Ronnie James Dio Bass Gear To Be Auctioned Sep 14-15

Most of us know the late Ronnie James Dio as the legendary lead vocalist for Dio, Rainbow, and Black Sabbath. Tracks like “Holy Diver” and “Rainbow In The Dark” are part of the fabric that makes heavy metal history. What many don’t realize is that he was also originally a bassist. Dio’s first bands, notably Elf, featured him on the four-string.

Now, eight years after his death, his bass gear is being auctioned off in an estate sale by Julien’s Auctions. The rock god’s equipment includes his 1953 Gibson EB1 bass used to write and demo songs as well as a 1961 Gibson EB-0 used on stage with Elf. Other pieces of gear include custom Aria Pro II, Jackson custom shop basses, a Fender Precision, and a slew of Gallien-Krueger amps and cabinets.

The auction can be viewed online and will take place at the Hard Rock Cafe in New York City on September 14th and 15th.