Musical memorabilia enthusiasts are in for a treat this December (2024), as two grand pianos with rich histories are set to go under the hammer. Despite their similarities in appearance and condition, their storied pasts promise to significantly elevate their value.
The “Layla” Baldwin Grand Piano
One of the standout items is the “Layla” Baldwin grand piano, a piece of music history with roots tracing back to Miami’s renowned Criteria Studio. Purchased in the early 1960s, this piano served the studio for nearly four decades, featuring on legendary recordings such as:
- Eat a Peach (The Allman Brothers Band)
- Don’t Play That Song (Aretha Franklin)
- Saturday Night Fever (Bee Gees)
- Street Survivor (Lynyrd Skynyrd)
Most famously, Layla by Derek and the Dominos.
Additionally, music icon Ray Charles is known to have played this piano. Legendary producer Tom Dowd referred to it as his “favorite recording piano in the world.”
Following Criteria’s acquisition by the Hit Factory in 1998, its founder Ed Germano acquired the piano. After Germano’s passing, his daughter, Danielle, inherited the instrument and is now its seller.
Built in 1929 by Baldwin, the piano is still fully functional, preserving its signature rich sound. While it exhibits some surface scratches—expected for an instrument of its age—the accompanying auction items make this lot even more remarkable.
Included with the piano is a framed, five-foot “Layla” display board featuring:
- The album cover,
- Session track sheets and photographs,
- A signed original “Layla” album by Tom Dowd,
The original RIAA Platinum sales award for Layla, presented to Criteria Recording Studios.
Auctioneers Eaton & Bressan, based in Bedford, New Hampshire, are handling the sale. Bids are currently open, and the auction will close on 4th December 2024.
The Stevie Nicks Hamilton Baby Grand
The second highlight is a Hamilton baby grand piano (serial no. 91477) with an equally illustrious history. Originally owned by Stevie Nicks, the piano was later used by Christine McVie to compose several iconic Fleetwood Mac tracks, including:
- Songbird (Rumours, 1977),
- Sara (Tusk, 1979).
In the 1970s, Nicks kept the piano at her home, where she wrote many of her songs. By 1979, the instrument accompanied Fleetwood Mac on tour, with McVie playing it on stage until 1983.
The piano later passed to Robbie Patton, a friend of Nicks, as payment for writing Hold Me for Fleetwood Mac’s 1982 Mirage album. Patton, who collaborated with numerous artists including Freddie Mercury and Elton John, ensured the piano saw continued use in studios.
Originally manufactured in 1920 by the Hamilton Piano Company (a division of Baldwin), the instrument has been refurbished, retaining its original keys. The Hamilton name honors Baldwin founder Dwight Baldwin’s middle name, indicating the piano’s origin in a Baldwin factory.
The lot is being offered by Gotta Have Rock and Roll on behalf of Robbie Patton. It includes a letter of authenticity dated 2015, signed by Stevie Nicks, Christine McVie, and Patton.
Both pianos stand as timeless reminders of music history, ensuring their appeal to collectors and enthusiasts alike.
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