Fender Classic Stratocaster Black HSS Floyd Ex Gary Moore 1996

This is a genuine piece of rock history. This 1996 Fender Floyd Rose Classic Stratocaster once belonged to the late, great Gary Moore, who played it on stage. Finished in black with a maple neck, it was one of the main tremolo guitars Gary relied on throughout his 1997 Dark Days In Paradise European tour.

The provenance is superb. Gary played this Stratocaster all through that tour, and it can be seen in his hands in the 1997 Live At Montreux performance as well as on German television's Ohne Filter. On stage it featured on tracks including 'Out In The Fields', 'Over The Hills and Far Away', 'I've Found My Love In You' and 'Like Angels', the last of these famously including a passage of solo played with a screwdriver. The guitar was later sold at Bonhams in London on 28 June 2017 as lot 145.

The instrument itself is a USA built Fender Floyd Rose Classic Stratocaster from 1996, carrying the serial number FN208866 and a Fender 50th Anniversary decal on the back of the headstock. The alder body wears a black finish, topped with a maple neck and fingerboard with dot markers and vintage style tuners. The electronics follow an HSS layout, with two Fender American Standard single coils in the neck and middle positions and a DiMarzio PAF Pro humbucker in the bridge, all wired to a five way switch with a volume and two tone controls. A Floyd Rose double locking tremolo and locking nut deliver the expressive vibrato and dive bombs that were so much a part of Gary's sound.

As you would expect from a guitar that has seen real touring service, it shows its share of scratches and dings. There are no large paint chips or heavy lacquer wear, but it is clear that Gary put plenty of hours into this instrument. It comes in its hardshell Fender case, together with a Clip Lock strap, the original strap buttons, its Bonhams lot number and a TFOA Passport.

Owning a guitar played by one of the most expressive and revered guitarists of all time is a rare privilege.

This instrument has been carefully inspected for condition and playability, then set up to our Gold Standard by a luthier. We make sure it arrives in your hands exactly as it should: sounding its best, playing effortlessly and ready to be enjoyed from the very first note.