Such is the demand for musical memorabilia that two seemingly identical pianos, even in perfect condition, can have vastly different values if one boasts a notable history.
In December (2024), two historic grand pianos come up for auction, and both instruments have that magical provenance that will undoubtedly boost their value.
The “Layla” Piano
First up is the “Layla” Baldwin grand piano. Miami’s famous Criteria Studio purchased this instrument in the early 1960s, and it remained there for almost 40 years.
During this period it featured on albums such as Eat a Peach (Allman Brothers), Don’t Play that Song (Aretha Franklin), Saturday Night Fever (Bee Gees), Street Survivor (Lynyrd Skynyrd), and most famously on Layla by Derek and the Dominos. The piano is also known to have been played by Ray Charles. Celebrated music producer Tom Dowd called it “my favourite recording piano in the world”.
In 1998 Criteria was purchased by the Hit Factory and founder Ed Germano subsequently took possession of the instrument. Upon his death, his daughter Danielle became its owner and is the seller.
The piano was built by Baldwin in 1929 and remains in full working order retaining its classic rich sound. However, the instrument naturally enough, is quite substantially scratched.
Also included in the auction lot is a five-foot framed “Layla” display board, featuring the album cover, copies of session track sheets, session photographs, and an original “Layla” album signed by Tom Dowd. In addition, the original RIAA Platinum sales award for “Layla” was presented to Criteria Recording Studios.
The auctioneers are Eaton & Bressan of Bedford, New Hampshire, USA. Bids are now being accepted, and the auction closes on 4th December 2024.
Starting Bid: $50,000
Estimate: $100,000 – $150,000
Link to Bidding
* SALE RESULT: Item did not sell.
The Fleetwood Mac Piano
This Hamilton baby grand piano (serial no. 91477) was owned by Stevie Nicks. It was subsequently used by Christine McVie to compose several Fleetwood Mac tracks including Songbird (Rumours, 1977 album), and Sara (Tusk, 1979 album). Over the years it has also been played by Freddie Mercury and Elton John.
Back in the 1970s Nicks had the piano at her home and wrote most of her songs on it. In 1979 the instrument went out on the road with Fleetwood Mac – played by McVie. It continued to be used by the band on stage until around 1983.
Nicks’ friend Robbie Patton wrote Hold Me for Fleetwood Mac’s 1982 album Mirage. As payment, he asked Nicks if he could have the piano and she agreed. Patton subsequently worked with Freddie Mercury, Elton John and countless other recording artists. Many of whom used the piano in the studio.
The Hamilton Piano Company was part of Baldwin Pianos. Founder Dwight Baldwin’s middle name middle name was Hamilton. The piano would therefore have been made in one of Baldwin’s factories.
The Hamilton baby grand being auctioned was built in 1920. It has been refurbished, with Stevie Nicks’ permission, however the keys are 100% original.
The Stevie Nicks / Fleetwood Mac piano is now being sold by auctioneers Gotta Have Rock and Roll on behalf of Robbie Patton. The lot includes a letter of authenticity dated 2015, signed by Nicks, McVie and Patton.
The auction closes on 6th December 2024, and the results for both sales will be posted here.
Starting Bid: $50,000
Estimate: $100,000 – $200,000
Link to Bidding
* SALE RESULT: Item sold for $85,000.
Note: Some of the above provenance information and the featured photos were supplied by the respective auctioneers.