Episode 6: Inside the collection
What makes a guitar worth as much as a house?
May. 5, 2019
Even if you don't know guitarist Jim Peterik, you certainly recognize one of his riffs. As the guitarist in Survivor, he was known for hit songs like "Eye of the Tiger," including that iconic, chugging opening heard in the Rocky films. Peterik's rock cred also stretches to his work with .38 Special and the Ides of March.
His collection of 193 guitars contains some true rarities, including some of the earliest models of electric guitars, with some individual instruments in the six figures.
Let's pick and strum our way through highlights of this rockin' collection. Dan Orkin, content director for Reverb, one of the premier marketplaces for vintage music gear, was on hand to appraise Jim’s collection.
1. 1958 Gibson Flying V Guitar
Appraised value: $300,000
Gibson tried to go futuristic and beat Fender at their own game in the 1950s with these, but they did not catch on at first, and only 92 were made.
2. 1958 Les Paul Guitar
Appraised value: $90,000
This "holy grail" guitar comes from what is considered the peak year for American guitar manufacturing. Jim never plays it, so it has no wear on the back.
3. 1968 Les Paul Gold Top Guitar
Appraised value: $16,000
This guitar was used to record the Ides of March's 1970 hit "Vehicle."
4. 1968 Everly Brothers Acoustic Guitar
Appraised value: $10,000
Jim purchased this acoustic from someone in the Sanitation Department for a mere $250.
5. Wandre Guitar
Appraised value: $6,000
While it may not be the most expensive, this 1960s Italian model holds a special place as Jim's first ever electric guitar, purchased for him by his parents.
6. Sunburst Les Paul Guitar with Custom Tiger-Painted Body
Appraised value: $5,000
Jim's main stage guitar was customized by Marty Bell and embodies the No. 1 hit from Rocky III, "Eye of the Tiger."
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