“A Once-in-a-Generation Chance to Own Guitar History”: Jim Irsay’s Legendary Billion-Dollar Guitar Collection Heads to Auction

Packed with multiple record-breaking instruments, this landmark sale is shaping up to become the most significant guitar auction ever held.

One of the most extraordinary private guitar collections the world has ever seen is officially heading to auction next spring. The legendary assortment, assembled by the late Jim Irsay—widely regarded as one of the most influential and passionate gear collectors in history—will soon be offered to the public.

Among guitar enthusiasts, Jim Irsay’s collection needs little explanation. It is widely considered one of the most culturally important and historically valuable guitar archives ever created. In many ways, it mirrors the permanent exhibition of a world-class music museum rather than a private stash.

The collection features some of the most iconic electric guitars in rock and pop history—many of which Irsay personally acquired at auction over the years for staggering, multi-million-dollar sums. Standout pieces include Kurt Cobain’s legendary Smells Like Teen Spirit Mustang, David Gilmour’s famous Black Fender Stratocaster, Jerry Garcia’s Tiger, and the Fender Stratocaster Bob Dylan famously played when he shocked audiences by “going electric” at the Newport Folk Festival.

And that’s just the beginning.

Also included is the unmistakable “The Fool” SG—once owned by Eric Clapton and Todd Rundgren—alongside John Lennon’s Gretsch 6120 Country Gentleman. Beyond that, the collection spans instruments once played or owned by Prince, Eddie Van Halen, Janis Joplin, Jimi Hendrix, George Harrison, Paul McCartney, and many others whose names define modern music history.

The cultural weight of Irsay’s collection was so immense that at one point he was offered a staggering $1 billion by a Middle Eastern buyer as part of a proposal to relocate the entire archive to Dubai. Irsay declined.

Instead, he chose to preserve the collection’s spirit by sharing it with the public. In August of this year, the guitars were placed on display, allowing fans to experience these legendary instruments up close. True to his belief that guitars should be played—not locked away—Irsay was also known for lending select pieces to renowned musicians for live performances.

Following Jim Irsay’s passing, long-standing questions about the future of his guitars have now been answered. The entire collection will be presented at Christie’s New York through a series of auctions beginning in March 2026.

“Christie’s is deeply honored to present this remarkable collection, so thoughtfully assembled, preserved, and shared by the legendary Jim Irsay over decades,” says Julien Pradels, President of Christie’s Americas.

“These exceptional instruments will be offered to collectors worldwide, giving them a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to own genuine pieces of music history and carry this extraordinary collection into its next chapter.”

Given that several guitars in the Irsay archive already hold individual auction records, it’s widely expected that this event will set a new global benchmark for guitar auction sales—one that may never be surpassed.

To put the scale into perspective: Gilmour’s Black Strat alone sold for $3,975,000. Irsay paid $4,550,000 for Cobain’s Mustang. Eric Clapton’s “The Fool” SG—an iconic Gibson—cost him $1,270,000.

All of these legendary instruments are now preparing to find new custodians. With guitars of this caliber crossing the block, bidders with exceptionally deep pockets are expected to compete fiercely.

Quite simply, this is shaping up to be the largest and most important guitar auction in history.

For more details, visit Christie’s official website.

Jim Irsay passed away in May of this year and was commemorated by his NFL team, the Indianapolis Colts, with a specially created memorial Stratocaster—an appropriate tribute to a man whose life was inseparable from music, guitars, and legacy.

The Jim Irsay Band featuring Kenny Wayne Shepherd - Comfortably Numb (Live at Farm Aid 2023)