The Best Stratocaster in the World

The news broke last week that Rory Gallagher’s iconic 1961 Stratocaster is going up for auction in October.

Reportedly the first Strat to make it to Ireland, and bought by Gallagher for just under £100, it’s a huge part of Irish rock and roll history.

This guitar was a workhorse. Rory heavily modded it, swapped out the neck, and sweated the paint off. It spent the weekend being rained on in a ditch after being stolen from a gig.

It was always a tool of the trade. (See my video on it for the full story.)

And now its future will be decided in an auction at Bonham’s in London, with an estimated £1 million price tag.

Two rival crowdfunders have been launched. The first is by Sheena Crowley, whose father ran Crowley’s Music Shop in Cork and sold the young Rory the guitar. The second by Paddy Dunning, who wants the guitar for his Irish Rock ‘n’ Roll Museum, where it would be exhibited alongside guitars owned by Phil Lynott of Thin Lizzy. Paddy claims to have a Silicon Valley billionaire on side to contribute.

The Irish Government is also reported to be considering a bid to buy the guitar as an essential part of Irish history.

And of course, there will be celebrity buyers – with Kirk Hammett, Joe Bonamassa, Brian May, Johnny Marr, and The Edge all being confirmed fans with deep pockets – and the usual collectors, like Indianapolis Colts owner Jim Irsay.

I’ve always thought of myself as custodian of my instruments, rather than the owner. A quality instrument will outlive us all, and hopefully have an amazing legacy, that goes beyond what we achieve with it.

Rory’s guitar means a lot to many of us. He inspired a whole generation.

Whatever happens, I hope it remains in use, rather than locked away.

Mary x

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