Christie's Auction of Beck's Collection a Huge Success
The Jeff Beck Guitar Auction, which took place on 22 January 2025, offered iconic instruments from the late guitar legend's collection.
Shipping costs and arrangements were discussed with successful bidders after the auction, and Christie's provided detailed instructions on collecting and receiving the auctioned items.
Beck's Guitars Fetch Millions at Christie's Auction
The most expensive item at the auction was the 1954 ‘Oxblood’ Gibson Les Paul which hammered down for an astonishing £ 850.000 (with buyers premium GBP 1,068,500 / USD 1,320,000)
Jeff Beck's Iconic "Anoushka" Fender Stratocaster auctioned for £ 800.000 (with buyers premium GBP 1,008,000 / USD 1,245,162)
The final realisation of sale no. 22991 Jeff Beck: The Guitar Collection by Christie's London amounted to GBP 8,727,284.
Guitar Mania: Christie's Auction of Beck's Collection a Huge Success
Every item that was included in the auction has a story to tell—a chapter in Beck’s musical journey that is intertwined with his friendships, his collaborations, and his quest for creative expression.
Jeff Beck (1944-2023), is known for his groundbreaking contributions to guitar playing and his innovative sound.
He was one of the most influential guitarists of his time, shaping the sound of rock, blues, jazz-rock fusion, and heavy metal.
Key items included the Gibson Les Paul 'Oxblood' and Fender Stratocasters and Telecasters.
The auction, offered guitars, amps, and pedals, celebrates Beck's musical legacy and provided collectors a chance to own a piece of rock history.
Beck himself was not a collector but an artist who used his guitars as tools.
He viewed them as instruments meant to be played, modified, and pushed to their limits.
The wear and tear on each guitar reflects Beck’s intense, passionate playing style. His guitars were tools, not just prized possessions.
Tribute to Jeff Beck (2025)
Drift off into a dreamlike state with the hypnotic rhythms. Pulsating bassline provides a steady, hypnotic groove. Lush, swirling synths create a mesmerizing atmosphere. Distorted guitars and experimental soundscapes create a trippy, psychedelic experience.
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The auction was a rare opportunity to acquire instruments that shaped the sound of one of rock’s most innovative guitarists.
Featured Instruments in the Jeff Beck Guitar Auction
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Gibson Les Paul 'Oxblood': One of the most famous guitars in Beck's collection, this instrument was featured on the cover of his album Blow by Blow. Known for its rich tone, this guitar is a symbol of Beck’s pioneering style.
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Jackson Soloist 'Tina': A unique, pink guitar gifted to Beck by Tina Turner, it has a personal inscription carved into the body, making it a standout piece in the auction.
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Fender Telecaster 'Workhorse': Beck’s beloved Telecasters were his go-to instruments for much of his career. This guitar was heavily modified to suit his specific sound and playing style.
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Gretsch Duo-Jet: Known for its bright, cutting sound, this guitar reflects Beck's versatility and influence across multiple music genres.
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Fender Stratocaster 'Anoushka': A special Fender Strat that Beck played extensively, showcasing his love for well-worn instruments. This particular model was named after sitar virtuoso Anoushka Shankar.
The Jeff Beck Guitar Auction allowed fans and collectors to experience the legacy of an artist who always viewed the guitar as an extension of himself.
12 Facts To Know About the Jeff Beck Guitar Auction
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Date and Location: The Jeff Beck Guitar Auction took place on 22 January 2025, 01:00 PM (GMT) at Christie's London.
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Live Auction: The auction took place live and was also broadcast on Christie's LIVE™ platform and YouTube channel, enabling worldwide participation.
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Over 130 Items: The auction included over 130 items: guitars, amps, pedals, cases, and other musical equipment used by Jeff Beck throughout his career.
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Iconic Guitars: Notable guitars in the auction collection included Beck's Gibson Les Paul 'Oxblood', Fender Stratocaster 'Anoushka', and Jackson Soloist 'Tina', gifted by Tina Turner.
