A guitar famously played by Eddie Van Halen during his 1982 and 1983 tours is set to be auctioned by Sotheby's, with an estimated value between $2 million and $3 million.

Inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2007, Van Halen is celebrated as one of the greatest guitarists in music history.

Photographs exist of Van Halen working on this specific guitar at the Kramer factory, showcasing his hands-on approach to its creation.

This Kramer model guitar, known for its striking black and white stripe design with red paint, draws inspiration from Van Halen's iconic 1975 'Frankenstein' guitar.

Mötley Crüe guitarist Mick Mars acquired the guitar from Leiren and utilized it for recordings, including the band's successful 1989 album 'Dr. Feelgood.'

The auction lot will include the guitar, a factory Kramer hard case, and a letter of authenticity from Mars, who hopes the new owner enjoys the instrument as much as he did.

Sotheby’s Managing Director Ian Ferreyra de Bone described the guitar as a rare piece of Van Halen's legacy, connecting two legends of heavy metal.

Eddie Van Halen, who passed away in October 2020 at the age of 65, is remembered for his revolutionary guitar techniques that redefined rock guitar playing.

Speculation suggests this guitar may have been used by Van Halen at the US Festival, where the band was paid $1.5 million, marking them as the highest-paid band at that time.

This auction is part of Sotheby’s Grails Week, a biannual event that celebrates high-value collectibles from music, film, TV, and comics, reflecting the growing demand for pop culture items.

The rising prices of authentic rock artifacts highlight a cultural shift, with collectible instruments now commanding values comparable to fine art.

This auction coincides with a trend where rock memorabilia has become a luxury asset class, particularly appealing to wealthy Gen X collectors.