Kurt Cobain’s guitar, famed from Nirvana’s landmark MTV Unplugged performance, has been sold at auction for a staggering $6 million, setting a new world record. This sale eclipses the previous record held by David Gilmour’s Black Stratocaster, which fetched $3.95 million, firmly establishing Cobain’s instrument as the most valuable guitar ever sold at auction.
The instrument in question is a 1959 Martin D-18E acoustic guitar, a rare model purchased by Cobain at Voltage Guitars in Los Angeles. Significantly modified for the left-handed musician, this guitar became synonymous with Nirvana’s acoustic era and their unforgettable Unplugged performance. Bidding for this piece of music history was intense, with pre-auction bids already reaching $1 million before the official opening. Ultimately, after seven bids, the guitar was sold for a final price of $6,010,000, as confirmed by Julien’s Auctions.
Adding to its provenance, the guitar comes with its original hard-shell case, personalized by Cobain with a flyer promoting Poison Idea’s 1990 album Feel the Darkness. Inside, a treasure trove of ephemera includes a half-used pack of Martin guitar strings, three guitar picks, and a suede “stash” bag containing a small silver spoon, fork, and knife, offering a unique glimpse into the artist’s personal effects.
The buyer of this iconic Kurt Cobain Acoustic Guitar was revealed shortly after the auction to be Peter Freedman, the chairman of Rode Microphones. Freedman expressed his profound connection to the instrument and its cultural impact. “When I heard that this iconic guitar was up for auction, I immediately knew it was a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to secure it,” Freedman stated. He intends to use the guitar to raise awareness and funds for struggling performing artists, recognizing the challenges faced within the arts sector.
Darren Julien, CEO of Julien's Auctions, at the Music Icons event where Kurt Cobain's acoustic guitar was auctioned.
Freedman further elaborated on his personal connection to Nirvana and the Unplugged album. “Nirvana’s Unplugged is one of my favorite records of all time and easily one of the best live performances ever captured on film,” he explained. He highlighted Nirvana’s significant influence during Rode Microphones’ formative years in the early 90s, stating Nirvana’s music was the soundtrack to that era for both him and his company.
Looking ahead, Freedman plans to showcase the kurt cobain acoustic guitar on a global tour of exhibitions. All proceeds generated, including from the eventual sale of the guitar itself, will be dedicated to supporting the performing arts.
Darren Julien, president and CEO of Julien’s Auctions, emphasized the guitar’s historical importance. “This important guitar has earned its rightful place in rock & roll history as the instrument played by one of rock’s most influential musicians and icons in one of the greatest and most memorable live performances of all time,” Julien stated.
Beyond the guitar, Julien’s Auctions’ Music Icons event featured other items from Nirvana’s MTV Unplugged, including Curt Kirkwood’s handwritten lyric sheet for the Meat Puppets’ song “Oh, Me,” a typed setlist from the performance, typed lyrics for David Bowie’s “The Man Who Sold the World” and Meat Puppets’ “Lake of Fire,” and a letter to Cobain from Nirvana’s management regarding potential songs for the Unplugged setlist. Adding to the Cobain memorabilia sold recently, his MTV Unplugged green cardigan sweater was auctioned in October 2019 for $334,000, then the most expensive sweater ever sold at auction. The Music Icons event also included Prince’s “Blue Angel” Cloud 2 electric guitar, which sold for $563,000, demonstrating the enduring appeal and value of iconic music memorabilia.
