🔥 Neal Schon: - “I Knew It Would Be Massive” — The Guitar Behind Don’t Stop Believin’ Sells for $254,000

“When the song was done, I turned around and said, ‘This is going to be massive,’” recalls Neal Schon.

The iconic guitar used to record Don’t Stop Believin’ by Journey has just sold for $254,000 at auction.

🎸 A piece of rock history

The instrument — a Gibson 1977 Les Paul Pro Deluxe — was played by Neal Schon on one of the most legendary songs ever recorded.

⚙️ Unique specs

• Mahogany body with maple top

• Ebony fretboard

• Dual humbuckers

• Fernandes Sustainer system

• Early Floyd Rose tremolo setup

🏎️ Personal touches

• Ferrari sticker

• Signed headstock

• Custom Journey flight case

   

🎶 The story behind the song

Neal Schon broke conventions by placing the chorus at the end and even playing the vocal melody on guitar before it appeared.

Steve Perry asked: “You’re going to play my melody?”
Schon replied: “Why not?”

🚀 A prediction that came true

“I knew it would be massive,” said Neal Schon.

And history proved him right.

💰 Record-breaking auction

The Jim Irsay auction exceeded expectations, with David Gilmour’s Black Strat selling for a staggering $14.55 million.

🎯 A true collector’s piece — and a reminder that legendary songs start with legendary instruments.