Duane Beckett
Eddie Van Halen’s striped Kramer guitar is headed to auction. This stage-played, studio-used instrument is understandably being pushed as a major piece of rock memorabilia. The estimate is $1.5 million to $2 million, and the opening bid starts at a whopping $800,000.
What’s surprising is that the estimate has gone up since original reports. For instance, TMZ reported in February coverage that the guitar was expected to bring $1 million to $1.5 million, and that the starting bid was $700,000.
Bidding for this iconic guitar runs through March 13, 2026, and can be watched at GottaHaveRockandRoll.com.
Music memorabilia is one thing I’ve been collecting for several years, and this item has that rare mix that collectors covet. It has star power, photo-matched status, and provenance. Furthermore, it’s Eddie Van Halen-built, 5150 studio-played, and a bona fide piece of history.
Why is this guitar so valuable?
The biggest hook is the story:
- The guitar was customized by Eddie Van Halen on his personal workbench and used in sessions at 5150 Studio, with Rudy Leiren’s initials, “RL,” under the tremolo springs. Rudy Leiren was Eddie’s guitar technician.
- The guitar was later gifted at the 1985 NAMM Show, and the consignor to this auction, Michael Gutierrez, is the same fan who won it in a Kramer Guitars and Guitar for the Practicing Musician contest that drew nearly 100,000 entrants.
- Another factor that helps explain the value is its rarity. The guitar was signed by Gary Kramer in 2016, and it is described as the only known custom Eddie Van Halen Kramer signed by Gary Kramer. Gary Kramer co-founded Kramer Guitars in the 1970s and is a pioneering guitar designer.
That contest story is part of why this lot has taken on a life of its own. In TMZ’s coverage, the promotion promised one lucky winner one of Eddie’s personally owned Kramer guitars, and Gutierrez became that winner.
Now, decades later, he is consigning the instrument and is expected to personally hand it over to the winning bidder. This gives the sale provenance you rarely get.
Other items under the hammer
The auction isn’t just one guitar. Gotta Have Rock & Roll’s March 2026 Pop Culture Auction features more than 950 items across music, sports, Hollywood, and historical memorabilia.
The auction has March 13 and March 14 closing dates. Some of the highlights include:
- Chris Cornell-owned 1929 National Duolian Dobro used for “Burden in My Hand.” Estimated value $150,000 to $200,000.
- Beatles signed fan club photograph that is connected to their first Ed Sullivan era. Estimated value $30,000 to $50,000.
- Fleetwood Mac full-band signed Rock & Roll Hall of Fame guitar. Estimated value $15,000 to $20,000.
- ZZ Top Dusty Hill Owned, 1970s Stage Used, “El Loco” & “Eliminator” Album Recording Used Bass. Estimated value $40,000 to $60,000.
Plus, there are many major pieces from Bob Dylan, Elvis Presley, Kobe Bryant, Prince, and Dave Grohl.
If you grew up staring at guitar ads and album sleeves, this auction is one to watch over the coming weeks.