The limited-edition Martin D-18E, made in 1959, became the world’s most expensive guitar, the most expensive acoustic guitar, the most expensive Martin guitar, the most expensive piece of memorabilia and most expensive NIRVANA memorabilia after Rode Microphones founder Peter Freedman bid $6,010,000 in a Julien’s Auctions sale on Saturday.

 

Afterward, Freedman said he planned to exhibit the instrument all over the world in an attempt to help the music industry recover from the coronavirus lockdown. “When I heard that this iconic guitar was up for auction, I immediately knew it was a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to secure it and use it as a vehicle to spotlight the struggles that those in the performing arts are facing and have always faced,” he explained (via Blabbermouth).

 

“For most, access to financial and health services — particularly mental health services — is very limited. While many industries are gradually returning to normal, it's going to take a long time before this industry can begin functioning as it was. The toll this has taken and will continue to take is enormous and requires more than just lip service. It requires action now, and I am a man of action.”