JOHNNY HALLYDAY, Gibson ES-335 Dot Cherry, Nashville, 1985 / An electric

Gibson ES-335 Dot electric guitar, Cherry finish, made in the United States in 1985, serial number 81145575, from the family of film producer Christian Fechner (1944–2008). According to the family, this instrument is said to have originally belonged to Johnny Hallyday before being given by the singer to Christian Fechner, with whom he had a long-standing personal and professional relationship. The guitar’s soundboard bears traces of a handwritten dedication, which becomes more clearly visible when examined under ultraviolet light. This includes the words ‘Merry Christmas’, ‘to our friendship’, the date ‘1992’ and Johnny Hallyday’s signature. This date corresponds to a documented period of collaboration between the two men. In 1992, Johnny Hallyday played one of the leading roles in the film *La Gamine*, directed by Hervé Palud and produced, amongst others, by Les Films Christian Fechner. That same year, the two men appeared on the programme *Sacrée Soirée*, broadcast on TF1 on 15 April. The ES-335 holds a place in the history of Johnny Hallyday’s instruments. During the Cadillac Tour (1990–1991), the singer notably appeared on stage with a red Gibson ES-335, visually comparable to this particular example. The back of this guitar shows significant signs of wear, particularly where it came into contact with a belt buckle, indicating prolonged use and consistent with stage performance. The chronological alignment between its manufacture in 1985, its possible use during the Cadillac Tour and its donation to Christian Fechner in 1992 suggests that this may well be the instrument played by Johnny Hallyday on that tour. This hypothesis, supported by several corroborating clues, has not, however, been definitively confirmed by photographic identification. The instrument was kept by Christian Fechner before being passed on to his son Maxime Fechner following his death in 2008. Presented in its Gibson hard case. Signs of wear and visible patina.

Estimate:£4,171.66

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