The World’s Most Expensive Guitars and How Your DIY Kit Tops Them All
When collectors talk millions of dollars, they’re usually referring to historic guitars owned by music legends. But while these guitars sell for record-breaking prices, there’s another kind of priceless instrument—the one you build yourself.
At Guitar Kit World, we believe that building your own guitar (or having someone build it for you) creates something far more meaningful than a high-priced collectible. It’s personal, unique, and filled with your story.
Why Are Some Guitars So Expensive?
The value of a guitar often depends on:
- Who played it and where (famous ownership or iconic performances)
- Its rarity and craftsmanship
- Condition, authenticity, and historical documentation
- The story that connects it to musical history
Here are 15 of the world’s most expensive guitars ever sold at auction.
The 15 Most Expensive Guitars Ever Sold
- 1959 Martin D-18E – Played by Kurt Cobain during Nirvana’s MTV Unplugged performance. Sold for around $6,010,000.
- 1969 Fender Stratocaster “Black Strat” – David Gilmour’s iconic Pink Floyd guitar, sold for $3,975,000.
- 1957 Gibson Les Paul – Owned by Duane Allman, known for legendary Allman Brothers recordings. Sold for about $1,250,000.
- 1961 Fender Stratocaster – Rory Gallagher’s road-worn favorite, fetched over $1,160,000.
- 1964 Gibson SG “The Fool” – Eric Clapton’s hand-painted psychedelic masterpiece, sold for $1,270,000.
- 1964 Fender Stratocaster – Played by Bob Dylan during his first electric performance. Sold for $965,000.
- 1954 Les Paul “Oxblood” – Jeff Beck’s heavily modified Gibson Les Paul, valued at about $1,329,000.
- Doug Irwin “Wolf” – Custom guitar built for Jerry Garcia of the Grateful Dead. Sold for $1,900,000.
- Fender “Reach Out to Asia” Stratocaster – A charity collaboration signed by legends like Clapton, Page, and Gilmour. Sold for $2,700,000.
- 1968 Fender Stratocaster “Woodstock” – Jimi Hendrix’s legendary Woodstock guitar, worth over $2,000,000.
- 1959 Gibson Les Paul “Greeny” – Owned by Peter Green, Gary Moore, and now Kirk Hammett. Estimated over $1,000,000.
- Doug Irwin “Tiger” – Another Garcia custom, sold for around $957,000.
- 1954 Fender Stratocaster #0001 – From David Gilmour’s collection, sold for about $1,815,000.
- 1935-38 Electro-Spanish Ken Roberts – One of the first electrics ever made, reportedly valued at $7,500,000.
- 1959 Gibson Les Paul Standard – A collector favorite, typically selling between $750,000–$1,200,000.
From Millions to Meaning: The Priceless Joy of a DIY Guitar
These guitars may be worth millions, but what if the most valuable guitar is the one you build yourself?
At Guitar Kit World, our builder community proves that passion and creativity can create something money can’t buy. Whether you’re building your first kit or your fifth, each project tells a story.
Guitar Building DIY Projects for Parents and Kids
A perfect bonding experience for families. There’s no denying music is a powerful force. It heals, inspires, and brings people together. And when it comes to family, building something musical together takes that bond even deeper.
Few activities combine creativity, learning, and collaboration quite like building a DIY guitar kit. Whether it’s sanding and staining the wood, wiring the pickups, or adding personal touches like family handprints, each moment becomes a memory in the making.
DIY guitar kits make it possible for parents and kids to experience that connection without needing special tools or advanced woodworking skills. The process teaches patience, attention to detail, and the joy of creating something that truly lasts together.
Read more: Guitar Building DIY Projects for Parents and Kids
A One-of-a-Kind DIY Guitar Gift for His Father
For Lucas Payne, building his TE-style DIY guitar kit wasn’t just a personal project, it was a heartfelt gift for his dad.
Lucas chose a striking quilted maple top and finished it in a deep, vibrant purple. The result is a head-turning instrument that blends classic Tele style with bold, modern character.
Lucas Payne with his one-of-a-kind DIY guitar gift for his dad
Here’s what Lucas had to say about his experience:
“Beautiful guitar kit. The kit was great, everything was almost perfect. Almost. Wish the veneer was a tad bit thicker but I understand their cost savings. Neck pocket is bigger than a Fender branded neck so don’t expect it to fit perfectly — you’ll need to make some adjustments but that’s not an issue if you’re using the kit neck. All in all, my project came out beautifully. And my dad loved his gift.”
This build shows what makes DIY guitars so meaningful, not just the finished product, but the thought, care, and love poured into each step. Whether you’re building for yourself or a loved one, the process becomes a gift in itself.
SAU Students Turn Blocks of Wood into One-of-a-Kind Instruments
At Southern Arkansas University, students in ART 4073 took on an extraordinary challenge, transforming plain blocks of wood into playable electric guitars. Over a 17-week semester, each student designed, shaped, finished, and assembled a completely unique instrument from a DIY guitar kit.
source: https://photos.saumag.edu/p159412544
The result? A stunning collection of one-of-a-kind guitars now featured at SAU’s Electric Guitar Exhibit. From bold artistic statements to refined classic designs, every guitar reflects its builder’s creativity and craftsmanship.
