Passing it on

BACK IN 2007, I wrote an article for Guitar World on an instrument that holds a special and unique place in the six-string legacy of Randy Rhoads. Now reverently known as RR3, it was the third custom, asymmetrical Flying V electric guitar made for Rhoads by California luthier Grover Jackson in the early Eighties. Sadly, Rhoads died — in a March 19, 1982, airplane accident while on tour with Ozzy Osbourne — before he could take delivery of the guitar.

Instead, the ax ended up in the hands of one of Randy’s biggest fans, SoCal guitar ace Sean Michael Clegg. For the next 35 years, Clegg played the guitar on session dates and on gigs and studio recordings with his prog-metal band, Accomplice. He has fond memories of being onstage with the guitar when Accomplice opened for rock legends like Rush and Van Halen.

But now, financial challenges have compelled Clegg to sell his beloved and historic guitar. Parting with a treasured instrument is always tough for a musician. But Clegg is stoic about the situation.

“I suppose I always knew this guitar was an incredible investment,” he says. “And it still will be for someone else. It’s a lucky miracle that I can lean on the sale of this guitar when I need it the most. And, believe me, it’s worth every penny of investment for the future. The RR Jackson is the coolest-looking stage guitar I’ve ever owned, delivering a tone and playability that are unmatched. It is by far the best-playing guitar I’ve ever owned, and it’s been a true privilege shredding on it for all these years. I am thankful for my time with it.”

The guitar is being offered through he ANALOGr auction site (check out the incredibly long url below), and — as of this writing — Clegg is also in direct contact with a few interested buyers.

“We estimate the value to be around $100,000 to $150,000,” he says. “The auction could bring a higher price. Right now we are certainly considering any six-figure offer. The gu