Drums and guitars galore in rock 'n' roll musical instruments auction

Drums and guitars galore in rock 'n' roll musical instruments auction

WHAT a rare opportunity it is to have such a large collection of musical instrumentation in our Fradley Park saleroom and all from a single collector, writes Stuart Hay.

From the rarest through the usual to unusual amalgamated instruments, they’re all here and ready for some new owners to enjoy.

Drum kits from the 1962 to guitars and basses from the 2000s and more still.

Watch a preview with Richard Winterton on our You Tube channel

A collection accumulated over 50 years by a lovely gentleman as a professional and then semi-professional drummer our vendor purchased and, in the case of the drum kits and accessories, used and enjoyed. The guitars collected and extremely rarely used as it isn’t his instrument.

Let’s start with his favourites, the drums. The earliest is a lovely 1962 Rogers four shell drum kit refinished in Gretsch satin flame covering in almost immaculate condition, all you need are some stands and a snare drum and you’re off.

Need a snare? There are 15 to choose from, including a couple of Rogers Dynasonics, a Super Ten or a Powertone.

Don’t fancy Rogers, how about a Ludwig 400 or one of two Premier kits, 1960s or 2000?

There’s Mapex Steel Black Panther, a Mapex Deep Forest in maple and gold plate and for all you John Bonham and Led Zeppelin fans we have the iconic Ludwig Vistalite with moulded acrylic shells in a very vibrant clear blue, just like the one the aforementioned shed building genius used.

Auctioneer Richard Winterton tries his hand at the drums behind a Ludwig Vistalite kit similar to one used by iconic Led Zeppelin drummer John Bonham.

A more modern kit then, why not try a Gretsch stop sign ‘jazz’ kit – just three shells but what a kit in a walnut finish, almost as new.

Or try a collectable Humes and Berg cymbal case used by The Specials, complete with tour stencil on the edge, or two sets of Simmons drum synthesizers as well.

Talking of synthesizers we come to the rarest of rare – a Logan Electronic Piano String Synthesizer in a teak veneered case and housed in a black Tolex covered case for protection.

A Logan Electronic Piano String Synthesizer in a teak veneered case and housed in a black Tolex covered case for protection. Made between 1972 and 1983 in Italy, this example’s serial number 9729 identifies it as a pretty early one in lovely condition.

Made between 1972 and 1983 in Italy, this example’s serial number 9729 identifies it as a pretty early one in lovely condition.

Drums not your thing? Let’s try some stringed bits then. How about an early 1980s, the Dan Smith era, USA Fender Stratocaster Gold on Gold with a gold lacquered body and gold-plated hardware with the rarest of serial numbers CA 11522.

The 1980s Dan Smith era USA Gold on Gold Fender Stratocaster.

A fabulous guitar in amazing condition along with an iconic Tweed Fender case that looks like it has done its job protecting this gem.

From the same era and just as unusual comes a Gibson Custom Shop XPL Explorer in cream with boxwood edge binding and a very rock ‘n’ roll black stripe design on the top, black hardware including Kahler tremolo system and locking nut.

A 1985 Gibson Custom Shop XPL Explorer guitar with a cream finish, black detailing, Kahler floating tremolo and two Seymour Duncan humbucking pickups.

The sale contains more USA Stratocasters in the form of a 2000 cherry sunburst model with a Seymour Duncan humbucker at the bridge position, complete in a Fender ABS moulded case.

We can go handmade too, if that is your choice, with a Jamie Davey black Strat-shaped guitar full bore metal, adorned with a Floyd Rose licensed tremolo and locking nut – giving plenty of dive bombing action – and lots of raunch too by way of a pair of EMG humbuckers.

A sleek maple neck has 1984 Fender decals to the headstock and it plays like a dream.

The March 1 online-only auction from Fradley Park is a real feast for musicians.

There are also bass guitars including a 2006 USA Fender Precision bass, pictured above – this candy apple red cutie which looks like it has never been out of its Fender moulded ABS case, still with stickers, warranty and care cards inside.

Well that’s enough of my love affair with this amazing collection, now it’s your turn to check them out online and adore them as I have.

They will all on sale in our March 1 auction and able to view online a little earlier.

We are always happy to give you as much help, advise and answer any question you have about any of the lots in any of our sales either by phone or email – 01543 251081 or office@richardwinterton.co.uk.

For free virtual valuations on musical instruments and anything music related, email Stuart Hay directly on stuart@richardwinterton.co.uk.