T-Bone Walker's Legendary 1949 Gibson Guitar Goes on Sale
What happened
London's Regent Sounds has announced the exclusive online sale of blues icon T-Bone Walker's 1949 Gibson ES-5N guitar. The instrument, described as "the guitar that started it all," is being sold via the platform Reverb.
Why it matters
- T-Bone Walker is considered a foundational figure in the history of the electric guitar, influencing legendary artists like B.B. King, Chuck Berry, Jimi Hendrix, and Eric Clapton with his innovative playing style. - The 1949 Gibson ES-5N was a groundbreaking instrument as the first "Electric Spanish" guitar to feature three pickups, along with three volume knobs and a master tone, giving players unprecedented tonal control. - This specific guitar is one of only 22 of this model built in its first year of production, 1949, adding to its rarity and historical value. - The sale is being managed by Regent Sounds, a historic location on London's Denmark Street which began as a recording studio in the mid-20th century, hosting sessions for The Rolling Stones, Black Sabbath, and David Bowie. - The auction is taking place on Reverb, a prominent online marketplace for new, used, and vintage musical instruments, connecting a global audience of collectors and musicians. - Bidding for the guitar, described as "one of the most valuable and historically important musical instruments in existence," is invited to start at £1,500,000.
Key numbers
- London's Regent Sounds has announced the exclusive online sale of blues icon T-Bone Walker's 1949 Gibson ES-5N guitar.
- The 1949 Gibson ES-5N was a groundbreaking instrument as the first "Electric Spanish" guitar to feature three pickups, along with three volume knobs and a master tone, giving players unprecedented tonal control.
- This specific guitar is one of only 22 of this model built in its first year of production, 1949, adding to its rarity and historical value.
- The sale is being managed by Regent Sounds, a historic location on London's Denmark Street which began as a recording studio in the mid-20th century, hosting sessions for The Rolling Stones, Black Sabbath, and David Bowie.
Quick answers
What happened in T-Bone Walker's Legendary 1949 Gibson Guitar Goes on Sale?
London's Regent Sounds has announced the exclusive online sale of blues icon T-Bone Walker's 1949 Gibson ES-5N guitar. The instrument, described as "the guitar that started it all," is being sold via the platform Reverb.
Why does T-Bone Walker's Legendary 1949 Gibson Guitar Goes on Sale matter?
T-Bone Walker is considered a foundational figure in the history of the electric guitar, influencing legendary artists like B.B. King, Chuck Berry, Jimi Hendrix, and Eric Clapton with his innovative playing style. The 1949 Gibson ES-5N was a groundbreaking instrument as the first "Electric Spanish" guitar to feature three pickups, along with three volume knobs and a master tone, giving players unprecedented tonal control. This specific guitar is one of only 22 of this model built in its first year of production, 1949, adding to its rarity and historical value. The sale is being managed by Regent Sounds, a historic location on London's Denmark Street which began as a recording studio in the mid-20th century, hosting sessions for The Rolling Stones, Black Sabbath, and David Bowie. The auction is taking place on Reverb, a prominent online marketplace for new, used, and vintage musical instruments, connecting a global audience of collectors and musicians. Bidding for the guitar, described as "one of the most valuable and historically important musical instruments in existence," is invited to start at £1,500,000.
