Dozens of guitars and other musical equipment by Jeff Beck, a legendary British guitarist who died in early 2023, will be put up for auction in January 2025 in London, Christie’s announced on Friday November 15, 2024. Considered one one of the best guitarists in the world, capable of going from rock to blues, jazz, and even opera, Jeff Beck was known for his improvising skills.
He rose to fame after joining the rock band The Yardbirds in 1965, where he performed with Jimmy Page. The duo carved out their legend with albums and songs Shapes of Things et Over Under Sideways Down. The musician, who died in January 2023 at age 78, won eight Grammy Awards in recognition of his virtuosity and sense of innovation on the electric guitar.
This sale includes more than 130 items, including 90 guitars and amps, used by Jeff Beck.throughout his career which spanned nearly six decades“, explains the auction house in a press release.
The highlight of this sale is the 1954 Gibson Les Paul “Oxblood” guitar, which appeared on the cover of the solo album Blow By Blow, awarded a Grammy in 1975, and which was used by Jeff Beck in numerous concerts. Its price is estimated between 350,000 and 500,000 pounds sterling (between 420,000 and 600,000 euros).
Also included is the “Tele Gib”, a hybrid guitar built especially for Jeff Beck in 1973 by designer Seymour Duncan, estimated between 100,000 and 150,000 pounds sterling (119,800 and 179,700 euros).
Also for sale is the 1958 Gibson Les Paul “YardBurst” that he bought in London in 1966 while he was still in the Yardbirds, estimated at between 40,000 and 60,000 pounds sterling (between 47,930 and 71,900 euros).
It is “a huge heartbreak“to part with these instruments, but they must be”shared, played and loved again“said the musician’s widow, Sandra Beck, in the press release.
“These guitars were his great love, and, almost two years after his death, it is time to part with them as Jeff wished.“, she added. “I hope that guitarists who buy these items can get closer to the geniuse” that he was, noted Sandra Beck, emphasizing that he had never run “after commercial success. For him it was just about music“.
The main pieces of the sale will be exhibited in Los Angeles between December 4 and 6. The entire collection will be on view at Christie’s in London before going on sale on January 22.
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