An iconic guitar from Elvis Presley’s Comeback Special is up for auction | CNN (2024)

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An iconic guitar from Elvis Presley’s Comeback Special is up for auction | CNN? ›

The semi-hollow body electric guitar played by Elvis Presley during his 1968 comeback performance has sold at auction for $625,000, the auction house revealed Tuesday. GWS Auctions reported that the lipstick red Hagstrom Viking II guitar had sold just over two weeks after being made available to the highest bidder.

The "Buy It Now" tab will set you back $295,000 on the site. It has the provenance to prove its background including Elvis' name scratched into the back of the pickguard of the guitar. Still, this is one of six. Two of the others — which are not for sale as far as we know right now — were in similarly famous hands.

Elvis's famous Cherry Red Hagstrom Viking II could be the most expensive guitar in the world, after it was valued at a modest $5 million, but could sell for much more. The guitar landed icon status after starring in Elvis's famous 1968 Comeback Special, a moment that features heavily in the 2022 Elvis biopic.

In 1968, a cherry-red guitar was credited as helping to reignite Elvis's career. He played it during what many cite as his best-ever performance. A good-luck charm of sorts, the bright red Hagstrom Viking II is a key element to Presley's '68 Comeback special.

The special received positive reviews and topped the Nielsen television ratings for the week in which it aired. It became the most-watched show of the television season, earning 42% of the television audience. Later known as the Comeback Special, it relaunched Presley's singing career.

Elvis Presley's iconic cherry red guitar has officially been valued at $5million, making it the world's most expensive instrument.

He also had the best quote about his playing: “I know only know four chords, but I only play three.” Elvis was good enough to accompany himself singing strumming chords, and he could play a few blues licks. He wasn't a great guitarist. . .not did he need to be.

1965 Gibson EBS-1250 Double Bass

Elvis owned the Gibson after production wrapped, and it became one of his favorite guitars.

Was Elvis an expert guitar player? ›

According to Elvis' longtime friend and bodyguard, Red West, though, he was no master guitarist. West shared why he saw Elvis as a natural musician even though he wasn't an expert at any particular instrument.

What instruments did Elvis play? He played guitar, bass and piano, and often toyed with instruments like the drums, accordion and ukulele. While he couldn't read or write music and had no formal lessons, he was a natural musician and played everything by ear. He could often hear a song, pick up an instrument, and play.

January 2023

Lisa Marie Presley / Date of burial

Prior to the Special Elvis was more or less away from the public doing movies and selling soundtracts from the films. The 68′ Comeback reacquainted his fans with his non-movie songs and gave him an opportunity to gain new fans and show them his abundant talent and magnetic personality.

Elvis Presley. In October 1967, Elvis Presley's manager, Colonel Tom Parker approached West Coast vice president of the National Broadcasting Company, Tom Sarnoff. Parker proposed Sarnoff a deal regarding a Christmas television special.

It has now sold at auction for $1.32 million at Gotta Have Rock and Roll to a mystery fan, though the price fell short of its $2-3 million estimate. Elvis decorated the guitar with adhesive metal letters that spelt out his name, but only 'ELVI' remains today. In 1956, Elvis sold the guitar.

According to The Sun and Nationwide Vehicle Contracts, Elvis Presley's cars are worth over $6 million in today's money. As one of only 252 ever made, his BMW 507 is reportedly worth over $2 million. The BMW 507 is the most expensive car in his collection, but he has several high-value vehicles in addition to the BMW.