Ronnie Montrose

Auction via Julien's in 2013 after Ronnie's passing.

A 1965 Fender Stratocaster guitar, serial number L70612, owned and played by Ronnie Montrose and highly modified by him, including the addition of star inlays on the neck. Glen Quan did many of the other modifications on the guitar in the late 1970s. This guitar was purchased by Montrose in the early 1970s and was originally a burgundy mist color. It was repainted in 1974 and was the guitar used in the studio on the 1974 album Paper Money. It was also played on Montrose's later albums, Gamma 1, Gamma 2, and Gamma 3. The guitar was featured on the cover of BAM magazine and in various advertisements. Comes with the original hardshell case.

This guitar was auctioned off in 2013 via Julien's. One of the very first Baker B1 models, Ronnie Montrose named this guitar "The Beast." This 1997 Baker B1 guitar was Montrose's main stage guitar, built for him by Gene Baker. The 1 7/8" neck was custom made for Montrose. He toured with this guitar and played it at WestFest in 2009. He also played this guitar in the film Guitar Man as well as in the video "Ronnie Montrose - Live at the Uptown." It was the guitar he used on the last concert DVD and on the "Ronnie Montrose and Friends: 10x10" project that is to be released in 2014. It features a flame maple top and solid mahogany body and neck with a rosewood fingerboard. Includes a picture of Montrose with the guitar, a letter of authenticity from Gene Baker, a Custom Spec sheet, and a hardshell case."

Custom built for Montrose. It was auctioned via Julien's in 2013.

Ronnie Montrose's 2002 Baker BJ "Montrose" silver sparkle guitar played by and signed by the original Montrose members at the last Montrose reunion in Tahoe, California, in 2008. This is the guitar that Ronnie would use for the slide guitar portion when performing the song "Bad Motor Scooter." Includes a photo of Montrose with the guitar, a letter of authenticity from Gene Baker, a Custom Spec sheet, and a hardshell case.

PROVENANCE From the Collection of Ronnie Montrose

Auctioned via Julien's in 2013.

Ronnie Montrose's Epiphone FT85 12-string acoustic guitar, played by Montrose on all of the 12-string guitar parts on the album Paper Money in 1974 and on many of his other records. Serial number 152224. Natural finish, with added Sunrise pickup, input jack and truss rod cover that says "Ronnie Montrose." Includes a hardshell case.

PROVENANCE From the Collection of Ronnie Montrose

In the video "Montrose - Bad Motor Scooter," Ronnie Montrose can be seen playing a Gibson Les Paul Standard, which appears to be from the late '60s or early '70s.

In a live performance of "Paper Money & I Got The Fire" at the Midnight Special in 1974, Ronnie Montrose used the Gibson Collector's Choice #28 STP Burst. This iconic '58 Les Paul, once part of Montrose's collection, later became integral to Peter Weihe's renowned studio work in Germany. Gibson Custom has since recreated this legendary guitar in a limited edition of 300, complete with a USB containing a video introduced by Mrs. Montrose, chronicling its history with Ronnie. Each guitar also includes a Certificate of Authenticity and Ronnie Montrose commemorative picks.

Auctioned via Julien's in 2013. It was nicknamed "The Old Boy".

Ronnie Montrose's 1943 Gibson J45 acoustic guitar in sunburst. Owned by Montrose since 1968, this was his main acoustic guitar throughout his career. It was used as a backup guitar on the first Montrose album and was featured on the song "Connection" from his Paper Money album in 1974. The finish shows some checking, and there has been extensive custom work done to the guitar. CJ Hutchins did the fret work, Glen Quan did the structural work, and Hideo Kamimoto did finish work on the guitar. Includes a photo of Montrose with the guitar and a hardshell case.

Auctioned via Julien's in 2013.

Built for Ronnie Montrose by Gene Baker while he was still at Fender, this custom Stratocaster was painted by artist Michele Graybeal and was known as "Skinny." Serial number GB017. This guitar, one of Montrose's primary guitars for several years, features a "muscles and tendons" design on white with a Wilkinson tremolo and maple neck with maple cap fingerboard and locking tuners. Includes a picture of Montrose with the guitar, a letter of authenticity from Gene Baker, and a hardshell case.

PROVENANCE From the Collection of Ronnie Montrose

Auctioned via Julien's in 2013.

Ronnie Montrose's main performance acoustic guitar, a 2003 Taylor 712-CE flattop cutaway. It has a natural finish, Sunrise pickup, added input jack, an extra strap button hole, and no truss rod cover. Includes a hardshell case.

PROVENANCE From the Collection of Ronnie Montrose

Auctioned via Julien's in 2013.

Ronnie Montrose's 1992 Telecaster known as "Trigger" with a Parsons B Bender in sunburst, serial number RDM 1013, with a maple cap fingerboard. The guitar was modified by Gene Baker. This guitar was used any time Montrose needed a B Bender in the studio and onstage. Comes with a hardshell case.

PROVENANCE From the Collection of Ronnie Montrose

Auctioned via Julien's in 2013. It was modified from its original form, as can be seen in this Lab Series ad.

A Gibson Doubleneck electric guitar, model EDS 1275, owned and played by Ronnie Montrose, customized for him by Glen Quan and CJ Hutchins. Quan shortened the 12-string neck, and Hutchins replaced the rosewood fingerboards and did the finish. This guitar was featured in a Lab Series amplifier ad prior to being modified. Montrose acquired this guitar in the early 1970s. Comes with a copy of the Lab Series amp ad and the original hardshell case.

As stated on page 87 of the March 1980 issue of International Musician and Recording World, an Esquire was Montrose's main guitar for Open Fire. He later sold it to Carlos Santana in early 1980.

"On my solo LP I just used a little amp and a fuzz (tone). The main instrument I used was a Fender Esquire that I just sold to Carlos Santana." Montrose shrugs his shoulders. "I'm not into flash," he emphasizes.