Elvis Presley Isana Guitar Hits the Auction Block!

Heritage to Offer Rare Instrument Formerly on Display at Memphis Museum

DALLAS, TEXAS: Elvis Presley will always be a true Rock-and-roll icon. One of the most popular entertainers of the Twentieth Century, Elvis left an indelible mark upon our cultural landscape, and the effects are still being felt today.

"Quality Elvis Presley memorabilia, like Beatles collectibles, always commands top prices whenever offered at auction," said Doug Norwine, Director of Entertainment Auctions for Dallas-based Heritage Auction Galleries. "Any Presley-associated items always garner interest, but memorabilia that the rock legend actually owned, treasured, and used, with clear documentation, are the 'gold standard' among collectors."

"Such an item is the 1958 Isana Black Pearl Acoustic guitar we're proud to offer in our upcoming auction," Norwine said. "This handsome jazz guitar with an arch top, mother of pearl headstock, pick guard, pearl inlays, and a rosewood fret board was hand-made by the German music company Framus in October, 1958, and purchased by Elvis while stationed in Bad Nauheim during his stint in the Army. One of less than 150 made that year, it is believed to be the only guitar used by him while in the service, and was pressed into service by him to serenade his future bride, Priscilla Beaulieu, whom he was dating at the time. Years later it passed into the hands of friends and was eventually used to pay for tutoring fees by one of Elvis' secretaries. It's been on display at the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in Cleveland, Ohio, and at the Rock N Soul Museum in Memphis, Tennessee, for the past two years."

"Isana guitars are exceptionally rare in their own right," Norwine continued, "and the Presley association makes this a true one-of-a-kind rarity. That this is a museum-quality piece is self-evident; I'm sure it's destined for an honored place in an important collection. Heritage is thrilled to be offering this wonderful piece of music history in our auction.

"For the discerning guitar collector," Norwine said, "we're also pleased to present several additional instruments. Eric Clapton, one of the most respected and influential musicians of the rock-era, has been inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame an unprecedented three times. Clapton forged a distinctive style rooted in Chicago-style blues -- two important details that make his 1979 black Fender Stratocaster (serial number S913684) super-desirable. A Gibson player for much of his early career, Clapton switched to Fender Strats under the influence of his Blind Faith bandmate, Steve Winwood, and was eventually honored with the creation of an Eric Clapton Edition Stratocaster, introduced by Fender in 1988. The Strat offered in our upcoming auction was one of three guitars that Clapton donated to the Hill Richards Auction House to raise money for AIDS research at a charity auction held July 7, 1991."

"In addition," Norwine added, "we're pleased to present a gorgeous blue Alvarez guitar that originally belonged to country music legend Johnny Cash. Johnny's wife, June Carter Cash, owned an identically matching guitar that was sold at auction two years ago. Our consignor, a personal friend of Johnny and June, was gifted this guitar, directly from Johnny Cash himself.

"Another guitar highlight," Norwine said, "is the specially designed custom 1967 Fender Telecaster with green natural-wood finish, owned and played by Tim Bachman of Bachman Turner Overdrive. Inscribed 'Keep on 'Takin' Care of Business,' this is the same guitar used on that classic recording, plus Backman used it on tours for years."

"Take my word for it," Norwine concluded, "this is an auction you don't want to miss. There are so many highlights in this event; there should be many thrills and excitement here in Dallas. I invite you all to join us."

Heritage Auction Galleries will hold their upcoming Signature auction on October 6 & 7, 2006, at their headquarters in Dallas, TX.

Elvis Presley's 1958 Isana Black Pearl Acoustic Guitar:
ESTIMATE: $150,000 & up

Eric Clapton's Fender USA Stratocaster Guitar:
ESTIMATE: $65,000 & up

Johnny Cash Used Guitar:
ESTIMATE: $10,000 & up

Tim Bachman Autographed Stage-Played Custom 1967 Fender Telecaster:
ESTIMATE: $12,000 & up

For more information about Heritage's auctions, and a complete record of prices realized, along with full-color, enlargeable photos of each lot, please visit www.HA.com.

Prospective consignors and sellers of Entertainment, Celebrity or Hollywood memorabilia are invited to www.HA.com/Entertainment and click on the "Sell Now" tab. Or simply email Doug Norwine at DougN@HA.com.

To reserve your copy of any Heritage auction catalog, please contact Nicole Jewell at 1-800-872-6467, ext. 272, or visit www.HeritageAuctions.com to order by email.