The guitar Jason Becker received as a gift from Eddie Van Halen has sold at auction for $110,000.
Becker, who was diagnosed with ALS in 1989, decided to part with the instrument to raise money for his ongoing care, which costs more than $100,000 annually.
The guitar, gifted to Becker by Van Halen in 1996, was auctioned at New York City-based auction house Guernsey’s. It was signed by Van Halen with the message: “Jason. We will play guitar together in the future. Love – from heart to your soul. Eddie Van Halen, ’96.” The guitar also features Becker’s thumbprint on the rear of the neck.
On Monday (December 18), Jason posted the following message on social media: “My family, Team Becker, and I want to express our deepest gratitude to everyone who helped spread the word about the auction. Your support means the world to us. The overwhelming love we receive is an incredible gift. In the upcoming year, I’m excited to share new music and other exciting projects with you. Each and every one of you deserves to know how genuinely grateful I am for your unwavering support. It’s because of all of you that I’m able to bring the music I envision to life and share it with you.”
The auctioneers had previously estimated the guitar would sell for between $300,000 and $400,000.
