For guitar aficionados, the name Jim Irsay is synonymous with rare and valuable guitars.
From his 1927 Gibson L-5 to his 1959 Les Paul Standard, the Indianapolis Colts owner and avid guitar collector is known for having some of the worlds most valuable guitars.
In this article, well take an in-depth look at Irsays collection, exploring the origins and stories behind each of his instruments.
Well also discuss his custom guitars, crafted with a combination of modern technology and traditional craftsmanship.
So, lets explore what makes Jim Irsays guitar collection so special.
Table of Contents
Short Answer
Jim Irsay, owner of the Indianapolis Colts, is known for his vast collection of guitars.
He has stated that he owns over 300 guitars, including some rare models such as a 1959 Les Paul and a 1962 Fender Stratocaster.
He also owns a few custom-made guitars designed by famous luthiers such as Tom Anderson and John Suhr.
Irsay’s collection also includes several electric and acoustic models from popular guitar brands such as Gibson, PRS, and Fender.
Jim Irsay’s Rare and Valuable Collection
Jim Irsay, the owner of the Indianapolis Colts, has quite the impressive guitar collection.
He is reported to own over 1,000 guitars, with some of them being quite rare and valuable.
In fact, some of his guitars are so rare that they can be considered works of art.
His collection includes a 1927 Gibson L-5, a 1954 Fender Stratocaster, a 1957 Gretsch White Falcon, a 1959 Les Paul Standard, a 1964 Fender Jazzmaster, and a 1965 Gibson ES-335.
He also owns a number of custom-made guitars, including a Paul Reed Smith, a Schecter, and a Fender.
His collection also includes a variety of acoustic guitars.
Irsay is passionate about guitars and takes great care of his collection.
Each instrument is lovingly maintained and played regularly.
He has been known to bring some of his guitars to concerts and events.
He was even featured on the cover of Guitar Aficionado magazine, showing off his impressive collection.
Irsay’s collection is an impressive mix of classic and modern instruments.
His rare and valuable guitars are prized for their sound, craftsmanship, and history.
It’s clear that he has a deep appreciation for the instrument and the music it creates.
He often talks about the joy of playing and collecting guitars, and the importance of preserving and protecting them.
He has even donated some of his guitars to charity auctions to benefit worthy causes.
Irsay’s collection is a testament to his passion and love for the instrument.
It’s a reminder that even the most successful people can still find joy in the simple things.
He’s an inspiration for aspiring guitarists everywhere!
1927 Gibson L-5
Jim Irsay is a legendary guitar collector, and his prized possession is his 1927 Gibson L-5.
This vintage guitar was made in 1927 and is a highly sought-after instrument.
It’s an archtop guitar with a carved spruce top and maple back and sides, giving it a unique sound and look.
The guitar has a 25.5-inch scale length, a single-cutaway body, and a five-piece neck with a bound rosewood fretboard.
It also features two P-90 pickups and an adjustable bridge.
The Gibson L-5 is a favorite among jazz guitarists due to its warm, mellow tones.
Irsay has used his 1927 Gibson L-5 to great effect, playing it on several albums and live performances.
The guitar has also been featured in a number of documentaries, including the 2005 film “The Great Guitars”.
Irsay’s Gibson L-5 is an iconic instrument and has become an important part of his collection.
He has taken great care to ensure the guitar remains in pristine condition, and it’s easy to see why.
It’s a valuable piece of musical history, and Irsay is fortunate to own such an amazing instrument.
1954 Fender Stratocaster
Jim Irsay’s 1954 Fender Stratocaster is one of the most iconic guitars in his massive collection.
It is a rare and highly sought after instrument, with rich history and character.
It was the original Stratocaster model released by Fender in 1954, and is one of the most iconic guitars ever made.
It features a classic single-coil pickup design, alder body, maple neck, and the classic tremolo bridge.
It has a classic sunburst finish and is considered to be one of the most iconic guitars of all time.
This particular model is highly sought after by collectors and guitarists alike.
It has been played by some of the greatest guitarists of all time, including Jimi Hendrix, David Gilmour, and Eric Clapton.
This guitar has a rich sound, capable of producing a range of tones, from smooth blues to hard rock.
It is a versatile and reliable instrument that can be used in almost any style of music.
Jim Irsay’s 1954 Fender Stratocaster is a rare and valuable instrument.
It is a testament to the craftsmanship and quality of Fender guitars, and is sure to be a prized possession in Irsay’s collection.
This guitar is a reminder of the rich history of Fender and the impact that it has had on the guitar world.
1957 Gretsch White Falcon
The 1957 Gretsch White Falcon is a classic guitar from the renowned Gretsch company.
It is considered to be one of the most iconic guitars of all time, and it is no surprise that Jim Irsay, the owner of the Indianapolis Colts, has one in his vast collection.
This classic guitar features a unique design with a white finish, a curved pickguard, and big block fret markers.
The body of the guitar is made from laminated maple and the neck is constructed from mahogany.
It has two single-coil pickups and a Bigsby vibrato tailpiece, which give it a classic sound.
Additionally, the guitar has a 3-way selector switch and a master volume and tone control.
The 1957 Gretsch White Falcon is highly sought-after due to its unique look and classic tone.
