This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 8/24/2024
Elvis Presley Owned and Used Gibson 1957 L48 Sunburst Hollow Body Guitar.
This 1957 Gibson L48 sunnburst hollow body acoustic guitar was owned, played and used by Elvis Presley extensively when he received it in late 1956. According to the letter from Alan Fortas that accompanies the guitar, when Elvis received his draft notice for the U.S. Army, he gave the guitar to him. Later, when Elvis was released from the army, Fortas brought the guitar back to Graceland one day when Elvis was having a party, and he left the guitar there, tellling Elvis that he hadn't played it much. Fortas said he thinks it was one of the first times anyone every returned a gift to Elvis, and that Elvis got a big laugh out of it. In addition to the letter from Fortas, the guitar is also accompanied by a letter from Charlie Hodge, who states that after the guitar was returned, Elvis would often play it when they played together at the house.
Alan Fortas was a close friend, employee, and "Memphis Mafia" inner-circle member. Fortas was Elvis's ranch foreman at the Circle G range, appeared with Elvis in many films as an extra and was with Elvis in the concert in the round segment for the famed 1968 NBC "Comeback" special. Elvis Presley first met Charlie Hodge when he was with a group called the Foggy Mountain River Boys, and then the two met again when both were called to Germany in service in the U.S. Army. They became good friends and Elvis converted a space at Graceland for Charlie to live in, which he lived in until Elvis's tragic passing. He was Elvis's stage director, sang harmony and played guitar on stage with him, handed Elvis his scarves, and helped with the set lists for the shows. Charlie also appeared as an extra in many of Elvis's films.
Condition: Very good.
Authentication: Real Game Used (RGU) Letter of Authenticity, Letters of provenance from Alan Fortas and Charlie Hodge (two separate letters) and a Gotta Have Rock and Roll Certificate of Authenticity.