Guitars used by icons have been some of the most valuable collectibles ever sold. Sure, it would be pretty cool to pick strings once strummed by Clapton or Cobain. But certain guitar models draw their high price tags from much more than “who” played them.

Last weekend, we stopped by Carter Vintage in Nashville. Carter is the definitive showroom for collectible, vintage guitars – and they’re happy to let browsers pull guitars with five-figure price tags off their walls and strum out a tune. We got a rundown of the world’s most valuable models, and pulled together a list of our favorites.

1958-59 Gibson Explorer: $800K - $1.2M

Remember when Marty McFly told the Hill Valley Class of 1955 that they weren’t ready for hard rock yet, but their kids would love it? Even though he played a Gibson ES-345 (ironically, a ‘58 model), he might as well have been talking about the Gibson Explorer.

H/t: Gibson Gazette

Decades ahead of its era in terms of both design and sound, the Explorer’s build was described as “ultra-modern” but consumers viewed it as downright bizarre. Only 22 were sold, and they were discontinued by the early-60s. In 1976, Lynyrd Skynyrd guitarist Allen Collins played a ‘58 Explorer on “Free Bird”, and the guitar quickly entered Rock God status… and, of course, reproduction. 

Explorers feature a heavier, full-bodied sound that brought them into high demand in the late-70s with the rise of hard rock: you can hear them on recordings by Metallica, Neil Young, and Dave Grohl. To this day, rock fans still debate the necessity of its design. Whether you consider it imaginative or gaudy, its memorable image coupled with its remarkable tone has made it an all-timer. Throw in the fact that only a few dozen original guitars exist, and the open market’s numbers are exponential.

1958 Gretsch White Penguin: $150K - $400K

The history of the White Penguin is riddled with mystery and conspiracy theories. We’ll probably never get any answers… which means intrigue (and demand) won’t subside any time soon.

H/t: Brian’s Guitar Shop

Only 50 White Penguins were originally produced, and Gretsch’s limited marketing pegged them as their third-tier model (the top two were big sellers, and therefore far less valuable today). This bronze-medal positioning is unexplainable, and had nothing to do with sound or quality. 

In fact, Gretsch didn’t even list White Penguins in catalogs. Was this an oversight? Self-sabotage? One popular theory is that White Penguins were actually custom orders by a handful of shops, never intended for wide production. Only a DeLorean time machine could provide a true answer.

Today, about twelve salvageable White Penguins are believed to exist, and their value is tied almost exclusively to their rarity and mystique. Nevertheless, they feature a trebly tone ideal for a number of styles (plus, sheesh… that’s a slick design). Remake models remain one of the most-popular custom requests at certified guitar shops.

1958 Gibson Les Paul: $80K - $200K

When you walk into any music store in the country, you’re bound to see a “cherry-red sunburst” Les Paul Standard guitar on the walls. Upon its initial release, its reaction was the opposite of the Explorer. Too old, too bulky, and too jazzy. Les Paul himself hadn’t had a hit record since the 1940s, and the sunburst Standard seemed to misfire with the young demographic.

Then the British invaded. Come the early-60s, young, fashionable rockers like Keith Richards – who was heavily-influenced by American jazz and Paul’s guitar playing – brought the Les Paul back into the fold. The guitar’s build is perfect for musicians of all sizes, hitting a “middleground” in terms of weight and shape. This makes it exceptionally comfortable to alternate between picking and strumming (at least, for this writer – although we promise that’s a popular opinion).

Keith Richards plays a ‘58 Les Paul Standard on the Ed Sullivan Show

Only 434 Les Pauls were manufactured before being briefly discontinued in 1960. Reproductions remain as popular as any model, but to own an original is to own the genesis of an icon.

1954-65 Fender Stratocaster: $20K - $45K

Session musicians at Carter Vintage favorited “Strats” as rock’s fullest sound – but their wide availability has hindered their price tag. However, Stratocasters remain a quintessential collectible guitar that set the standard for all electrics.

You might recognize its iconic design, which was significant for more than just looks. Strats were the first guitars to feature three pickups and a streamlined vibrato system. Translation: guitarists could play a wider range of sounds without straining.

H/t: ATB Guitars

In 1965, CBS purchased Fender and began using cheaper materials. They positioned the Jazzmaster as their flagship guitar, and Strats became derided in music communities.

Hendrix strums his ‘64 Strat (h/t: Gear4music)

That didn’t last long – in 1967, Jimi Hendrix put the guitar’s dynamic design to the test in “Purple Haze”, a perfect fit for his otherworldly ability. Stratocasters have remained a definitive guitar ever since, and pre-CBS models are sought-after both for playing and displaying.

1952-65 Fender Telecaster: $45K - $80K

Yes, that’s the guitar Springsteen held on the cover of “Born to Run”. It was also a favorite of George Harrison and Prince.

Springsteen shows off his original Telecaster, which cost him $180 (h/t: Music Radar)

“Teles” were the first solid-body electric guitar to gain widespread popularity. Solid builds lose a natural resonating “echo” sound you may know from hollow guitars (like acoustics) – but they’re also cheaper, and easier to maintain and modify. Leo Fender cracked the code for a solid-body with a strong sound in 1952, and Telecasters quickly became a standard for beginner and expert players alike.

Like Strats, Teles declined in quality once CBS took over in 1965, and models from the early 70s are particularly criticized in music communities. But because of their historic significance and popular sound, original models remain in demand. In this case, it’s about unused models. 1950s Teles with evidence of use can barely net $1,000 – but untouched models have crept into six figures.

“Sometimes the nicest thing to do with a guitar is just look at it” - Thom Yorke (Radiohead)

From rare, coveted treasures, to popular, highly-respected classics, the collectible guitar world ranges wide and far. If you’ve got one to share, don’t forget to post it on Mantel and tell us what it means to you.