It has been used by a number of famous musicians, including Bob Dylan, Keith Richards, and George Harrison.
The guitar has also been featured in many classic rock songs, such as The Beatles A Hard Days Night and Day Tripper, as well as Led Zeppelins Stairway to Heaven.
The 1957 Gretsch White Falcon is truly a legendary instrument, and it is no surprise that Jim Irsay is proud to have it in his collection.
1959 Les Paul Standard
The 1959 Les Paul Standard guitar is a classic in the world of guitar collecting.
It has been described as one of the best sounding electric guitars of all time.
With its iconic shape, distinctive tone, and vintage look, the 1959 Les Paul Standard is a coveted piece of guitar history.
The 1959 Les Paul Standard guitar features a solid mahogany body and neck with a maple top.
This construction gives the guitar its rich, warm tones.
It also features two single-coil pickups, a three-way pickup selector switch, and two volume and two tone controls.
The guitar has a chrome-plated tune-o-matic bridge and a pair of open-coil humbuckers, making it ideal for a variety of genres, from jazz to rock and blues.
Jim Irsay owns a pristine example of this iconic guitar.
It is one of the most sought-after guitars in the world and has been valued at over $100,000.
Irsay reportedly keeps the guitar in a custom-made glass case.
The 1959 Les Paul Standard is a timeless instrument that is still highly sought after by guitar collectors.
It is a testament to its quality and versatility that it is still being played today.
Irsay’s 1959 Les Paul Standard is a true work of art and a testament to his love for guitars.
1964 Fender Jazzmaster
The 1964 Fender Jazzmaster is one of Jim Irsay’s most prized guitar possessions.
The Jazzmaster is considered to be one of the most iconic electric guitars of the 20th century, and is known for its unique sound, design, and playability.
The Jazzmaster was the first guitar to feature a floating tremolo bridge and a wider range of tones.
It was designed with the surf-rock sound of the 1960s in mind, and its combination of single-coil pickups and a distinctive bridge design make it a versatile instrument that is perfect for a variety of genres.
The 1964 Fender Jazzmaster that Irsay owns is an original, vintage instrument that is in pristine condition.
It has a sunburst finish and a rosewood fingerboard with clay dot inlays.
The guitar features a unique combination of two single-coil pickups, a lead pickup in the bridge position and a rhythm pickup in the neck position.
This combination allows for a range of tones, from bright and twangy to warm and mellow.
The guitar also features a three-way switch, a master volume knob, and two tone knobs.
The floating tremolo bridge system allows for a range of vibrato effects, and the classic Jazzmaster tone is perfect for everything from jazz and blues to rock and funk.
Jim Irsay is known to have a great appreciation for vintage guitars, and his 1964 Fender Jazzmaster is a fitting example of his passion.
With its classic looks and unique sound, it is no wonder that this guitar is one of Irsays most prized possessions.
1965 Gibson ES-335
Jim Irsay’s 1965 Gibson ES-335 is one of the most iconic guitars in his collection.
It is a semi-hollow body guitar with a classic look and sound.
It has two humbucker pickups and is made of laminated maple with a mahogany center block.
The fretboard is rosewood and the neck is bound with an ebony stripe.
It has a Tune-o-matic bridge, a set of Kluson tuners, and a trapeze tailpiece.
Irsay’s ES-335 is an incredibly versatile instrument, capable of producing a variety of tones.
It is perfect for rock, blues, jazz, and even country music.
Its warm, mellow tone is particularly well-suited for blues and jazz.
The ES-335 is also known for its sustain, which produces a unique ringing sound.
Irsay’s Gibson ES-335 is a true testament to the craftsmanship and quality of the Gibson brand.
It is a classic guitar that will continue to be enjoyed by guitarists for generations to come.
Jim Irsay’s Custom Guitars
Jim Irsay is a passionate guitar collector and is known to own over 1,000 guitars, many of which are rare and valuable.
Among his collection are some custom-made guitars, including a Paul Reed Smith, a Schecter, and a Fender.
Each of these custom-made guitars was crafted specifically for Irsay, and they represent some of the finest instruments available.
The Paul Reed Smith guitar is a unique and eye-catching instrument.
It features a flame maple top and a mahogany body, giving the guitar a unique look and feel.
Irsay’s Schecter guitar is a six-string electric with a maple neck and a solid mahogany body, giving it a classic sound.
Finally, Irsay’s Fender guitar is a custom-made Telecaster with an ash body, a maple neck, and a rosewood fretboard, providing a unique sound and feel.
Each of Irsay’s custom-made guitars has been crafted to exacting standards and have been designed to reflect the owner’s personal style.
Irsay’s guitars are unique and represent some of the finest instruments available.
They are a testament to his passion for guitar collecting and his commitment to owning the best instruments possible.
Final Thoughts
Jim Irsay’s impressive guitar collection is a testament to his passion for music.
From the rare 1927 Gibson L-5 to the custom Paul Reed Smith and Fender guitars, it is clear that Irsay is an avid collector.
His collection includes some of the most valuable and sought after guitars in the world, and is a great source of inspiration for guitarists everywhere.
If you’re looking to start your own guitar collection, why not take a page out of Jim Irsay’s book and start with one of the classics he owns?