Musicians, collectors, and fans have a unique opportunity to acquire instruments once owned by the legendary guitarist Jeff Beck, as they are set to go up for auction at Christie's. The collection, comprising over 130 items, including 90 guitars, from the late Yardbirds and Jeff Beck Group guitarist, who passed away in January 2023 at the age of 78, is valued at more than 1 million pounds ($1.3 million).
Among the standout pieces is a 1954 Gibson Les Paul in oxblood color, purchased by Beck in Memphis in 1972 and prominently featured on the cover of his Grammy-winning 1975 jazz-fusion album 'Blow by Blow.' This iconic guitar is expected to fetch between 350,000 pounds and 500,000 pounds ($450,000 and $640,000) at the auction.
The head of Private and Iconic Collections at Christie's described the instrument as 'a really beautiful instrument, covered in grime and dust and signs of use,' highlighting its authenticity and history of being Beck's cherished tool of the trade.
Jeff Beck, known for his versatile musical style blending rock, jazz, blues, and opera, gained fame in the 1960s with bands like the Yardbirds before embarking on a successful solo career. Renowned for his improvisational prowess and unique sound, Beck's preferred guitar, the Fender Stratocaster, played a significant role in shaping his distinctive tone.
The auction will feature several of Beck's prized guitars, including his 1954 Sunburst Fender Stratocaster and a white Strat that served as his main instrument for 16 years, valued between 20,000 pounds and 30,000 pounds ($26,000 and $39,000). Additionally, a Telecaster-Gibson hybrid known as 'Tele-Gib' is estimated to sell for between 100,000 pounds and 150,000 pounds ($130,000 and $190,000).
Beck's widow, Sandra Beck, expressed the emotional difficulty of parting with the collection but emphasized Jeff's desire for the instruments to be shared, played, and cherished once again. The guitars will be on display at Christie's showrooms in Los Angeles and London before the auction takes place on January 22.
