Who Bought the Black Strat
The buyer of the Black Strat remains anonymous, but the guitar was purchased through a Christie's auction in June 2019 for $3.9 million, making it the most expensive guitar ever sold at auction. The sale was confirmed by Christie's, which handled the bidding and verified the transaction details Christie's Black Strat lot page. The identity of the collector has not been publicly disclosed, though industry reports indicate the buyer is a private individual with a deep interest in music memorabilia.
The Black Strat, originally owned by David Gilmour of Pink Floyd, was sold to fund the charity causes Gilmour supports. The auction house described the instrument as a landmark piece of music history, and the record price reflected both its provenance and its cultural significance. The buyer acquired not only the guitar but also a significant piece of rock and roll heritage.
Black Strat Auction Details and Price
The hammer price for the Black Strat was $3.9 million, which included the buyer's premium. This figure surpassed the previous record for a guitar sold at auction, which was held by another Fender Stratocaster associated with Eric Clapton. The sale took place at Christie's New York, and the lot attracted global attention from collectors and music fans alike Forbes coverage of the sale.
The auction was conducted with an absolute guarantee from the consignor, ensuring the sale would proceed regardless of bidding levels. The final price included the applicable buyer's premium and any applicable taxes, bringing the total cost to the buyer above the hammer price. Christie's reported strong international bidding interest, with phone and online bids coming from multiple continents.
History and Significance of the Black Strat
The Black Strat is a 1954 Fender Stratocaster that David Gilmour acquired in 1970 and used extensively on iconic Pink Floyd albums such as The Dark Side of the Moon and Wish You Were Here. The guitar features original components and modifications added over decades of studio and stage use, contributing to its unique tone and historical value Guitar World Black Strat feature.
Before the auction, the Black Strat was displayed at the Hard Rock Cafe in London and later at the Pink Floyd: Their Mortal Remains exhibition, increasing its public profile and collector appeal. Its significance stems from its role in shaping the sound of modern rock music and its association with one of the most influential guitarists in history. The sale marked a milestone in the market for music memorabilia, demonstrating the high value collectors place on instruments with documented provenance and cultural impact SEC Edgar for public company disclosures.