Elvis Presley's Iconic Hagstrom Viking II Guitar from 1968 Comeback Special Up for Auction at Sotheby's
An iconic Hagstrom Viking II electric guitar that was famously played by Elvis Presley during his 1968 Comeback Special is set to be auctioned by Sotheby’s. The Swedish-made semi-hollow-body guitar was used by Elvis on songs like “Blue Suede Shoes,” “Trouble,” and “Guitar Man” during the broadcast. It is estimated to fetch between $1 and $2 million.
According to Sotheby’s Music and Pop Culture Specialist Craig Inciardi, this guitar became a symbol of Elvis’ legendary comeback, marking a pivotal moment in his career. The image of Elvis dressed in his black leather outfit and playing this guitar resonated with fans, solidifying his status as the King of Rock ’n’ Roll.
Bidding for the online auction will open on April 9 and close on April 23. The guitar will be showcased at Sotheby’s New York Breuer Building from April 13 to 20. Unlike most of Elvis’ guitars, which were acoustic, this electric Hagstrom is known for its distinctive look and sound, making it one of the most iconic instruments associated with Elvis.
Originally, Elvis had planned to use a different guitar for the broadcast, but it didn’t match the set’s colors. Director Steve Binder and producer Bones Howe then asked session guitarist Al Casey if Elvis could use his cherry red Hagstrom instead. This guitar was only used once by Elvis and has changed hands through various private collections over the years, including a display at the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame from 1998 to 2000.
The upcoming auction follows the recent record-breaking sales of David Gilmour’s Black Fender Stratocaster for $14,550,000 and Jerry Garcia’s Tiger for $11,560,000. Both guitars exceeded their initial estimates by a significant margin. Given the historical significance of Elvis’ Hagstrom and its association with his iconic comeback performance, it is likely to attract considerable interest and potentially surpass expectations.