Eddie Van Halen’s Iconic Guitar Heads to Auction

When you think of legendary rock guitarists, Eddie Van Halen immediately comes to mind… and so does his equally famous Kramer Guitar – and one of them can now be all yours… but only if you have some very deep pockets!

A Piece of Rock History

The late music virtuoso’s red, white and black “Frankenstein” style 1982 Kramer studio guitar is currently up for auction through Sotheby’s, with bidding closing on October 24, 2025. Sotheby’s estimates the guitar will fetch between $2 million and $3 million.

The Guitar’s Provenance

This particular Kramer guitar was custom-built for, owned, and stage-used by Eddie Van Halen around 1982. It features a double-cutaway body with red, white, and black stripes, a neck with black dot inlays, and a headstock with matching stripes and the Kramer logo. The guitar is inscribed with a personal message from Van Halen to his guitar technician, Rudy Leiren: “Rude – Its Been a Great Ten Years – Lets Do Another Ten. Eddie Van Halen.”

From Van Halen to Mars

Following its use by Van Halen during the 1982-1983 “Hide Your Sheep” tour, the guitar was gifted to Leiren. It was later purchased by Mick Mars of Mötley Crüe, who used it extensively while recording the band’s 1989 album, Dr. Feelgood. Ultimate Classic Rock reports that the auction lot includes a letter of provenance from Mars and an extra guitar string.

Auction Details

The guitar, serial number B1297, is being sold as part of Sotheby’s “Rock & Pop” auction, which also includes memorabilia from Bob Dylan, the Rolling Stones, and the Beatles. TMZ initially reported on the auction, noting its potential to reach $1.5 million.

A Legacy in Rock

Eddie Van Halen’s innovative guitar playing revolutionized rock music, and his iconic instruments are highly sought after by collectors and fans alike. This auction presents a rare opportunity to own a piece of that legacy.