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The Roots of Rock - The Ultimate Guitar Collection

The Roots of Rock Collection was a world-renowned collection of vintage and new guitars and amplifiers. Independently valued at about $4 million USD, this collection was donated to the Toronto Community Foundation by Toronto businessman and philanthropist Tony Melman, with all proceeds benefitting childhood cancer. The collection included over 260 vintage and new guitars and 50 amplifiers, all in almost perfect condition. Some of the highlights of the collection included one of the finest 1954 Fender Stratocasters known to exist, every standard variation of the Gibson Les Paul gold top model produced from 1952 to 1958, and the world’s most comprehensive collection of blonde Gibson electric archtop guitars.

“The purpose was to pay tribute to the artists and guitar makers who collectively gave birth to rock 'n roll music,” said Melman of the Roots collection.” It captured the convergence of guitar design and innovation, the spirit of a new culture, and the artistry and sound of pure rock 'n roll.

This site features a comprehensive catalogue of the collection.  For a complete list of the collection, click here.  For additional information, please contact Ray Kopko.



Available Guitars & Amps By Category
CUSTOM SHOP REISSUE STRATS
CUSTOM SHOP SIGNTURE STRATS
FENDER AMPLIFIERS
FENDER JAPANESE STRATOCASTERS
GEORGE AMICAY BUILT GUITARS
GIBSON BLOND ARCHTOP GUITARS
GIBSON ES-355 GUITARS
GIBSON ES-5 SWITCHMASTER GUITARS
GIBSON HISTORIC SERIES LES PAUL GUITARS
GIBSON L-5 GUITARS
GIBSON LES PAUL TOM MURPHY BUILT GUITARS
GIBSON NATURAL FINISH LES PAUL GUITARS
GUITARS BY OTHER BUILDERS
OTHER GIBSON ARCHTOP GUITARS
OTHER GIBSON THINLINE GUITARS
PAUL REED SMITH GUITARS
SPECIAL COMMEMORATIVE STRATS
ROOTS OF ROCK SALE UPDATE
On December 13, 2004, the Roots of Rock Collection sale began. Buyers from around the world phoned in their orders for the guitars and amps of their dreams, and the dream of raising funds for pediatric cancer research and support became a blessed reality. All of us involved in this project are so grateful to each and every purchaser whose generosity and real concern for children have begun to make a difference.

As of December 31, 2009, only 27 guitars and 7 amplifiers remain from the original 309 instruments in the collection. The 34 remaining instruments are listed below by category. Click on each one to see a color photo. The sales team of Ed McDonald, Tom Van Hoose, and Ray Kopko are standing by to assist you in making your selections. Please continue to visit the website and view the remaining guitars and amps, and contact us with any questions you may have.

We will continue to help each of you find that special guitar and amp that you can enjoy for years to come, knowing that your purchases are funding important research and programs to help ensure the best chance of survival and an optimal quality of life for children with cancer.




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CUSTOM SHOP REISSUE STRATS

1960 REISSUE STRAT CN701758
AMERICAN CLASSIC STRAT CN608968



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CUSTOM SHOP SIGNTURE STRATS

BUDDY GUY STRATOCASTER CN401799
ROBERT CRAY STRATOCASTER SE00921



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FENDER AMPLIFIERS

1961 BANDMASTER 1X12 03121
1961 BANDMASTER 1X12 04348
1961 BANDMASTER 1X12 05170
1961 BANDMASTER 1X12 52493
1961 BANDMASTER 1X12 52994
1962 VIBRASONIC 01521
1988 DUAL PROFESSIONAL 0534



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FENDER JAPANESE STRATOCASTERS

JAPANESE STRAT E946483



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GEORGE AMICAY BUILT GUITARS

GEORGE AMICAY FLORAL STRATOCASTER
GEORGE AMICAY FLORAL TELECASTER



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GIBSON BLOND ARCHTOP GUITARS

1971 ES 150DCN 120263



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GIBSON ES-355 GUITARS

1968 ES 355TDN 911455



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GIBSON ES-5 SWITCHMASTER GUITARS

1958 SWITCHMASTER A26956
1960 SWITCHMASTER A33870



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GIBSON HISTORIC SERIES LES PAUL GUITARS

1999 40TH ANNIVERSARY LES PAUL 991257



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GIBSON L-5 GUITARS

1968 L 5 509975



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GIBSON LES PAUL TOM MURPHY BUILT GUITARS

TOM MURPHY 1959 REISSUE LES PAUL 9 4214
TOM MURPHY 58 HISTORIC LES PAUL 8 7393
TOM MURPHY LAST OF 20TH CENTURY RELIC 9 9191
TOM MURPHY LAST OF 20TH CENTURY RELIC 99200



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GIBSON NATURAL FINISH LES PAUL GUITARS

1976 GIBSON THE LES PAUL NO67



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GUITARS BY OTHER BUILDERS

BURNS HANK MARVIN PROTOTYPE 001
RUDY PENSA NEW YORK GUITAR



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OTHER GIBSON ARCHTOP GUITARS

1981 GIBSON KALAMAZOO AWARD MODEL 80501058
1999 GIBSON CITATION 1999001



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OTHER GIBSON THINLINE GUITARS

1973 GIBSON ES 320TDN 612780
GIBSON ES 345TDN RESISSUE A59077



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PAUL REED SMITH GUITARS

PRS DRAGON II No44 17243



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SPECIAL COMMEMORATIVE STRATS

HARLEY DAVIDSON STRATOCASTER 076 OF 109
PROTOTYPE 40TH ANNIVERSARY STRATOCASTER No2




















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