For more than five decades, the late Arthur “Skip” Maggiora, founder of the iconic Skip’s Music in Sacramento, played a pivotal role in shaping the city’s musical landscape. Known for his passion for music and education, Maggiora not only sold guitars to countless musicians but also created transformative programs like Stairway to Stardom for youth and Weekend Warriors for adults.
“Skip had a heart of gold,” said his son Creed Maggiora, reflecting on his father’s dual devotion to music and teaching.
That dedication to fostering music education was celebrated just days before Christmas, as 150 vintage guitars from Skip’s personal collection were auctioned by Heritage Auctions. The event raised an impressive $2,425,044, with all proceeds directed toward the music programs and youth charities Maggiora cherished.
The auction drew significant attention from more than 840 bidders worldwide, who competed for the rare and sentimental pieces in Maggiora’s collection. Every guitar, including Skip’s very first, found a new home by the time The Skip Maggiora Legacy Guitar Collection Charity Signature® Auction concluded.
“The response from the collecting community was incredible,” said Carolyn Mani, West Coast Director of Trust & Estates at Heritage Auctions. “We’re honored to present this extraordinary collection, especially knowing the proceeds will benefit Skip’s vision of promoting music education.”
Among the prized instruments, the centerpiece of the auction was a stunning 1954 Fender Stratocaster Sunburst Solid Body Electric Guitar. As a rare piece from the first year of the iconic Stratocaster’s production, it fetched an impressive $300,000.
“Great instruments naturally bring great results,” noted Aaron Piscopo, Director of Vintage Guitars & Musical Instruments at Heritage Auctions. “The exceptional condition of these guitars truly set this auction apart.”
Another notable piece, a rare 1955 Fender Stratocaster Metallic Green Solid Body Electric Guitar, realized $143,750.
The collection, which featured many instruments surpassing pre-auction estimates, included highlights like a 1953 Fender Telecaster Butterscotch Blonde Solid Body Electric Guitar sold for $75,000, a 1959 Gibson Les Paul Custom Black Solid Body Electric Guitar, and a 1963 Fender Stratocaster Sunburst, each fetching $68,750.
Other standout pieces included a 1956 Gibson Les Paul Standard Goldtop Solid Body Electric Guitar and Tiny Moore’s 1952 Bigsby Electric Mandolin, each selling for $62,500. Moore’s mandolin held deep sentimental value, once belonging to the legendary Western swing musician who played with Bob Wills and Merle Haggard.
Even guitars linked to rock legends captured attention: an Eddie Van Halen-signed and smashed Kramer EVH Prototype guitar sold for $35,000, and a circa-1981 Kramer Gene Simmons Axe Black Electric Bass Guitar fetched $8,750.
Skip’s enduring legacy resonates through the charitable impact of this auction. Joe Lamond, Trustee and President Emeritus of the National Association of Music Merchants, expressed gratitude to everyone involved:
“The journey of these incredible instruments from Skip’s personal collection to collectors around the world caps off the efforts of many dedicated people who loved Skip and wanted to see his vision of a more musical world continue.”
With the funds raised, the programs Skip founded will continue to inspire and educate young musicians, ensuring his love for music and teaching lives on for generations.
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