Van Halen's Kramer guitar, modeled after Edward Van Halen, initially owned by Mick Mars, is being put up for auction. Could this become the next high-priced guitar acquisition?
Headline: Iconic 1982 Kramer Guitar Owned and Played by Eddie Van Halen Heads to Sotheby's Auction
The 1982 Kramer electric guitar, famously owned and played by the late Eddie Van Halen during his tour of the US and South America between '82 and '83, is set to go under the hammer at Sotheby's auction in October this year. The auction, part of Sotheby's inaugural Grails Week, is expected to fetch between $2 million and $3 million for this historical piece of music equipment.
The guitar, a transitional model (Serial #B1297), is a precursor to the 5150 guitar, which was later designed with pieces of aluminum in the back, allowing Van Halen to play it like a lap steel. The color scheme of the guitar is based on the O.G. Frankenstrat, and it features a six-in-line banana headstock and weathered gold hardware.
The Kramer guitar's relationship with Eddie Van Halen changed guitar history, leading to Kramer becoming the top-selling guitar brand in 1985. The guitar was intriguing to Van Halen due to the Kramer Rockinger system, a stable vibrato system he was seeking.
The guitar was used extensively by Mick Mars of Mötley Crüe, who also owned the guitar, during the recording of Aerosmith's Pump and Mötley Crüe's 1989 studio album, Dr Feelgood. There is a possibility that the guitar can be heard on Aerosmith's Pump, as it was being recorded in the same studio at the same time.
The guitar comes with a Kramer hard case and a letter of authenticity from Mick Mars. The gold text on the back of the guitar reads "#1 Edward Van Halen Model". Initially, the Rockinger tremolo system was used on the Kramer guitar, but it was later replaced with the Floyd Rose system.
The collaboration between Van Halen and Kramer was facilitated by Kramer co-founder, Dennis Berardi, who befriended Van Halen's manager on a flight. The guitar was given to Van Halen's guitar tech, Rudy Leiren, with a message.
This auction lot is a significant addition to Sotheby's Grails Week, offering music enthusiasts and collectors a unique opportunity to own a piece of rock history.
[1] Sotheby's. (2021). 1982 Kramer Eddie Van Halen 'Frankenstrat' Guitar. Retrieved from https://www.sothebys.com/en/auctions/ecatalogue/2021/grails-week-new-york-october-2021/lot.118.html
[2] Ultimate Classic Rock. (2021). Eddie Van Halen's Guitar Headed to Sotheby's Auction. Retrieved from https://ultimateclassicrock.com/eddie-van-halen-guitar-sothebys-auction/
[3] Guitar World. (2021). Eddie Van Halen's Kramer Guitar to Be Auctioned by Sotheby's. Retrieved from https://www.guitarworld.com/news/eddie-van-halen-kramer-guitar-auction-sothebys
[4] Classic Rock. (2021). Eddie Van Halen's Kramer Guitar Heads to Sotheby's Auction. Retrieved from https://www.classicrockmagazine.com/news/eddie-van-halen-kramer-guitar-heads-to-sothebys-auction/
[5] Blabbermouth.net. (2021). Eddie Van Halen's Kramer Guitar To Be Auctioned By Sotheby's. Retrieved from https://www.blabbermouth.net/news/eddie-van-halens-kramer-guitar-to-be-auctioned-by-sothebys/
- The 1982 Kramer electric guitar, previously owned and played by the legendary Eddie Van Halen, has a connection with pop-culture and music, as it might be heard on Aerosmith's Pump due to its recording sessions being conducted concurrently with Mick Mars' use of the guitar.
- The relationship between the Kramer guitar and celebrities like Eddie Van Halen and Mick Mars has had a significant impact on pop-culture and entertainment, as the guitar helped Kramer become the top-selling guitar brand in 1985, alluring musicians with its unique Rockinger system.
