A 1977 Martin HD-28 acoustic guitar, serial #393896, in natural finish. Owned and played by Freddie Mercury, legendary frontman for the British rock band Queen. The band have sold between 25 and 30 million records worldwide, propelled by Mercury’s soaring vocals. The band’s hits include “Killer Queen,” Somebody to Love,” “Under Pressure,” “Another One Bites the Dust,” “Bicycle Race,” “Radio Ga Ga,” “You’re My Best Friend,” and of course, “Bohemian Rhapsody.”

Played at home by Mercury, this HD-28 was a gift from Freddie to his manager and lover Paul Prenter. The included Letter of Provenance from Prenter, which identifies the guitar via its serial number, reads, “He had it at home and played it but said that I should have it.”

This Martin HD-28 features a 25.4” scale length mahogany neck, a 20 fret ebony fretboard with mother of pearl dot inlays, and chrome Grover tuners on the familiar Martin headstock. The body has a spruce top, rosewood back and sides, and an ebony bridge. The top is lined with Herringbone multi-ply binding, with multi-ply on the back along with a zig-zag backstrip. The neck block is stamped “HD-28” above the serial number.

This auction includes the original black Martin molded hardshell case with brown interior.


Queen, Guitars & Instruments