Source: https://photos.saumag.edu/p250553311/h2a457187#h32374db1
This project shows what can happen when imagination meets hands-on learning, proving once again that a guitar’s true value lies in the story behind it. Read the full article here: SAU Students Turn Blocks of Wood into Guitars.
Ken and Tami: A Story That Defines “Priceless”
Some guitars aren’t built for fame or auction. They’re built from love and determination. Take Ken and his daughter Tami, for example.
Tami was born with Cornelia de Lange syndrome (CdLS), a rare genetic disorder that made her non-verbal. But Ken noticed something others didn’t: she lit up when she felt rhythm. Determined to help her express herself, he built a makeshift guitar from a cigar box and paired it with a simple foot drum.
Tami and Ken with their DIY guitar
When he handed it to her, something remarkable happened. Tami strummed and stomped in rhythm, instantly showing a potential that others had overlooked. That moment sparked not just a passion, but a mission. Ken began building guitars some from discarded archtops, others from coffee cans and license plates and sending them out into the world. With every build, Tami’s story spread further, carried by the music of artists who played them. Read the full story: Ken and Tami’s Junkpile Guitars
Jason’s Epoxy DIY Guitar Kit Build
At Guitar Kit World, we love seeing how builders take a standard DIY kit and turn it into something completely unique. Jason Hanson, a first-time guitar builder, did exactly that combining woodworking, epoxy art, and one of our T-style DIY guitar kits to create a stunning custom instrument.
Images and videos courtesy of Jason
Jason usually works with epoxy river tables, but this was his first guitar build. With the solid foundation of our beginner-friendly kit, he focused on creativity while learning the essentials of guitar assembly.
What makes this build special:
- Epoxy River Design: Jason poured a vivid blue epoxy “river” into the guitar body, creating an artistic, one-of-a-kind centerpiece.
- Engraved Symbol: A hand-carved emblem on the body reflects his craftsmanship and personal touch.
- Custom Headstock Shaping: Instead of using the standard headstock, he carved his own sleek design for a fully personalized look.
- DIY Kit Foundation: With all essential parts included — body, neck, hardware, and electronics — Jason could focus on creative customization.
He shared his experience with us:
“As someone who normally makes epoxy river tables and crafts, this was my first guitar build and this kit was delivered quickly & was easy to follow the directions. Would definitely recommend others use these kits to build their own custom builds.”
The result is a playable, visually striking electric guitar that perfectly blends artistry and function proof that a bit of imagination and a quality DIY kit can go a long way. Read the full story: Jason’s Epoxy DIY Guitar Kit Build
Scott’s First DIY Guitar Build
For Scott from SJ Woodshop, building his first guitar was more than just a project. It was a personal challenge. Starting with a Blank DIY Guitar Kit, he set out to create something that reflected his craftsmanship, creativity, and love of woodworking.
Images and videos courtesy of Scott (@scottjabbwoodshop)
As a skilled woodworker, Scott was comfortable with tools, but building a guitar added an entirely new layer of precision and artistry. He didn’t just assemble parts — he reshaped the body, added contrasting wood inlays, and even turned his own custom knobs on the lathe. To finish it off, he engraved his SJ Woodshop logo into the back of the guitar, making the build truly his own.
The result is a bold, elegant TE-style guitar with striking natural wood contrast and handcrafted details. It’s a perfect example of how a DIY guitar kit can become a personal statement piece, not just an instrument.
Scott shared his build journey and final results on Instagram (@scottjabbwoodshop), inspiring other first-time builders to take the leap. Read the full story: Scott’s First DIY Guitar Build.
Wood Carved Kit Guitar by Nikolas Rocha
This incredible carved wood guitar body by Nikolas Rocha shows what happens when craftsmanship meets creativity. Using intricate geometric carving, Nikolas transformed a standard DIY kit into a piece of playable art. Each line and pattern gives depth and movement, a reminder that guitars can be both instruments and sculptures.
Wood carved kit guitar by Nikolas Rocha
If this inspires you to try advanced woodworking on your own DIY guitar, now’s the time to start. Shop for some quality luthier tools, study carving techniques, and learn more about woodwork. You’ll be amazed how much easier and more enjoyable guitar building becomes once you’ve mastered the basics of working with wood.
Ready to begin your own DIY guitar journey? Explore kits, parts, and guides at Guitar Kit World and create something that’s uniquely yours.
Why DIY Guitars Are Truly Priceless
1. Every Build Tells a Story: No two DIY guitars are ever the same, each one carries the fingerprints, choices, and dedication of its maker. From that first sanding pass to the final setup, you’re creating something no factory could ever reproduce.
2. Built with Heart, Not Just Hands: When you build alongside family, friends, or students, you’re crafting more than wood and wire, you’re building connection. Every shared moment in the workshop becomes part of the instrument’s history.
3. Creative Freedom Without Limits: You control every decision, from tonewoods and contours to finish and hardware. Whether it’s a classic build or something completely out of the box, it’s your design, your craft, your signature.
Conclusion
Sure, million-dollar guitars have their place in music history. But your DIY kit guitar carries something far rarer. Your story, your effort, and your passion.
Start your journey today. Explore DIY kits, tools, and inspiration at Guitar Kit World, where every builder creates something truly priceless.
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