Jeff Beck’s guitar collection heading to auction
The late Jeff Beck’s guitar collection is heading to auction, giving music fans a chance to own an iconic piece of music history if they happen to have a spare £500,000.
When Beck died in January 2023, the UK lost one of its brightest musical talents in rock history. From his beginnings in Yardbirds when he was chosen to succeed Eric Clapton, Beck forged a decade-spanning career that saw him playing with the world’s finest musicians. He was close peers with the likes of Jimmy Page, Rod Stewart, The Rolling Stones and Pink Floyd. David Gilmour even admitted to wanting him to join the band to replace Syd Barrett but that “none of us had the nerve to ask him.”
Furthermore, Beck worked closely with Tina Turner, Nile Rodgers, Jimi Hendrix and many more over the decades.
Throughout his rich career as one of rock ‘n’ roll’s favourite guitar players, Beck proved himself to be an electrifying and innovative player. He merged influences from across rock, blues and psychedelia with more left-field interests in Bulgaian folk, Indian sitars, techno and beyond. His inspiration knew no limit, allowing his talent to have no ceiling.
Now, Christie’s is hosting an auction of Beck’s gear. Including over 130 guitars, amps, pedals and cases, alongside items being dubbed ‘tools-of-the-trade’, this is not only an extensive sale but a moment to look into the archive of Beck’s musical life.
Across the auction, Beck’s story is told through his guitars as fans will spot instruments from certain eras and chapters. It features his Fender Telecasters and Stratocastors that were used as his “workhorses” and go-to guitars for performance. Of the latter, Beck once said, “My Strat is another arm, it’s part of me. It doesn’t feel like a guitar at all. It’s an implement which is my voice.” Each item is expected to go for around £50,000 to £80,000 when the auction takes place.
Additionally, the auction includes some special offerings. The Oxblood Gibson Les Paul featured on the cover of Blow By Blow is up for offer and expected to fetch between £350,000 and £500,000. Another standout is the “Yardburst” Les Paul that Beck bought back in 1966.
Beyond guitars, there is a chance to buy Beck’s pedal board he used for performance, with the auction expectation being between £3000 and £5000 which doesn’t feel too extortionate for something so iconic.
‘Jeff Beck: The Guitar Collection’ will be held as a live auction in London on January 22nd, 2025.
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