Basslines & Boardrides

Welcome back to basslines and boardrides, today we’re going to talk about Jim Irsay’s estates record breaking guitar auction. If you guys don’t know Jim Irsay’s (primary owner and CEO of the Indiannapolis Colts) insane guitar collection was recently auctioned off, shattering the record for most expensive guitar THREE times in one night, THREE TIMES. Jim’s collection included some of the most well-known guitars in rock history, such as Kurt Cobain’s “Smells like teen spirit” mustang, Jerry Garcias “Tiger”, and David Gilmour’s “Black Strat”.

Kurt Cobain’s “Smells Like Teen Spirit” Mustang, is a 1969 left-handed Fender Competition Mustang in Lake Placid Blue. The guitar gained its fame after being featured in the iconic Smells Like Teen Spirit music video, the album later became the turning point for grunge music in the early 90s, defining an entire era. On March 12, 2026, the guitar was featured in the auction of Irsay’s collection selling for a whopping $6.9 million, making it one of the most expensive guitars ever sold.

Jerry Garcias “Tiger” is a custom guitar made by Doug Irwin and was used as Garcias primary instrument from 1979 to 1989. It’s known for its hefty 13.5-pound weight and unique design. A month before his death Jerry preformed his last show at Soldier Field in Chicago Illinois using this same guitar. This previous week it was sold for $11.56 million, breaking the second record of the night.

David Gilmour’s “Black Start” served as David’s primary guitar for years, defining the sound of Pink Floyds most renowned albums. Gilmour purchased the guitar at Manny’s Music in New York to replace stolen gear, the iconic black guitar was originally finished sunburst but later repainted black. The guitar was known for being a “work in progress” with nearly every part having been replaced except the body. The Black Strat has shattered all records for the world’s most expensive guitar, being auctioned off for a mind-blowing $14.55 million.

Curious to see where these guitars go next, I’ll keep you in the know.

Bass in my veins, salt in my hair, grip tape on my soul – Cate