Jimi Hendrix's Japanese Sunburst Guitar Sells for $216,000 at Auction

One of Jimi Hendrix's early electric guitars, his Japanese sunburst, has sold at Auction for $216,000. The guitar was used by the legendary guitarist soon after he returned home from the US Army in 1962, when he played in New York City clubs, shortly before his rise to fame. Selling at nearly four times it's estimate, the auction house noted the incredible provenance of the guitar.

'The guitar appears to be in well-loved condition and has no strings as we wanted to keep it in its original state. Jimi moved to London in late 1966 and left this guitar in New York at the apartment of one of his best friends, Mike Quashie. The guitar will come with the original signed, notarized letter of provenance from Quashie, along with a statement from the collector who our client acquired it from who spoke with Mike Quashie before he passed. We have never seen provenance this thorough on an asset as historically significant.'

Classic Hendrix, the most comprehensive visual memoir of Hendrix, picks up from where Hendrix's time in New York ends. Illustrated with incredible previously unseen images, the book captures his move to London where his journey with the Jimi Hendrix Experience begins. Collector copies are still available.

This week marks 50 years since Jimi Hendrix played at the Isle of White Festival. At the time, it was the biggest festival in the UK and the impressive lineup included the Who, the Doors, Joni Mitchell and more.