Over 130 of Jeff Beck's guitars, amps, and 'tools of the trade' are set to go under the hammer in London on January 22, 2025, as part of Christie's Jeff Beck: The Guitar Collection. The sale features some of Beck's most-used guitars throughout his six-decade-long career, spanning from his Yardbirds era to his last tour in 2022.
Commenting on the decision to sell his prized possessions, Jeff Beck's wife, Sandra Cash, said, "These guitars were his great love, and almost two years after his passing it's time to part with them, as Jeff wished. After some hard thinking, I decided they needed to be shared, played, and loved again.
"It is a massive wrench to part with them but I know Jeff wanted for me to share this love. He was a maestro of his trade. I hope the future guitarists who acquire these items are able to move closer to the genius who played them."
As expected from the instruments of such an esteemed guitarist, Beck's guitars are anticipated to fetch hefty prices. The sale is led by one of his most recognizable guitars - his iconic 1954 'Oxblood' Gibson Les Paul.
This heavily modified Les Paul, estimated to sell for between £350,000 and £500,000 ($442,000-$632,000), was purchased in November 1972 in Memphis. It saw extensive action throughout the 1970s, most notably in the power trio Beck, Bogert & Appice, and during his performance alongside David Bowie and Mick Ronson at London's Hammersmith Odeon in July 1973.
Another storied Les Paul in the collection is the so-called 'Yardburst,' a 1959 Gibson Les Paul best known for its role during Beck's Yardbirds era. Now estimated to sell for up to £60,000 ($75,791), the guitar was originally purchased for £175 at Selmer's in Charing Cross, London, in early 1966.
Among the highlights is Beck's longest-serving Fender White Stratocaster, 'Anoushka,' estimated to fetch between £20,000 and £30,000 ($25,263-$37,895). This guitar became his primary recording and performance instrument for 16 years.
Highlights from this sprawling collection will be on public view in Los Angeles from December 4 to 6, followed by a showing of the full collection in the pre-sale exhibition at Christie's headquarters in London from January 15 to 22, 2025.