This lot will be auctioned on Thursday, April 30th. The auction will begin at 3:00PM (BST) / 10:00 AM (EDT) / 7:00AM (PDT) and lots are sold sequentially via live auctioneer; tune in to the live streaming broadcast on auction day to follow the pace.
A photo-matched Gibson Custom Signature '59 Les Paul Standard guitar used and owned by Slash. This instrument was owned and stage-used by Slash, whose enduring association with the Gibson Les Paul has made the model inseparable from his image and sound. The Les Paul became Slash's instrument of choice during the recording of Appetite for Destruction, when he played a 1959 Les Paul Standard replica built by Kris Derrig.
A prolific collector and user of Les Paul guitars, Slash has frequently spoken about his connection to the model, noting: "The weight of the guitar, the way the neck is, the humbuckers; all that stuff just appeals to me as a guitar player. [The Les Paul] really is the best all-around guitar for me."
This guitar was played during Guns N' Roses' Not In This Lifetime tour, which was the first time the band toured with the classic line-up of Axl Rose, Slash and Duff McKagan since 1993. Spanning 175 shows worldwide, the historic reunion tour became one of the highest-grossing in music history, generating over $584 million in revenue.
The guitar's flame-patterned maple top can be photo-matched to stage images of Slash performing onstage with Guns N' Roses (some of which accompany the lot), firmly linking the instrument to its live use. Stage-played guitars owned by Slash rarely come to market, especially being played with Guns N' Roses on tour, making this an exceptional opportunity to acquire a tour-used instrument from one of rock music's most influential and recognisable guitarists.
Crafted by the Gibson Custom Shop, the Lee Roy Parnell Signature '59 Les Paul models were produced in limited numbers and are highly sought after by collectors. The guitar features a mahogany neck, a mahogany body with an Abilene Sunset Burst finish, a maple top with a flame-patterned grain, and nickel hardware. It has a selector switch, two volume knobs and two tone knobs.
The serial number "LRP9 048" is stamped on the reverse of the headstock, which is autographed by Slash in black ink. Affixed to one side of the headstock is a piece of double-sided adhesive tape holding three of Slash's personal Guns N' Roses guitar picks, with a small "6" label positioned above them. Slash routinely applies this configuration to his stage guitars so that spare picks are immediately available if one is dropped mid-performance. The rear electrical access covers have been covered with cloth tape by Slash's guitar technician, a standard modification used by Slash to minimise electrical interference and maintain signal clarity during live performances.
The guitar is housed in its original brown Gibson Custom Shop hard case, which is lined with pink velvet. The exterior bears several handwritten tour labels, including one marked "GNR #6". The instrument shows light performance wear, including indentations and surface scratches above the bridge, consistent with contact from jewellery worn by Slash during use.
The lot is accompanied by a Gibson Custom certificate of authenticity, two large-format photographic prints depicting Slash performing with this guitar on stage, and 24 additional loose photographs. The autographs in this lot have been professionally reviewed by Roger Epperson Authentication Ltd (REAL). Dimensions (guitar): 101 cm x 33 cm x 7 cm (39.75" x 13" x 2.75"); (case): 105.5 cm x 39 cm x 11.5 cm (41.5" x 15.25" x 4.5"); (each large print): 76 cm x 101 cm (30" x 39.75")
The autographs in this lot have been professionally authenticated by expert Garry King; see notice in the Terms and Conditions.
Contains electronics; see electronics notice in the Terms and Conditions.
Contains organic materials; see notice in the Terms and Conditions.
Estimate: £150,000 - 300,000 M