The Story of a Legendary Guitar: Stephen Stills' 1941 Gibson SJ-200

TLDRExplore the history and value of a vintage 1941 Gibson SJ-200 guitar owned by Stephen Stills of Crosby, Stills, & Nash. This iconic guitar, with its unique crack repairs and documented ownership, is estimated to be worth around $110,000.

Key insights

🎸The 1941 Gibson SJ-200 is considered the Holy Grail of guitars and is highly sought after by collectors.

🎶Stephen Stills, a rock icon, was a member of Buffalo Springfield and Crosby, Stills, & Nash, and his involvement adds significant value to this guitar.

💰The vintage Gibson SJ-200 without the association with Stephen Stills is valued at around $75,000 to $90,000, while his ownership can add another $20,000 to $30,000 to its worth.

🔍Careful inspection of the guitar reveals crack repairs and some refinishing, which is common for an instrument of this age.

🤝After negotiations, the guitar was sold for $85,000, a fair price considering its historical significance and Stephen Stills' ownership.

Q&A

What is the estimated value of the 1941 Gibson SJ-200 guitar?

The vintage Gibson SJ-200 without Stephen Stills' ownership is valued at around $75,000 to $90,000. With his association, it can be worth another $20,000 to $30,000.

Who is Stephen Stills?

Stephen Stills is a renowned guitar player and songwriter who was a member of Buffalo Springfield and Crosby, Stills, & Nash. He is considered an icon in the rock music industry.

What is the significance of crack repairs and refinishing on the guitar?

Crack repairs and refinishing are common for vintage guitars, especially those that have been played extensively. They do not significantly detract from the value but can add character to the instrument.

How much did the guitar sell for?

After negotiations, the guitar was sold for $85,000, which was a fair price considering its historical significance and Stephen Stills' ownership.

What is the value of owning a guitar owned by a rock icon?

The association with a famous musician like Stephen Stills adds significant value to a vintage guitar. It becomes a piece of musical history and an item of interest for collectors and fans alike.

Timestamped Summary

00:01Introduction: Landon visits Rick Harrison to sell a vintage 1941 Gibson SJ-200 guitar owned by Stephen Stills.

00:25Landon explains his passion for guitar collecting and his intention to sell the Gibson SJ-200 for a profit.

01:09Rick discusses Stephen Stills' influence and contributions to the music industry, making the guitar more valuable.

01:28Landon shows the bill of sale, signed by Stephen Stills, as evidence of ownership.

03:15Negotiations begin, with Landon initially asking for $110,000 and Rick offering $80,000.

06:00They settle on a final price of $85,000, and Landon agrees to sell the guitar.

06:47Rick expresses his excitement about the guitar and plans to sell it for a profit.

07:01Conclusion: Landon leaves with $85,000, ready to continue his guitar collecting journey.