The collection of guitars, amplifiers and pedals belonging to legendary guitarist Jeff Beck will go up for auction in London in January 2025 through Christie's auction house .
With a collection of over 130 pieces of equipment used by the guitarist during his six-decade career, Beck's widow, Sandra Cash , commented on the decision to sell them ( via Louder Sound ):
“These guitars were his great love and, almost two years after his death, it’s time to part with them, as Jeff wished. After much thought, I decided that these instruments needed to be shared, played and loved again.”
“It’s a great challenge to part with their equipment, but I know Jeff wanted me to share that love. He was a maestro of his craft. I hope that future guitarists who acquire these instruments will be able to get closer to the genius who played them.”
Christie's official website is showcasing Jeff Beck's most iconic guitar, the 1954 Gibson Les Paul "Oxblood" – depicted on the cover of the guitarist's most famous solo album, Blow By Blow (1975) – with an estimated value of £350,000 to £500,000.
Other notable guitars used by Beck, such as the Gibson Les Paul "Yardburst," used during his time with The Yardbirds , as well as Gretsch guitars and Fender Telecasters and Stratocasters, will also be present at the auction.
Amelia Walker, head of Private and Iconic Collections at Christie's, describes Beck's guitars as "really beautiful instruments, covered in dirt and dust and showing signs of use":
“I think that’s part of the appeal. These are things he used. They have the indentations of his fingernails in the fretboards. The strings haven’t been changed in years. He played a lot and didn’t see them as precious works of art – they were his tools for doing his craft.”
The most prominent pieces of equipment will be on display in Los Angeles from December 4th to 6th. Jeff Beck's complete collection will be exhibited at Christie's headquarters in London from January 15th until the auction on January 22nd, 2025.
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