Gordon Lightfoot Forums - View Single Post - 1967 Gibson B45-12 sold at auction

charlene · 11-19-2024, 04:51 PM

It's staying in CANADA!!! (I will be posting all items/sale prices asap)

Canadian folk-pop icon Gordon Lightfoot’s 1967 Gibson B45-12 Sunburst, which appeared on the cover of his 1974 album, Sundown, has sold for $350,000 US following an estate auction by Heritage Auctions. ($488,400.00 CANADIAN approx.)

“Its final price certainly came as no surprise,” said Garry Shrun, Heritage’s Director of Entertainment and Multimedia in a statement. “Eventually, it went to a gentleman in the room who was sent to Dallas on behalf of several Canadian collectors who I met at the Lightfoot tribute at Massey Hall in May – and who are the coolest and loveliest people you will ever meet.

“We’re especially pleased the guitar will remain in Canada, where Gordon is revered as a national treasure.”

The 1967 Gibson was also an onstage favourite for Lightfoot, a native of Orillia, Ont., and upon which he composed ‘The Wreck of the Edmund Fitzgerald’ and ‘If You Could Read My Mind,’ making him a top ‘70s artist.

The Gordon Lightfoot Estate Collection Music Memorabilia Signature Auction took place last Sunday and its 136 lots took in $1,313,719 US thanks to the more than 1,250 bidders who participated worldwide.

A small, beat-up wooden desk upon which he did his best work no matter where he found himself was also popular with bidders and went for $16,250 US.

“We knew his guitars, his awards, his photos, his onstage apparel would resonate with fans and collectors,” said Shrum in a statement. “But we were especially amazed by the response to his small writing desk, which he hauled around in his car, took to the studio and jam sessions, and used to write some of his most beloved songs.

Other highlights included Lightfoot’s 2012 Songwriters Hall of Fame Award, which fetched $35,000 US, and a collection of 14 photos in which he’s joined by Bob Dylan, Johnny Cash, Tony Bennett, Kris Kristofferson, James Taylor and others that sold for $30,000 US.

“We were extraordinarily pleased with the auction results,” said Shrum in a statement. “It exceeded our expectations. You always hope for something like this. But it was perfect. And we’re thrilled to offer more from his collection in the December 8-9 Entertainment & Music Memorabilia Showcase Auction.”

More than 40 Lightfoot lots in that event are now open for bidding, among them the Recording Industry Association of America’s gold sales award presented to Lightfoot celebrating Sundown’s success.

Gordon Lightfoot's 1967 Gibson B45-12 Sunburst Acoustic Guitar, Serial # 045053. The Gibson B45-12 is a celebrated 12-string model known for its deep, resonant tone, ideal for the rich, layered sound that Lightfoot's music is known for. This particular guitar's connection to the Sundown album cover-one of Lightfoot's most successful records-adds incredible historical and sentimental value.
Having been used in numerous performances and photo shoots, this guitar was clearly a vital part of Lightfoot's musical journey.
For collectors, this guitar represents an extraordinary piece of folk music history. Its wear and visible repairs reflect the years of dedicated use by Lightfoot, offering a glimpse into the life of a professional musician and the tools he relied on. The under-bridge plate pickup modification enhances its functionality, showing that Lightfoot adapted this instrument for both studio and live settings. This Gibson B45-12 is not just a guitar; it is a legendary instrument with a direct connection to one of the most important figures in modern music, making it a truly rare and collectible piece.
Hard case included. Condition: Very Good.

11-19-2024, 04:51 PM	#1
charlene Moderator Join Date: May 2000 Posts: 16,001	1967 Gibson B45-12 sold at auction It's staying in CANADA!!! (I will be posting all items/sale prices asap) Canadian folk-pop icon Gordon Lightfoot’s 1967 Gibson B45-12 Sunburst, which appeared on the cover of his 1974 album, Sundown, has sold for $350,000 US following an estate auction by Heritage Auctions. ($488,400.00 CANADIAN approx.) “Its final price certainly came as no surprise,” said Garry Shrun, Heritage’s Director of Entertainment and Multimedia in a statement. “Eventually, it went to a gentleman in the room who was sent to Dallas on behalf of several Canadian collectors who I met at the Lightfoot tribute at Massey Hall in May – and who are the coolest and loveliest people you will ever meet. “We’re especially pleased the guitar will remain in Canada, where Gordon is revered as a national treasure.” The 1967 Gibson was also an onstage favourite for Lightfoot, a native of Orillia, Ont., and upon which he composed ‘The Wreck of the Edmund Fitzgerald’ and ‘If You Could Read My Mind,’ making him a top ‘70s artist. The Gordon Lightfoot Estate Collection Music Memorabilia Signature Auction took place last Sunday and its 136 lots took in $1,313,719 US thanks to the more than 1,250 bidders who participated worldwide. A small, beat-up wooden desk upon which he did his best work no matter where he found himself was also popular with bidders and went for $16,250 US. “We knew his guitars, his awards, his photos, his onstage apparel would resonate with fans and collectors,” said Shrum in a statement. “But we were especially amazed by the response to his small writing desk, which he hauled around in his car, took to the studio and jam sessions, and used to write some of his most beloved songs. Other highlights included Lightfoot’s 2012 Songwriters Hall of Fame Award, which fetched $35,000 US, and a collection of 14 photos in which he’s joined by Bob Dylan, Johnny Cash, Tony Bennett, Kris Kristofferson, James Taylor and others that sold for $30,000 US. “We were extraordinarily pleased with the auction results,” said Shrum in a statement. “It exceeded our expectations. You always hope for something like this. But it was perfect. And we’re thrilled to offer more from his collection in the December 8-9 Entertainment & Music Memorabilia Showcase Auction.” More than 40 Lightfoot lots in that event are now open for bidding, among them the Recording Industry Association of America’s gold sales award presented to Lightfoot celebrating Sundown’s success. Gordon Lightfoot's 1967 Gibson B45-12 Sunburst Acoustic Guitar, Serial # 045053. The Gibson B45-12 is a celebrated 12-string model known for its deep, resonant tone, ideal for the rich, layered sound that Lightfoot's music is known for. This particular guitar's connection to the Sundown album cover-one of Lightfoot's most successful records-adds incredible historical and sentimental value. Having been used in numerous performances and photo shoots, this guitar was clearly a vital part of Lightfoot's musical journey. For collectors, this guitar represents an extraordinary piece of folk music history. Its wear and visible repairs reflect the years of dedicated use by Lightfoot, offering a glimpse into the life of a professional musician and the tools he relied on. The under-bridge plate pickup modification enhances its functionality, showing that Lightfoot adapted this instrument for both studio and live settings. This Gibson B45-12 is not just a guitar; it is a legendary instrument with a direct connection to one of the most important figures in modern music, making it a truly rare and collectible piece. Hard case included. Condition: Very Good.