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"Without deviation from the norm, progress is not possible."

Frank Zappa's Baby Snakes SG
One of the most iconic and historically significant guitars in rock history: the Frank Zappa "Baby Snakes" guitar. This legendary instrument, instantly recognizable from Zappa's surreal and electrifying performances of the late 1970s, including the Baby Snakes film and Halloween shows at the Palladium, is now being made available to the public for the first time.

Deeply modified to suit Zappa's avant-garde sonic explorations, the "Baby Snakes" guitar was more than an instrument-it was a vehicle for innovation, experimentation, and artistic rebellion. With its ornate aesthetics, 23-fret neck, onboard preamp, and signature tone-shaping electronics, this is the guitar that helped define Zappa's post-Mothers live sound.

An extraordinary fusion of artistry, engineering, and performance legacy, the "Baby Snakes" guitar stands as a testament to Frank Zappa's boundary-pushing creativity.

The guitar features:

· A rare 23-fret neck with custom inlays

· Unique carved body work and SG-style silhouette

· Custom electronics including phase switching, onboard preamp with 18dB boost, and tone-shaping circuitry

Zappa wielded this guitar in many high-profile performances and recordings, including:

· Baby Snakes (film, 1979)

· Baby Snakes (soundtrack, 1983)

· Notable live concerts, including the famed 1977 Halloween shows at the Palladium, NYC



One of the most storied instruments in the legacy of Frank Zappa, the "Baby Snakes" guitar is a fully customized SG-style electric guitar, acquired by Zappa in 1974 and prominently used in the late 1970s. Though often mistaken for a Gibson SG, this guitar was assembled by Phoenix-based luthier Bart Nagel and later extensively modified by Rex Bogue to meet Zappa's demanding standards for performance and sonic versatility.
6.2lbs. Original hard case included. Condition: Good.


Heritage Auctions provides as much information as possible but strongly encourages in-person inspection. Condition statements are offered as general guidance only, not as complete representations of fact, and do not constitute a warranty or assumption of liability by Heritage. Some condition issues may not be noted but may be visible in the photos, which are considered part of the condition report. Lots estimated at $1,000 or less are not de-framed for inspection, and we may be unable to provide additional details for lots valued under $500. Heritage does not guarantee the condition of frames and is not liable for damage to frames, glass/acrylic coverings, original boxes, display accessories, or artwork that has shifted in the frame. All lots are sold "AS IS" under our Terms & Conditions of Auction.




Auction Info

Proxy Bidding Ends 
December
5th Friday 2:20 pm CT
Auction Dates
December
5th Friday
Proxy Bidding Time Remaining 
19 Days 17h 8m 59s
Bids + Registered Phone Bidders: 0
Lot Tracking Activity: 156
Page Views: 9,634

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This lot is in: 2 - Signature® Floor Session - CELEBRITY/SIGNED INSTRUMENTS (Live Floor, Live Phone, Mail, Fax, Internet, and Heritage Live):
(Lots 85166-85265) - 2:30 PM Central Time, Friday, December 5, 2025.
[Proxy bidding ends ten minutes prior to the session start time. Live Proxy bidding on Heritage Live now starts within 2 hours of when the auction opens for proxy bidding and continues through the live session.]

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Heritage Auctions
2801 W. Airport Freeway
Dallas, TX 75261

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Starting Bid:
$300,000
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