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Famous Instruments: The Gibson Les Paul 'Oxblood' is famously featured on the cover of Beck’s 1975 album Blow by Blow.
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Gifted Guitars: Many of Beck's guitars were gifted to him by fellow musicians, including Jimmy Page, Billy Gibbons, Steve Marriott, and Johnny Depp.
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Not a Collector: Jeff Beck was not a collector of guitars; he viewed them as tools meant to be played, modified, and pushed to their limits.
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Personal Modifications: Beck often made modifications to his guitars to match his evolving sound, adding to their unique character and value.
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Fender and Gibson: Beck had a particular fondness for Fender and Gibson Guitars, using these as his primary instruments.
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Rare Instruments: Unique items included the Ibanez Signature Prototype and the VALCO Supro Dual Tone, two rare guitars from Beck's extensive career.
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Musical Evolution: The auction offered a chance to acquire guitars that reflect Beck’s journey through various genres, including psychedelic rock, jazz, blues, and heavy metal.
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Global Interest: With Beck’s international fame and influence, the auction attracted collectors, fans, and music industry professionals from around the world.
The Jeff Beck Guitar Auction was not simply an event for buying and selling guitars; it was a tribute to the remarkable life and career of one of rock’s most innovative and revered guitarists.
Jeff Beck: Timeline
Despite a career that spanned over five decades, Beck never stopped exploring new musical territories, constantly redefining his sound.
His impact on the music world remains immeasurable, with countless artists citing him as a major influence.
| Year | Milestone |
|---|---|
| 1944 (June 24) | Jeff Beck was born in Wallington, London, England. His early exposure to music sparked his interest in the guitar, leading to a life-long passion for the instrument. |
| 1965 | Beck joined The Yardbirds, a legendary British rock band, replacing Eric Clapton as their lead guitarist. His innovative guitar techniques and sound would come to define the band’s future direction. |
| 1966 | Beck left The Yardbirds due to creative differences and disagreements over the band's direction. This marked the beginning of his solo career and further cemented his reputation as a guitarist to watch. |
| 1968 | Jeff Beck formed his own band, The Jeff Beck Group, with Rod Stewart as the lead vocalist. This band featured a mix of rock, blues, and jazz influences, and helped establish Beck as a distinctive musical force. The group’s debut album “Truth” was a critical success. |
| 1970 | Beck released his instrumental jazz fusion album, “Blow by Blow.” It was a major departure from his earlier work and received critical acclaim. The album’s success marked a key turning point in Beck’s musical career, establishing him as a virtuoso in the fusion genre. |
| 1975 | Beck formed a new version of The Jeff Beck Group, featuring a young Jeff Beck Group, including keyboardist Max Middleton and bassist Phil Chen. This version of the group went on to tour and record, refining Beck’s unique sound in the 1970s rock scene. |
| 1989 | Beck released the album “Jeff Beck’s Guitar Shop” which blended rock, jazz, and metal, and featured the hit instrumental "Big Block." The album was praised for its innovation and marked Beck’s return to the forefront of music, gaining recognition from critics and fans alike. |
| 1992 | Beck was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame as part of The Yardbirds. This was a milestone in his career, celebrating his contributions to rock music, both as part of the band and as a solo artist. |
| 2001 | The album "You Had It Coming" showcased Beck’s shift towards electronic and experimental sounds. It featured the popular single "Dirty Mind" and further solidified Beck’s position as a boundary-pushing musician in rock and electronic music genres. |
| 2009 | Beck and Eric Clapton, two of the most influential guitarists of all time, embarked on a series of collaborative performances. Their on-stage chemistry delighted fans and drew significant attention, showing their continued influence on contemporary guitar music. |
| 2010 | Beck released "Emotion & Commotion," an album that combined orchestral arrangements with Beck’s trademark guitar work. The album received widespread praise and won the Grammy Award for Best Rock Instrumental Performance. |
| 2014 | Jeff Beck announced his farewell tour, which was described as his final extensive touring in the U.S. and other countries. His guitar playing continued to inspire audiences worldwide during his later years on stage. |
| 2017 | Beck worked with actor Johnny Depp on a collaborative album. This unexpected pairing created a unique musical blend, attracting attention and praise from fans of both Beck and Depp’s musical endeavors. |
| 2020s | Beck continued to inspire musicians, with many paying tribute to his influence in various musical genres. His work as a solo artist, band member, and collaborator remained influential throughout the decade, cementing his place as a true icon in the world of guitar. |
| 2022 (January 10) | Jeff Beck passed away at the age of 78. His death was met with tributes from across the music world, including fellow musicians, fans, and critics, all honoring his legacy as one of the greatest guitarists of all time. His music and innovation continue to live on through his extensive catalog. |
This timeline provides a structured overview of Jeff Beck’s life, highlighting key milestones in his music career, his groundbreaking contributions to guitar playing, and his lasting legacy in rock, blues, and fusion.
