BOSTON, MASS.- Johnny Ramone’s vintage Hamer guitar sold for $55,247 according to Boston, MA based RR Auction.

The white Hamer right-handed custom electric guitar features deep body contours and a larger, more flared headstock than found on stock Hamer special models, this ‘special’ lightweight Hamer guitar was designed to fit the specific needs of Ramone. The guitar’s original bridge humbucking pickup was removed and a single coil pickup installed on a cream-colored mounting plate.

Johnny personally had this guitar customized to achieve his instantly recognizable sound and fit his unique playing style,” said Robert Livingston, Executive VP at RR Auction.

The customized guitar is the first piece of gear endorsed by any of the Ramones, and is enhanced furthermore by its unique and historic distinction as being the very first custom-designed Hamer guitar delivered to the legendary punk rock guitarist.

The guitar was used live extensively for three years, performing on-stage and during various live TV appearances. Johnny Ramone traded the guitar on May 22, 1982—to a longtime friend for a sunburst Ventures II Mosrite guitar, and later autographed it on the back of the headstock.

According Hamer guitars founder Jol Dantzig, this customized guitar represents the first piece of gear endorsed by any of the Ramones, and is enhanced furthermore by its unique and historic distinction as being the very first custom-designed Hamer guitar delivered to the legendary punk rock guitarist, stated in a letter that accompanied the sale.

The guitar was purchased Linda Ramone, widow of the late guitarist Johnny Ramone, who plans to have it added to the Grammy Museum Ramones exhibits.

“We are the thrilled to help get this guitar in the hands of Linda Ramone,” said Robert Livingston. “It will now be able to be seen by countless fans of the band, along with other pieces of Rock-n-Roll history at the various Ramones exhibits.”

“Hey! Ho! Let’s Go: Ramones and the Birth of Punk,” a retrospective exhibition that examines the group’s influence on both music and art. The Queens showing continues through July 31, and will then move to the Grammy Museum in Los Angeles, where a second part of the exhibition will open on Sept. 16