2004
Icons of Twentieth Century Music Auction to Include Two Noteworthy Vintage Fender Stratocasters
by Tom Watson
Route 66 Guitars has announced that a number of highly collectible celebrity-related instruments, including two noteworthy vintage Fender Stratocasters (photos and information below), will be sold on April 17 and April 18, 2004, at the Icons of 20th Century Music auction to be held at the Dallas Market Hall, Dallas, Texas, in conjunction with the 27th Annual Dallas Guitar Show and MusicFest. Bidding will be conducted via the auction floor, telephone, fax, and over the Internet through the eBay Live Auctions service.
Some of the instruments to be auctioned (linked to further information and images where available):
Roger McGuinn's 1966 Rickenbacker 370-12
James Jamerson's Motown Used Upright Bass
Kurt Cobain's 1960's Mosrite Gospel
George Harrison's Harptone 12 String
John Entwistle's 1959 Gretsch Chet Atkins 6120
Elvis Presley's Piano from RCA's L.A. Studios
Sex Pistols 'God Save The Queen' Drum Kit
Gram Parsons Custom Made Acoustic
Eric Johnson's 1965 Dakota Red Stratocaster
Steely Dan - Studio Used Basses and Guitar
Allman Brothers 1957 Les Paul PAF Gold Top
Scotty Moore's 1983 Gibson Super 400
The Cars - Stage and Studio Used Guitars
Lefty Hofner Bass Signed By Paul McCartney
John Phillips Owned Guitars & Uke
The Rembrandts - 'Friends' Theme Used Guitars
1955 Fender Strat used by The Yardbirds in 1965
Mötley Crüe 1981 BC Rich Mockingbird Bass
Duran Duran Kubicki Ex Factor Bass Prototype
Pre-Production PRS Trade Show Model
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The 1955 and 1965 Stratocasters
Of course, the 1955 Stratocaster used by the Yardbirds in 1965 and Eric Johnson's 1965 Dakota Red Strat are of special interest to Strat collectors. Below are information and photos concerning these two auction lots.
All text and images are courtesy of Route 66 Guitars.
1955 Fender Stratocaster used by the Yardbirds in 1965
This second year of production Stratocaster was one of the very first ever to arrive in England. It was purchased as a used instrument in 1959 by the current owner, a member of the Liverpool group The Mersey Lads. The Yardsbirds were signed to MGM, and played the same venues as the other Liverpool groups, including The Cavern club, made famous by The Beatles. Relocating to New York they became the house band for The Rolling Stone Discotheque, where many famous acts used their equipment to perform their hits.
Included with this lot are 7 beautiful photographs of The Yardbirds at The Rolling Stone Discotheque during their September 17, 1965 performance. Five of these images are currently unpublished, and two are featured in the Jeff Beck biography, "Jeff's Book".
The guitar is original except for the following modifications: Schaller tuners were added and a refret done in 1970. The original 3 way switch was replaced with a 5 way, and the original first variation spring cover plate had its holes enlarged in the 1960s. The guitar's original tweed "center pocket" case has had the handle replaced.
[Images: Group photo: the Yardbirds at the Rolling Stone Discotheque, New York City, Sept 17, 1965. Chris Dreja is on the left with this 1955 Stratocaster. From left to right: Chris Dreja, Keith Relf, Paul Samwell-Smith, and Jeff Beck. Drummer Jim McCarty not shown. Instrument: front, back and case of the 1955 Fender Stratocaster to be auctioned. All images courtesy of Route 66 Guitars.]
1965 Dakota Red Fender Stratocaster
This 1965 Fender Stratocaster, serial number 100193, was formerly owned and used by renowned guitarist Eric Johnson.
Eric can be seen with this guitar on the cover and in the cover story of the January 1993 issue of Guitar Player magazine.
This Custom Color Dakota Red guitar is original, except for the work done at Eric’s request. The rosewood fingerboard has been planed and re-fretted, the original 3 way switch has been notched into a 5 way switch without removal of the original wiring, and one ground and one hot wire were loose and were re-soldered.
Eric Johnson is considered one of the 100 greatest guitarists of the twentieth century. His 1986 solo debut album, "Tones", earned Grammy nominations. Four years later, "Ah Via Musicom" reached near-platinum sales. The single, "Cliffs of Dover", was a top 5 hit and earned Eric a Grammy Award for Best Rock Instrumental. He received the "Best Overall" guitarist award from Guitar Player Magazine for four straight years. On the fifth year he was inducted into their "Gallery of Greats".
Included with the guitar is its original black Fender hardshell case, a handwritten letter from Eric Johnson, and a Letter Of Authenticity from Eric’s guitar tech, Ollie Ponce of Musicmakers in Austin, Texas.
[Images: Cover of January, 1993, Guitar Player magazine featuring Eric Johnson and the Dakota Red 1965 Fender Stratocaster. Front and back of the 1965 Strat to be auctioned. All images courtesy of Route 66 Guitars.]
And more...
Many more lots of interesting items will be available at the Icons of 20th Century Music auction. Please visit the Route 66 Guitars website for additional information. A full-color auction catalog can be ordered through autographs.com.
About Route 66 Guitars
Scott Jennings, owner of Route 66 Guitars, has been a dealer of vintage and rare instruments for the past twenty-five years and many of his instruments appear in books published on the subject. While for many years Jennings had retail stores in Hollywood and Pasadena, California, he now deals specifically with high-end vintage and celebrity-owned instruments and music memorabilia.
Jennings and his wife have been active in the auction market for several years. In 2003, Jennings was involved in the auction sale of George Harrison's "Let it Be" rosewood Telecaster. He is responsible for the unprecedented number of Hall of Fame artist-related instruments consigned to the upcoming Icons of 20th Century Music auction and authenticated the instruments.
For futher information contact auctions@route66guitars.com.
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Published March 16, 2004 07:27 PM.