This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 4/25/2021
Bob Dylan personally owned Fender XII String Electric Guitar played on the Blonde on Blonde sessions, which is referred to as rock's first great double album. During those initial sessions in late 1965, Dylan played a host of Fenders. Many of the guitars are recognized as production models; however, this Electric XII is an incredibly rare specimen. It features a combination of the classic Fender sunburst finish with the original pearloid pick-guard and amplifier style knobs. Only a handful of these specific instruments were ever produced due to the pickguard being changed to the common tortoise-shell pickguard. This guitar was designed in 1965 with folk and rock artists in mind. Naturally, one was given to Dylan. Offered here is that very same guitar. Aside from the aforementioned sunburst finish, pearloid guard, and amplifier-style knobs, the guitar features an alder body, rosewood fingerboard, no neck stamp, and includes the original black tolex case with a green paint stencil across the top reading "Property of Ashes & Sand Inc.", which is the name of Dylan's original touring company. This legendary guitar can be seen being held by Bob Dylan in several photos from the period, and includes a signed letter of authenticity Jody Carver, former Fender Liaison and employee in various roles from 1949 through the mid-1970s. Carver worked closely with Leo Fender and Don Randall, and worked in sales, product development, and public relations. It reads, in part: "Due to my knowledge of musicians and studios in the Northeast, I was Fender's first choice for supplying artists...I have inspected the 1965 Fender Electric XII...serial no L72261, and can confirm (Due to the unique wood grain figuring at the end of the fingerboard) that this was the instrument given to Bob Dylan by the Fender company, and is the one that can be seen on the Bob Dylan sessions in Columbia Studios attended by myself and my nephew Artie Martello in 1965." Included is a signed letter of provenance from Bob Dylan's management confirming that this is the very guitar that he owned and used during the Blonde on Blonde sessions. This piece is without a doubt the ultimate Dylan guitar and is one of the most important guitars of the 1960s and rock history. The value of the guitar cannot be overstated, with Heritage Auction Appraisal Services valuing the guitar at $1,000,000. An iconic landmark piece of American culture. Comes with a Letter of Authenticity from Bob Dylan's Management, a Letter of Authenticity from Jodi Carver, a Letter of Authenticity from George Gruhn, a Letter of Authenticity from Clive Brown, the original "Ashes & Sand" Touring Case, A Leather Guitar Strap and a Gotta Have Rock & Roll Certificate of Authenticity.