This is only a preview. The auction will open on: 10/28/2026 1:00:00 PM
Offered Here: Ted Nugent Derek St. Holmes 1988 Handmade PRS Black Triple Humbucker Guitar
Item Details: An extraordinary offering for guitar aficionados and classic rock collectors, this auction features a black, handmade Paul Reed Smith guitar custom-crafted in 1988 for legendary vocalist and rhythm guitarist Derek St. Holmes, who today fronts the Paul Reed Smith Band. Bearing serial number 8-3613 on the back of the headstock, this road-warrior instrument includes a partially faded, handwritten factory inscription reading "Handmade for Derek St. Ho..." with the remaining text worn away from years of authentic play. Visually striking, the guitar features stunning mother of pearl neck inlays, a custom mother of pearl inlaid truss rod cover, elegant gold hardware, two control knobs, a selector switch, and its original triple-humbucker pickup configuration, though it is missing one of the rear cavity covers. This instrument showcases magnificent, battle-tested character including heavy finish wear, minor finish crazing, binding wear, and various chips and dings—highlighted by a prominent ding on the front face above the bridge acquired when St. Holmes famously tripped on stage and collided with a stage monitor. Housed in a premium plush-lined hardshell case, this highly collectible museum-grade relic from one of the industry's premier master luthiers is accompanied by extensive, verified documentation directly from Derek St. Holmes to solidify its flawless rock and roll provenance.
Provenance / Authenticity: PRS Serial No. 8-3613 "Handmade for Derek St. Holmes" with documentation directly from Derek St. Holmes housed inside the case.
Derek St. Holmes served as lead vocalist and rhythm guitarist on Ted Nugent's 1975 self-titled solo debut, singing on tracks such as "Stranglehold" and "Hey Baby," which helped establish Nugent's hard-driving sound on American rock radio in the 1970s. Beyond his work with Nugent, St. Holmes partnered with Aerosmith guitarist Brad Whitford in the early 1980s project Whitford/St. Holmes. His association with Paul Reed Smith, whose Maryland-based company began production in the mid-1980s, connects him to one of the most influential American guitar makers of the late twentieth century.
Condition: Very good, as is condition, stage used with wear that is consistent with stage use and travel.
SKU: JDL1007