Johnny Marr Guitar Collection Walkthrough Video at Christie's with The Music Zoo!
Posted on by Jordan Usatch
Join The Music Zoo as they take an in-depth look at the top guitars featured in the Johnny Marr Collection at Christie's; 1959 ES-355, 1982 Rickenbacker 330, 1984 Gibson Les Paul Standard, Roger Giffen Telecaster & More played throughout Marr's career with The Smiths, solo music and collaborations!
Watch The Music Zoo Walkthrough of the Johnny Marr Collection Video Now!
The Music Zoo gained up-close access to the Johnny Marr Collection coming up for auction at Christie's Auction House while it was briefly on display in New York City! Join us for a full-length tour of the top iconic guitars coming up for sale from one of our guitar heroes who used these guitars to write the biggest hits of his career with The Smiths, his solo work and many collaborations.
It was an incredible opportunity to see many of our all-time favorite guitars up-close, and just as important that we show them to you online if you weren't able to attend the public tours!
Johnny Marr's 1959 Gibson ES-355 Cherry Red
This is perhaps the crown jewel of the collection and the most valuable as a vintage guitar, even if it wasn't owned by a notable musician. This is a 1959 Gibson ES-355 in Cherry Red which was purchased for Marr by Sire Records founder Seymour Stein while The Smiths were in New York to sign their record contract with Sire Records. Marr went on to write hits such as "Heaven Knows I'm Miserable Now" and "Girl Afraid" on this ES-355.
Johnny Marr's 1982 Rickenbacker 330 Jetglo
Following The Smiths signing their first record deal with Rough Trade, Marr bought this 1982 Rickenbacker 330 in Jetglo. You can see this guitar on-stage with Marr for many performances, and hear it on songs like "This Charming Man" and "You've Got Everything Now".
Johnny Marr's 1984 Gibson Les Paul Standard Cherry Red
This is a 1984 Gibson Les Paul Standard in Cherry Red, bought by Marr as The Smiths went into the studio for the recording of "Meat is Murder". One would think its a Rickenbacker or any other guitar featured the most in Marr's recordings, but he has said it is actually this Les Paul.
Johnny Marr's 1977 Gretsch Super Axe
A wild choice for a Gretsch guitar, but quite significant for Marr and The Smiths, this 1977 Gretsch Chet Atkins Super Axe was the first guitar he played with The Smiths and used to record the song "Hand in Glove". It was also used for The Smiths debut live show on October 4th, 1982.
Johnny Marr's Roger Giffen Green Telecaster
Given to Marr as a gift from his then fiancee and now wife Angie as an engagement present. The guitar has an eye-catching green burst finish over birdseye maple for the top and back of the body with brass parts. You can see this guitar heavily featured on The Smiths TV appearances on Top of the Tops between 1984 and 1985.
Johnny Marr's 1971 Martin D-28
This 1971 Martin D-28 dreadnought was Marr's main six-string acoustic guitar and heard on many Smiths songs when an acoustic was needed. It served as his main acoustic for tracks such as "Cemetry Gates" and "There Is A Light That Never Goes Out"
Johnny Marr's 1980 Fender Nine-Pickup Stratocaster
This oddity is a 1980 Fender Stratocaster heavily modified with nine pickups with on/off and phase switches for each pickup along with a hardtail brass bridge. The guitar was purchased by Marr while hanging out for the first time with a young Noel Gallagher!
Video transcript
The Johnny Marr collection — Christie's auction preview
Jordan from The Music Zoo gets an up-close look at Johnny Marr's guitars heading to auction in London, September 2024.
