Julien’s Auctions presents its next renowned Music Icons sale with a two-day event showcasing over 690 lots of music history. Among the highlights are guitars played by iconic artists such as Eric Clapton, Eddie Van Halen, Kurt Cobain, Brian May, Noel Gallagher, Jimi Hendrix, and Bob Dylan, both on stage and in the studio.It stands as a dynamic tribute to the music and artistry that have defined and inspired generations.
A notable item for guitar enthusiasts is Kurt Cobain’s 1989 Takamine FP360SC left-handed electro-acoustic guitar, famously played during Nirvana’s 1991 Hilversum Sessions at Hilversum Studios—a joint effort between Dutch radio stations VPRO and VARA—earlier on the day of the band’s performance at the Paradiso in North Holland. As of May 25, 2025, this iconic instrument is attracting bids of $150,000 and is expected to sell for between $300,000 and $500,000.
This session is highly regarded by fans for its intimate, minimalist interpretations of songs such as “Where Did You Sleep Last Night,” presenting a rare contrast to Nirvana’s typically energetic electric performances and prominently showcasing the distinct acoustic qualities of the Takamine guitar. Although reports on the session’s exact length differ, only about 20 minutes of recorded material have surfaced so far — and you can hear it below.
Technical Highlights: What Sets This Guitar Apart
Built in Japan with precision and performance in mind, the left-handed Takamine FP360SC electro-acoustic guitar has a 25.5″ scale mahogany neck complemented by a bound 20-fret rosewood fingerboard with dot inlays. The headstock is finished with a mother-of-pearl Takamine logo and six chrome-plated Takamine-branded tuners. The body features a solid spruce top, rosewood back and sides, multi-ply binding, a black plastic pickguard, and a rosewood bridge with a bone saddle, dot inlays, and white bridge pins. Finished in a natural gloss, it includes Takamine electronics and comes in a protective hardshell case.
Auction Specifics and Supplementary Items
Wanna try and get your hands on this guitar? It’s being auctioned through Julien’s Live as part of their exclusive two-day event on May 30 and 31 at the Hard Rock Cafe in NYC, which you can also join online. It’s predicted to fetch a six-figure price. The lucky winner will also score a copy of the “Heavier Than Heaven” book, the “Serving the Servant” paperback, and that “Maximum Kurt Cobain” CD.
Are you ready to bid and own a piece of music history? Remember, back in 2019, Kurt Cobain’s iconic 1993 cardigan sold for a whopping $334,000—making this auction an unmissable opportunity for collectors.
