Featuring a snow globe and even a working thermometer, the bizarre climate change guitar played by Spinal Tap’s Nigel Tufnel is headed to auction
A unique Ernie Ball guitar played by Spinal Tap’s Nigel Tufnel is going under the hammer this month, and is expected to fetch up to £12,000.
The guitar was played by Tufnel (actor Christopher Guest) for the parody rock band’s gig at Wembley Live Earth in 2007. This special one-off event was no spoof, however, and was put on to raise awareness of climate change. Over 150 musical acts played in 12 locations around the world, including London’s Wembley Stadium.
READ MORE: “I play two hours a day. Three is too much, isn’t it?”: Spinal Tap’s Nigel Tufnel on the secret of guitar practice
As you can imagine for a guitarist who likes to crank things up to 11, the model is particularly wacky and even features a working thermometer. It also has a laser-engraved image of a burning planet Earth, control knobs in the shape of pyramids and ice cubes, and even hosts a snow globe containing a figurine of former US vice president Al Gore.
Based on the Silhouette 20th anniversary model from Ernie Ball, the instrument took over 1,200 hours to design and build. It’s now being sold by a private individual to fund his love of travelling the world to see his favourite bands play live, with Pearl Jam named as a particular example.
Auctioneer Luke Hobbs, who will be selling the guitar, says: “This is one of those weird and wonderful guitars that’s a delight to auction. It’s a genuinely unique instrument – and it always raises a smile.”
The sale will take place at Gardiner Houlgate specialist music auctions in Corsham, Wiltshire on Tuesday 9 June. The World On Fire guitar will be available for public viewing on Friday 5 June and Monday 8 June from 9am–5.30pm, as well as on the day of the sale itself.
Find out more via Gardiner Houlgate.
Credit: Gardiner Houlgate
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Source: www.guitar-bass.net
