THE GRETSCH “IRISH FALCON” ELECTRIC GUITAR SIGNED BY U2
A Gretsch “Irish Falcon” electric guitar signed by U2 from Bono’s personal collection comes up at Bonham’s in New York on March 27.
At Bono’s request, Gretsch built only ten “Irish Falcon” guitars to be used in U2’s Elevation Tour in 2001. This is one of the earliest such prototypes. The Irish Falcon has become Bono’s signature instrument for performing.
In 2003, MusiCares charity recognized Bono as their Person of the Year and held a tribute in his honor in New York. This guitar, signed by all four members of U2, was auctioned to benefit MusiCares that night.
The electric guitar, with laminated maple hollow single cutaway body and evergreen finish, comes with gold sparkle binding, maple neck and fretboard with mother-of-pearl humpback inlays.
It is signed “Bono 2007,” “Edge,” “Adam Clayton,” “Larry Mullen, Jr.” in silver permanent marker and estimated at US$180,000-220,000.