Have you ever wondered which are the world’s most expensive musical instruments? If you are a musician or you happen to play an instrument in your free time, you know that some pieces are more expensive than others. Naturally, quality, craftsmanship and prestige are crucial factors when it comes to the ranging price scale of musical instruments. However, each of the costliest instruments in the world has a unique story to tell.
If this musical countdown is of your liking, you’ll probably also enjoy our list on The 10 Most Popular Songs of All-Time.
Are you curious about the world’s most expensive musical instruments? Let’s take a look at the countdown.
10. Robert Bouchet Classical Guitar
Auctioned off in 2009, this is the most expensive guitar by Robert Bouchet ever sold so far. Every guitar made by this French guitar maker is very special and rare, especially because he only manufactured a limited amount during his life. But what makes this 1964 item so special is that it has Bouchet’s Paris address and his signature on it, as well as the date in which it was built. This one-of-a-kind instrument was purchased for $122,500.
9. Antonio de Torres Jurado Classical Guitar
Antonio de Torres was a well-known Spanish guitarist and luthier back in the nineteenth century. His creations were so exceptional and superior that his guitars are kind of legendary. Hence, it is not shocking that one of his guitars was sold in auction at Christie’s for $157,000. That guitar in particular, which was auctioned in 2007, dates back to 1864.
8. Giovanni Batista Ceruti Violin
The handcrafted violins by Giovanni Batista Ceruti are some of the most famous in the world. The work of this amazing luthier is related to the eighteenth century tradition of the master violin makers of Cremona, Italy. The most expensive of his creations was auctioned off in 2009 for the staggering price of $158,500.
7. Pieter Rombouts Viola da Gamba
This costly instrument was auctioned off in 2009 at Christie’s for $212,500. Made by Pieter Rombouts, an Amsterdam luthier who crafted violas, viols, violins, cellos and pochettes, this antique viola da gamba is an original item from the early eighteenth century.
6. Carlo Giuseppe Testore Violin
As you have probably realized, ancient instruments made by famous luthiers are coveted and valuable items, and this 1701 violin is no exception. Crafted by the well-known creator of musical instruments Carlo Giuseppe Testore, the Milan made violin was sold for $218,500.
5. Gennaro Gagliano Violoncello
In 2009 a violoncello made by Gennaro Gagliano, an Italian luthier who was part of a family of string instrument creators, was sold at an auction for $362,500. The violoncello dated from 1765 and several studies were carried out by experts before confirming that the piece was actually crafted by Gennaro Gaglliano.
4. Gasparo da Salò Viola
Yet another old string instrument, this viola by Gasparo di Bertolotti was sold at an auction for $542,000. This rare instrument is very special and valuable indeed because its maker is one of the earliest violin manufacturers and only around 80 of his pieces still exist to this day.
3. OM-45 Deluxe Guitar by C.F. Martin and Company
Established in 1833 and founded by Christian Frederick Martin, C.F. Martin & Co. is a very well-known American guitar manufacturer. The OM-45 Deluxe is a 1930 model and only 15 guitars of its kind were manufactured, hence the rarity and worth of such an instrument. This particular OM-45 Deluxe was once owned by Roy Rogers and used to be exhibited at a Missouri museum until they decided to sell it at an auction, where it was purchased for $554,500.
2. ‘Blackie’: Eric Clapton’s Fender Stratocaster
In 2004, Eric Clapton’s unique Fender Stratocaster was sold at Christie’s for $959,500 in order to support a rehabilitation center which was founded by the musician himself. What’s so special about this guitar, besides the fact that it belonged to the legendary Eric Clapton, is that it’s made from three 1950’s Fender Stratocasters, which the guitarist bought in Nashville back in 1970.
1. The Hammer Violin
The most expensive musical instrument in the world was sold at a 2006 Christie’s auction after only five minutes of bidding. The 1707 violin was made by the most famous luthier in the world, the Italian Antonio Stradivari. The Swedish collector who bought the Hammer paid $3,544,000 for it.
