Frank Zappa’s “Baby Snakes” SG Heads to Auction — A True Piece of Electric History

For over 50 years, Frank Zappa’s “Baby Snakes” SG has been more than an instrument. It’s been a part of his mythology. Now, for the first time ever, this iconic guitar is going up for auction — with an estimated value of half a million dollars.

What makes it special isn’t just who played it, but how it was built and transformed. Originally a modified SG copy, Zappa bought it backstage in Phoenix from a young luthier named Bart Nagel for just $500. Nagel, who was studying at the Roberto‑Venn School of Luthiery at the time, added a three-piece mahogany neck, replaced the fingerboard with a 23-fret ebony board (up from the original 22), and added ornate custom details throughout.

Later, Zappa handed the guitar off to technician Rex Bogue for serious electronic upgrades. The result: a built-in preamp with +18 dB gain, a phase switch, tone-shaping circuits, and multiple extra knobs and toggles designed to let Zappa manipulate the signal in real time directly from the guitar.

This SG was no studio queen. It was played live and loud. You can spot it on The Mike Douglas Show in 1976 during his performance of “Black Napkins,” in the legendary 1977 Halloween show, in the 1979 film Baby Snakes, and on the 1983 soundtrack of the same name.

Despite its road-worn legacy, the guitar is in excellent condition. Heritage Auctions expects it to sell for up to $500,000, with bidding starting at $300,000. According to Aaron Piscopo, Director of Vintage Guitars at Heritage, “The Baby Snakes SG is a genuine artifact of musical genius. It encapsulates the intellect, innovation, and creativity that defined Zappa’s career.”

The auction takes place on December 5. Other notable lots include “Pattie,” a 1913 Gibson Style O once owned by both Eric Clapton and George Harrison, and a Jackson SL Series given to Steve Vai by Grover Jackson himself.

By Dara Christine – October 9 2025