Prince's iconic yellow Cloud 3 guitar to be auctioned for estimated $600,000
The late star used the guitar at the height of his career, during tours for classic records including 'Purple Rain'
One of Prince's most iconic guitars, used on stage at the height of his fame in the '80s and '90s, is to be auctioned later this month.
The yellow Cloud 3 guitar was used by the late star during tours for classic records such as 'Purple Rain', 'Parade', 'Sign O' The Times', 'Lovesexy' and 'Diamonds And Pearls'. It's estimated to be sold for anywhere between $400,000 and $600,000, though if it does exceed that upper estimate, it could become the most expensive of Prince's old guitars to be sold at auction.
The previous highest-selling guitar belonging to Prince was a blue teal Cloud model, which went for $700,000 in 2017.
The yellow Cloud 3 was previously sold by auction house Christie's almost two decades ago for £4,200. It had been listed at that time for £59,000, but was sold for a significant lower amount because it had not been verified as one of Prince's original Cloud guitars used during the '80s and '90s.
California-based auction house Julien's has since clarified its authenticity by carrying out a CT scan and interviewing its original luthier, Dave Rusan. The guitar is still fully playable. Julien's had previously auctioned the guitar in 2020 for $563,000.
"Julien's Auctions has laid the groundwork for the return of Prince's Cloud 3 guitar, exemplified by our longstanding commitment to honouring his legacy," David Goodman, the auction house's chief executive said. "Our company proudly stands by our proven track record in sourcing and presenting instruments of unparalleled historical significance, and Prince's Cloud 3 now joins this esteemed category."
The auction will take place at the Hard Rock Cafe in Times Square, New York between 29th and 30th May.
Find out more about the item and auction here.
In 2022, a rare promo cassette copy of Prince's The Black Album was sold at auction.
Two years before that, the Yamaha DX7 synth used on Purple Rain was put up for sale.
