Steve Miller's 1961 Gibson Les Paul TV Special is a highly prized instrument that has been used on some of his most iconic recordings and performances. The guitar was originally painted a pale yellow that Gibson developed to appear white on black-and-white television. However, Miller had the guitar repainted with intricate psychedelic designs by surfboard artist Bob Cantrell in the late 1960s.
Miller used the guitar extensively throughout the 1970s, including on the albums Fly Like an Eagle and Book of Dreams. He also played it on many of his live performances during this period, including his appearance on the Don Kirschner's Rock Concert television show in 1973.
In 1998, Miller donated the guitar to the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York City as part of their "Play It Loud: Instruments of Rock and Roll" exhibition. The guitar is currently on display in the museum's musical instruments collection.
In 2016, it sold at auction for $1.3 million, making it one of the most expensive guitars ever sold. The guitar is a testament to Miller's creativity and his influence on rock music. It is a reminder of the power of music to connect people and to inspire creativity.
The guitar was a gift from his friend and mentor, Leslie West of the Vagrants and Mountain. West gave the guitar to Miller in 1967 or 1968, shortly after Miller had broken his own guitar. Miller was so grateful for the gift that he named the guitar "Miss Christine."
Miller has said that Miss Christine is "my favorite guitar of all time." He has played it on some of his most important recordings and performances, and it has helped to define his sound. The guitar is a reminder of Miller's early years as a musician, and it continues to inspire him today.
