Iconic Harmony Stratotone Guitar Once Owned by Brian Jones of the Rolling Stones Sells for $150,000 at Auction
The Harmony Stratotone guitar once owned by the late Brian Jones of the Rolling Stones has recently been sold at auction for $150,000. This iconic instrument was used by Jones on the band's early recordings and even played a role in teaching Keith Richards how to play. Despite its humble origins as a budget electric guitar, its historical significance led auctioneers to estimate its value at over $400,000. This sale follows a trend of high-profile guitars from the Rolling Stones fetching lower prices than expected at auction, such as Keith Richards' 'Some Girls' Telecaster.
The director of consignments at Heritage Auctions described the Harmony Stratotone as one of the most important instruments in rock and roll history, noting its distinctive tone on the Stones' cover of Chuck Berry's "Come On." This guitar holds sentimental value as the one Jones used to teach Richards, shaping the band's sound for years to come. Beyond its historical significance, the Harmony Stratotone features a unique design with a wooden bridge, trapeze-style tailpiece, and 'Hershey bar' single-coil pickups that offer a different sound from traditional P-90 pickups.
The guitar's neck is reinforced with steel, and its vintage aesthetic is complemented by the 'physics lab' graphic on the headstock. Known for its lo-fi charm and bolt-on hollowbody construction, the Stratotone H46 'Mars' model has been favored by musicians like Mike Campbell, Dan Auerbach, and James Bay for its distinctive sound and vintage appeal. While these guitars are typically affordable in the vintage market, their association with a Rolling Stone like Brian Jones adds significant value to collectors.
For more information on the Harmony Stratotone guitar and other vintage instruments, visit Heritage Auctions.