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.
- 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.
