Eddie Van Halen’s Iconic 1982 Guitar Set for Auction: A Rare Chance!

## Eddie Van Halen’s Iconic Guitar Up for Auction

Nearly five years after his passing, a highly notable guitar belonging to Eddie Van Halen will be available for auction this fall. This auction, hosted by Sotheby’s, gives fans and collectors a chance to bid on a 1982 Kramer guitar that Van Halen famously used during performances with his band in 1982 and 1983. The guitar boasts striking black and white spray-painted stripes, reminiscent of Van Halen’s legendary “Frankenstein” design from 1975.

### A Special Gift and Unique History

According to Sotheby’s, Van Halen presented this guitar to his guitar technician, Robin “Rudy” Leiren, with a personal inscription. Eventually, Leiren sold it to Mick Mars of Mötley Crüe, who utilized it for the band’s *Dr. Feelgood* album. The current owner remains anonymous, a common practice in such high-value auctions.

### Display and Auction Details

Tomorrow, the guitar will be showcased in Monterey, California. Sotheby’s emphasizes that it will be the first time this iconic instrument has been seen publicly in four decades. The auction itself is slated for late October, with estimated bids ranging between $2 million and $3 million.

### Previous Sales and Rising Value

This auction isn’t the first time Van Halen’s instruments have hit the market. In late 2020, just two months after his death, three of his guitars sold for a total of $422,000 at Julien’s Auction. Notably, one of these was used as a prop in the “Hot for Teacher” music video.

The value of Van Halen’s guitars has clearly increased over time. In 2023, the original “Frankenstrat” featured in the “Hot for Teacher” video sold for an impressive $3.9 million, exceeding expectations by over $1 million.

What are your thoughts on the rising values of rock memorabilia? Would you consider bidding on an iconic guitar like this?