What do iconic items from the legendary Woodstock Festival, Van Halen, Clapton, Bo Diddley and Lynyrd Skynyrd’s guitars, Paul Butterfield and James Cotton’s Blues harmonicas, Chick Corea and Elton John's pianos, Miles Davis’ test pressings, Billie Holliday’s Gown, John Lennon's artwork, the front doors of the Chelsea Hotel, over 500 vintage violins, banjos, ukuleles and mandolins, and about a zillion other very cool things have in common? They all will be sold in Guernsey’s mostly unreserved, joyful “A Century of Music Auction” upcoming July 14 & 15. Log on to liveauctioneers.com and invaluable.com.and join the action bidding on a dizzying array of musical items.

In 1952, a 12 year old boy from rural Tennessee spotted a stunning Gibson Les Paul Goldtop guitar in the window of a local shop. Determined to own it, he cut lawns, cleaned attics and did anything necessary to get the $5 a month needed to make the payments. After moving north, that young man grew to become the first African American surgeon to practice in New Jersey hospitals. 20,000 surgeries later and now in his 80s, the doctor is finally parting with his beloved Goldtop.

Briefly considered one of the world’s great rock guitar phenoms, Jason Becker contracted a debilitating disease and is now fighting to survive. The sale of the only instruments he ever played will fund his battle.

Without question, the greatest rock concert of them all was Woodstock. The 1969 hand painted directional map, sections of the stage, posters, Paul Butterfield stage speakers, Barry Levine’s iconic original photography(the original shots taken on stage!), many tickets and more are part of this sale. Where were legendary performers Janis Joplin, Jimi Hendrix and Jerry Garcia living at the time of Woodstock? At NYC’s Chelsea Hotel. Flash... we have the Chelsea’s front doors! And when the 1994 25th Anniversary Woodstock Concert was held, great artists (like Robert Indiana) were asked to create painted panels to restrain the 500,000 attendees. You guessed it... many of those exciting panels are being sold in this event.

And what did an accomplished attorney do when the results of his life-long search for rare stringed instruments outgrew his Princeton home? He came to Guernsey’s. From the remarkable Meisel Collection come a stunning 170 banjos, 80 guitars 150 violins and bows, and about 150 mandolins, ukuleles and auto harps. Phew!

Above are just a few of the compelling stories and examples of the many treasured objects being featured in this unprecedented Auction. Rock, Jazz, Blues, Classical music, this event has it all! Questions, or special late consignments, contact Guernsey’s: 212-794-2280, auctions@guernseys.com.

Those who are interested in participating can view the catalogue online, and leave advance absentee bids, as well as bid live as the sale is taking place at Liveauctioneers.com and Invaluable.com.

Interested bidders should also review the Terms & Conditions, as well as the Bidder Agreement form, and the Absentee Bid form.

Guernsey's welcomes inquiries from the media regarding both past and upcoming events. PDF copies of the press release and links to media coverage of the A Century of Music auction are available below:

• Press Release (May 12)

• "Rock legend memorabilia in 'A Century of Music' up for auction" (Reuters.com - July 7)

• "Watch ex-Megadeth guitarist Chris Broderick nail Perpetual Burn on Jason Becker's original Hurricane guitar’" (Guitarworld.com - July 5)

• "Woodstock 1969, Beatles Memorabilia, More At ‘Century Of Music’ Auction’" (Flipside-entertainment.com - July 5)

• "Greatest 'Rock Stars' on the planet donate guitars for a good cause’" (cbs8.com - July 5)

• "Woodstock 1969, Beatles Memorabilia, more on ‘Century Of Music’ auction’" (World-today-news.com - July 5)

• "Three of Jason Becker’s unique guitars to go up for auction’" (Guitar.com - July 4)

• "Jason Becker Decides To Sell His Iconic ‘Hurricane’ Guitar To Pay His Medical Bills’" (Rockcelebrities.net - July 4)

• "Clothing From Billie Holiday, Jimi Hendrix to Be Auctioned at Guernsey’s ‘A Century of Music’" (WWD.com - July 2)

• "Jason Becker’s Three Most Important Guitars Will Go Up For Auction’" (Metalsucks.net - July 2)

• "Clothing From Billie Holiday, Jimi Hendrix to Be Auctioned at Guernsey’s ‘A Century of Music" (Yahoo.com - July 2)

• "Jason Becker's Three Most Important Guitars to be presented by Guernsey's Auctions on July 15" (Allthatshreds.com - July 1)

• "Jason Becker's Three Most Important Guitars To Go Up For Auction" (Sonicperspectives.com - July 1)

• "Jason Becker Fundraiser: Jason's Three Most Important Guitars to be presented by Guernsey's Auctions on July 15" (Bravewords.com - July 1)

• "Jason Becker's Three Most Important Guitars To Go Up For Auction" (Blabbermouth.net - July 1)

• "Jason Becker's Three Most Important Guitars To Go Up For Auction" (Planetsixstring.com - July 1)

• "Bill Clinton sax signed by Michael Jackson up at rock auction" (Pagesix.com - July 1)

• "Bubba blew it" (New York Post - July 1)

• "The Beatles, Jimi Hendrix, and Van Halen Gear Surfaces in Historical New York Auction" (Guitarplayer.com - June 30)

• "Monumental Rock Auction Set to Sell Gear From Eddie Van Halen, Jimi Hendrix and Paul McCartney" (InsideHook.com - June 29)

• "Guernsey's Auction Offers Iconic Guitars From Paul McCartney, Eddie Van Halen and More" (Gothammag.com - June 24)

• "Guernsey's Auction Offers Iconic Guitars From Paul McCartney, Eddie Van Halen and More" (Oceandrive.com - June 24)

• "Guernsey's Auction Offers Iconic Guitars From Paul McCartney, Eddie Van Halen and More" (Mlhamptons.com - June 24)

• "Iconic Eddie Van Halen guitar headlines Guernsey’s July 14-15 auction" (Liveauctioneers.com - June 21)