Figure of the month: 1,200,000

Gold in rock and pop music usually only plays a role in a figurative sense, in songs such as ‘Gold’ by Spandau Ballet, ‘Silence is golden’ by the Tremeloes or ‘A day like gold’ from the German TV series Babylon Berlin. Also, Gold Records are awarded when a title or an entire album has sold particularly well. The fact that gold can have a very literal presence in the music business has already been reported on earlier in this editorial section, with the example of rappers and their gold chains worth up to US$500,000. However, that is by no means the end of the story when it comes to golden accessories for musicians.

The Goldcaster – an electric guitar for the rock star who already has it all

With a price tag of US$1 million, the Goldcaster is the only gold guitar ever in the truest meaning of the word, and certainly one of the most expensive guitars in the world. Based on the classic Fender Telecaster, the electric guitar’s body is hollow. Its top and all mechanical and metal parts are made of 18-carat gold – 33 in total. The Goldcaster is one of a kind and will probably increase in value in the future, and not just because of its material.

Also for sale: a beautiful guitar strap for US$1,200,000

Of course, a fine guitar needs a matching strap that the seasoned rock star need not be ashamed of. Colin Burn has risen to the occasion: his US$1.2 million guitar strap is made of more than one kilo of 18-carat gold set with gemstones totalling more than 30 carats. It should be an ideal companion piece to the Goldcaster. By comparison, the matching guitar picks made of 9-carat gold are a total bargain at US$3,000. The question is: who would be able to use this precious equipment? The 5 kg for the golden ‘ingredients’, in addition to the usual weight of an electric guitar, would need a strong shoulder. For Rolling Stones lead guitarist Keith Richards, at least at concerts, it probably would not be the right choice – although he could certainly afford the set.