Elvis Presley
The iconic cherry red Hagstrom electric guitar, played during the '68 Comeback Special
Lot closes
April 23, 03:08 PM GMT
Estimate
1,000,000 - 2,000,000 USD
Starting Bid
900,000 USD
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Read more.Lot Details
Description
The Hagstrom Viking II electric guitar, serial #732240, played by Elvis Presley during the '68 Comeback Special. Swedish-made semi-hollow body guitar with flame maple top, cherry red finish, f-holes, ebony fretboard and gold hardware, dual humbucker pickups and dedicated volume control. Together with guitar strap produced in the same style as the original.
Dimensions
Guitar: 41 ¼ x 16 x 2 ¼ in.
Case: 43 ¼ x 17 5/8 x 3 ¾ in.
Before the guitar was played by Elvis, it was in a small Hollywood music shop. Al Casey (1936–2006)—a celebrated session guitarist, NBC orchestra member, and figure closely associated with the legendary "Wrecking Crew”—had opened the store with his wife in 1966. This history was recounted to by Richard Bennett, Casey's longtime friend and protégé, who went on to become Mark Knopfler's guitarist. (Bennett still owns the Benson amplifier that Casey loaned to Elvis alongside this guitar for the same broadcast.)