Gram Parsons Custom-Built David Russell Young Dreadnaught Acoustic

This acoustic guitar was custom built for Gram Parsons and used by him in the last year of his life. Due to a fire at his home shortly before his passing that destroyed most of his possessions, this guitar and a Gibson acoustic given to Keith Richards are the only instruments of Gram's known to still exist.

This is an ornate instrument, with an elaborate Tree of Life inlaid in the fingerboard and peghead, and the spruce top is framed in abalone trim. The back and rims are Indian Rosewood.

This guitar is currently on display in the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame Museum, where it has been for the past 5 years. It will not be present at the live auction, but will remain on display in the Hall of Fame until such time as the new owner chooses to remove it.

This lot includes an LOA from Gretchen Parsons Carpenter.

Gram Parsons is widely credited with bringing country music into pop and rock and roll, and paving the way for artists such as The Eagles. His influence can be heard and felt through his brief time in The Byrds, which resulted in their classic LP Sweetheart of the Rodeo, and through his friendship with Keith Richards, on the The Rolling Stones Exile on Main Street.