Ronnie Wood

No serial number, signed ("Antanus Casimere Zemaitis") on label bearing the Chatham, Kent address, with his handwritten date "1977,"  in natural finish, maple body, spruce top, mahogany neck, 20-fret rosewood fretboard with mother-of-pearl dot inlay, mahogany pin bridge, Schaller tuners, engraved "Z" aluminum logo and truss-rod cover on headstock, molded black pickguard (probably a replacement), circular sound hole with red, pink and black inlays; buckle-worming on back, pick scratches in top, some scrapes and dings, crack in heel, low-E string and it's bridge pin lacking, high E bridge pin replaced. Old, possibly original, brown cloth patterned hardshell case, signed "Ronnie Wood" on bottom, remains of two labels, stubs of British Airways tags attached to handle; very worn, cloth tearing away from edges, only 2 (of 4) clasps function. Accompanied by 3 photographs of which one shows Ronnie and Keith with Bobby Womack who plays this guitar.

Symbolic Galleries, London

buckle-worming on back, pick scratches in top, some scrapes and dings, crack in heel, low-E string lacking. Old, possibly original, brown cloth patterned hardshell case, signed "Ronnie Wood" on bottom, remains of two labels, stubs of British Airways tags attached to handle; very worn, cloth tearing away from edges, only 2 (of 4) clasps functional.
In response to your inquiry, we are pleased to provide you with a general report of the condition of the property described above. Since we are not professional conservators or restorers, we urge you to consult with a restorer or conservator of your choice who will be better able to provide a detailed, professional report. Prospective buyers should inspect each lot to satisfy themselves as to condition and must understand that any statement made by Sotheby's is merely a subjective qualified opinion.
NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING CONDITION OF A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD "AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF SALE PRINTED IN THE CATALOGUE.

An early Zemaitis acoustic made for Ron Wood and used by him at home and in the studio

Tony Zemaitis (1935-2002) began his own luthier business in 1965 after working as a musician in the London blues scene of the late 50s, apprenticing to a cabinet maker, and supplying guitars to his friends. His reputation grew quickly as stars such as Ronnie Wood, George Harrison and Eric Clapton began to collect his work. While known for his exotic metal front electrics, he began by making acoustics, and the present instrument is an early example built for Ronnie. Signed "Ronnie Wood" in gold paint on headstock and accompanied by an autograph note from Wood on its use at home and in recording sessions and remarking on its "special sound" and two photos of Ronnie with the guitar.