Kurt Cobain’s vintage guitar auctioned for charity to mark his 50th birthday
To coincide with what would have been Kurt Cobain’s 50th birthday next Monday (20th February), one of his vintage guitars is being sold at auction.
Owned and played by Kurt himself, fans with extremely deep pockets can bid for the unique Hagstrom Blue Sparkle Deluxe guitar at the eBay for Charity auction from 4pm on Thursday 16th February to 4pm on Sunday 26th February at 4pm.
Proceeds from the sale will go to Transitions Projects which delivers life-saving and life-changing assistance to Portland’s most vulnerable residents and helps with the transition of homelessness to housing.
Dating from 1958-1960, the guitar is being put up for auction by Nathan Fasold, owner of Black Book Guitars in Portland, that specialises in vintage guitars with historical relevance.
Nirvana guitar technician Earnie Bailey authenticated the instrument and confirmed that he personally hand-delivered it to Kurt in late 1992 who wanted it as a Christmas present to himself. It was adapted into a left-handed instrument for Kurt.
Mr Fasold says: “The guitar has remained un-played for decades, still bearing the left-handed wear from its former owner. When holding the guitar, it’s easy to imagine the songs Cobain could have created with it. It’s a true relic of the music icon.”
Following Kurt’s death in 1994, Courtney Love gifted it to a close friend – an unspecified member of another Seattle grunge band – and ultimately it ended up in the hands of Mr Fasold.
“Bringing this unique piece of memorabilia to the eBay marketplace is an amazing opportunity for our 167 million active shoppers,” said Sam Bright, Senior Director of Art & Collectibles, eBay.
“Connecting fans with authentic and rare collectibles like Cobain’s Hagstrom Blue Sparkle Deluxe is at the heart of eBay’s mission. The guitar represents the significant impact Nirvana continues to have on American rock history.”
You can bid for Kurt’s guitar here.