Kurt Cobain 1953 Martin Guitar to be Auctioned

Press release
Source: Heritage Auction Galleries

Kurt Cobain's 1953 Martin guitar.

Born out of the Seattle/Pacific Northwest area, grunge rock was a form of alternative music heavily influenced by punk, heavy metal, and indie rock that featured hard guitar riffs, heavy drum lines and a frequent use of guitar feedback and distortion. Songs typically explored such themes as teen angst, boredom, frustration and depression, all emotions experienced by the young musicians who embraced the genre. Deeply identified with the so-called "Generation X," the form came to the musical forefront in the early 1990s, led by Cobain and Nirvana (although early '80s band Green River is generally credited with creating the style), with the band's hit song, "Smells Like Teen Spirit," serving as the movement's unofficial anthem. Although the popularity of grunge has waned somewhat in recent years, its influences are still wide and far-reaching.

"Kurt Cobain was, without a doubt, the most significant figure in the Seattle grunge movement," said Doug Norwine, Director of Entertainment Auctions for Dallas-based Heritage Auction Galleries. "His broad range of musical interests, coupled with his incisive, expressive lyrics, made him a favorite of audiences looking for something new and different during the early 1990s, when 'glam metal,' typified by such bands as Mtley Cre, Poison, and Warrant, was on the way out."

"The grunge movement was short-lived," Norwine said. "A variety of factors contributed to its decline in the mid-'90s, not the least of which was Cobain's untimely death from a gunshot wound, discovered on April 5, 1994. However, the music of Cobain and Nirvana continues to exert a strong influence on musicians today, and Kurt's spirit is alive and well, with Nevermind continuing to top 'Best Album' lists worldwide."

"The interest in Cobain can clearly be seen in the dedication shown by his legion of fans," Norwine continued. "In April, 2006, we sold Kurt's Mark V model Mosrite Gospel guitar for an impressive $131,450. The bidding was fierce, and amply demonstrated the love that still remains for this landmark musician. Now, we're pleased to offer what many would consider an even more significant instrument, the 1953 Martin D-18 acoustic guitar that Cobain purchased while on tour shortly before the 1991 release of the seminal Nevermind. This 1953 Martin D-18 acoustic guitar was played regularly by him before being gifted to indie-folk rock musician and then-girlfriend Mary Lou Lord during their brief relationship. Cobain's first Martin D-18, he loved it so much that this became his favorite brand of acoustic. Mary Lou Lord played the guitar regularly (with the guitar strung right-handed - Cobain was a lefty) during her career, on tour and in the studio, and often shared the guitar with her pals Elliott Smith and Shawn Colvin."

"If this instrument could talk," Norwine said, "what stories it would tell. This is an important piece of rock history, and will no doubt be the prize in some faithful fan's collection."

"Also offered in this exciting auction," Norwine added, "are several other significant instruments, including a beautiful, all original 1975 standard point Alembic guitar -- the oldest model in their history -- owned by David Bowie's guitarist/bandleader/songwriting partner Carlos Alomar and was played exclusively by him on all of Bowie's world tours and recordings from 1976-2000, including the single 'Fame,' which he co-wrote with Bowie and John Lennon. Also featured in this auction is a Gibson ES 175D guitar custom-made for, and owned by, legendary progressive rocker Steve Howe. Additionally, we're also offering an intriguing lot of material from author, actress, and former Rock and Roll groupie par excellence, Pamela Des Barres, best known for her relationships with rockers and celebrities such as Nick St. Nicholas, Mick Jagger, Keith Moon, Jim Morrison, Jimmy Page, Chris Hillman, Noel Redding, Jimi Hendrix, Ray Davies, Frank Zappa, and actor Don Johnson. This lot features a vintage 1922 Gibson acoustic guitar that was purchased from a Kentucky pawnshop by Des Barres' aunt Mabel in the '30s and passed along to Des Barres in 1969. During subsequent years, this guitar was played by many of Pamela's Rock and Roll acquaintances."

"All in all, this auction should be an exciting one for anyone with any interest in popular music," Norwine said, "and I look forward to watching the excitement build!"

Heritage Auction Galleries will hold their upcoming Signature auction on October 6 & 7, 2006, at their headquarters in Dallas, TX.

Some of the instruments included in the October, 2006, Music/Entertainment Memorabilia Signature Auction:

Kurt Cobain's 1953 Martin Acoustic Guitar:
ESTIMATE: $65,000 & up

Carlos Alomar's Alembic Guitar with Case:
ESTIMATE: $20,000 & up

Elvis Presley's 1958 Isana Black Pearl Acoustic Guitar
ESTIMATE: $150,000 & up

Eric Clapton's Fender USA Stratocaster Guitar
ESTIMATE: $65,000 & up

Johnny Cash Used Guitar
ESTIMATE: $10,000 & up

Dimebag Darrell/Damageplan Signed Washburn Guitar
ESTIMATE: $1,500 & UP

Steve Howe's Custom Made Gibson Guitar:
ESTIMATE: $35,000 & up

Pamela Des Barres Guitar and Memorabilia Lot:
ESTIMATE: $20,000 & up

For more information about Heritage's auctions, and a complete record of prices realized, along with full-color, enlargeable photos of each lot, please visit www.HA.com.

Prospective consignors and sellers of Entertainment, Celebrity or Hollywood memorabilia are invited to www.HA.com/Entertainment and click on the "Sell Now" tab. Or simply email Doug Norwine at DougN@HA.com.

To reserve your copy of any Heritage auction catalog, please contact Nicole Jewell at 1-800-872-6467, ext. 272, or visit www.HeritageAuctions.com to order by email.