The "Black Strat" Becomes the World’s Most Expensive Guitar – Sold for $14.6 Million

David Gilmour’s legendary Pink Floyd guitar has been sold for a record-breaking $14.6 million (£11.5 million). This officially makes it the most expensive guitar ever sold at auction, according to Christie’s. The instrument was acquired by an anonymous buyer after an intense 21-minute bidding war in New York on 12 March 2026.

A Piece of Rock History

Gilmour played his 1969 Fender Stratocaster, famously known as the "Black Strat", between 1970 and 1983. The instrument was the backbone of iconic albums such as The Dark Side of the Moon, Wish You Were Here, and The Wall. The musician originally purchased the guitar in May 1970 from Manny’s Music in New York, after his previous black guitar had been stolen. In its original state, it featured a standard design with a light maple neck and a large headstock.

Constant Evolution

Over the years, Gilmour constantly experimented with the instrument. The guitar underwent over 10 major modifications and featured six different necks. One of the most famous additions was a unique mini-switch, allowing him to engage the neck and bridge pickups simultaneously—the secret behind that signature, ethereal "Gilmour sound".

A Legacy of Giving

This marks the second major auction for the "Black Strat". In 2019, Gilmour sold his personal collection of 127 guitars to support the fight against climate change, donating the entire $21.5 million proceeds to the charity ClientEarth. At the time, he stated: "The global climate crisis is the greatest challenge that humanity will ever face."

While this latest record-breaking sum of $14.6 million does not go directly to the musician, it benefits the foundation of the late Jim Irsay (owner of the Indianapolis Colts), whose massive collection of rock memorabilia was auctioned this week.