Legendary Red Stratocaster of Gary Moore Fetches £254,400 at Auction
Gary Moore’s renowned red Fender Stratocaster has recently changed hands at auction, commanding an impressive £254,400 (around $332,609).
The Great Debate: Color and Model Year
This iconic instrument has sparked lively discussions among fans of the late blues legend. Is it truly red, or does it lean towards pink? And is it a 1960 or 1961 model? Regardless of these debates, one thing is clear: few guitars can match the charisma of this Stratocaster, which many consider to be the quintessential Gary Moore guitar.
Other Notable Guitars in the Mix
In the realm of legendary guitars, Moore’s red Stratocaster isn’t alone. another contender is ‘Greeny,’ a 1959 Gibson Les Paul Standard that once belonged to the late Peter Green and is now in the hands of Metallica’s Kirk Hammett. Additionally, ‘Stripe,’ a stunning Burst model, is currently available through a private sale at Bonham’s, the same auction house that handled the sale of Moore’s Strat.
A Performance to Remember
moore’s red Strat was the instrument he wielded during his unforgettable rendition of Red House at the 2004 Miller Strat Pack concert at Wembley, which celebrated the 50th anniversary of the Stratocaster. That day, some even dared to claim that Moore’s performance surpassed that of Jimi Hendrix, as he infused Red House with his unique style and flair.
A Bargain in the Vintage Guitar Market?
In the current climate of the vintage electric guitar market, particularly for artist-associated instruments, the final price of around $330,000 might seem like a steal. While the guitar shows signs of wear, many collectors would pay a premium for that authentic distressed look, especially if it had originated from the Fender Custom Shop. Here, the hard work has already been done by one of the greatest guitarists in history.
Player’s Grade: A Working Instrument
This Stratocaster is not just a collector’s item; it was a tool of the trade for Moore. It has been modified over the years, including a refret with Dunlop 6100 fretwire, which is thicker than the original gauge used in that era. The neck pickup is not the original; it was rewound by Seymour Duncan in 1998, while the middle pickup was replaced with a Lindy Fralin blues Special.
Expert Insights on the Guitar’s Playability
Steve Clarke, an authenticator for Bonham’s and author of Famous Frets, shared his thoughts on the guitar’s playability. “It’s a very nice guitar to play, really nicely set up,” he remarked. “the action was pretty good straight out of the case. These instruments have a unique character. I once had a ’56 Strat that was vibrant, while others felt lifeless. But this one? It has a charm all its own, and I found it simply wonderful.”
The Future of Moore’s Stratocaster
As we ponder who the blessed buyer might be, one can’t help but wonder if this Strat will be showcased like Hammett’s Greeny. Hammett expressed his commitment to keeping Greeny in circulation, stating, “I have no plans to retire that guitar at all. It’s important to keep it alive so that people can hear it sing.”
Regarding the model year, Clarke noted that a stamp on the neck indicating “11/60” suggests it is indeed indeed a 1960 model. Although some pots have been replaced, an original from 1960 was found in the guitar case.
For more details on the Gary Moore auction, check out Guitarist‘s in-depth exploration of the catalog.
