A SOLID-BODY ELECTRIC GUITAR, STRATOCASTER, 57V

Acquired directly from the CBS Fender UK warehouse in Enfield, Middlesex in early 1984, this guitar was one of two 57V Fender Stratocasters that were modified for use with the 1984 Roland GR-700 guitar synthesizer and has been specially wired to facilitate David Gilmour’s performance requirements. Fitted with EMG SA pickups, Gilmour selected this guitar for a short set as part of Bryan Ferry’s band at the legendary Live Aid concert in London’s Wembley Stadium on 13th July 1985. However, after a successful rehearsal and soundcheck, the guitar’s newly installed 5 way pickup selector switch failed a minute into the first song of the live set and Gilmour can be seen switching to his Candy Apple Red 57V (lot 56) in live footage of the show. Gilmour played about further with the modified guitar at his Hook End Manor studio before reverting to using a regular guitar.