The Jeff Beck Guitar Auction: What You Need to Know
The Jeff Beck Guitar Auction was not just about selling musical instruments, but also about preserving the legacy of a musician whose influence on rock music is immeasurable.
Jeff Beck's Legendary Guitar Collection
Jeff Beck, one of the most influential guitarists in rock history, built a distinctive and highly revered collection of guitars throughout his career.
Beck's approach to music was always unconventional, as he strived for sonic innovation and was known for his rebellious streak in pushing the limits of what a guitar could do.
Unlike many musicians, Beck wasn’t a typical collector; he didn’t accumulate guitars for the sake of ownership.
His instruments were tools used and modified in the pursuit of musical expression.
Over the years, Beck acquired numerous iconic guitars, many of which played a significant role in shaping his unique sound.
The Evolution of Beck’s Guitar Collection
Beck’s collection evolved over decades, and his instruments became an integral part of his artistic identity.
Beck's collection comprised a wide range of brands, models and styles, including both well-known classics and lesser-known pieces of jewellery.
Some of the most notable guitars in Beck's collection included vintage Gibson Les Pauls, Fender Stratocasters, and a pink Jackson Soloist gifted to him by singer Tina Turner.
Many of the instruments in Beck's possession were gifts from friends and fellow musicians, including icons like Steve Marriott, Jimmy Page, and Billy Gibbons.
Beck's guitars, despite their varying origins, shared one thing in common: they were integral to the evolution of his sound.
The Auction and Its Significance
The Jeff Beck Guitar Auction, which took place on 22 January 2025, offered fans and collectors the opportunity to acquire a piece of music history.
Christie's, the auction house hosted the event, feature 133 items, including Beck's iconic guitars, amplifiers, pedals, artworks, and other tools of his trade.
The auction included Beck’s most famous instruments, which have helped shape the sound of rock music for decades.
For guitar collectors and fans of Beck’s music, this auction represented an unparalleled opportunity to acquire truly unique and historic items.
With many of the guitars having been used in legendary recordings and performances, owning one of Beck’s guitars would not only connect the buyer to the history of rock music but also to the spirit of innovation and artistic freedom that defined Beck’s career.
Featured in the Jeff Beck Guitar Auction
With over 130 guitars, amplifiers, pedals, and tools of the trade up for auction, the event was a landmark occasion in the world of music memorabilia.
Among the standout items in this auction were some of Jeff Beck’s most iconic and significant guitars, each playing a crucial role in the development of his distinctive sound and musical legacy.
These guitars, some of which were intimately connected with Beck’s groundbreaking albums and live performances, have become synonymous with the artist’s innovation, style, and genre-defying approach to music.
From his early days as a member of The Yardbirds to his solo career, Beck’s instruments, amps, and pedals were integral to shaping the sound that defined his decades-long career.
What Will Be Auctioned?
The centerpiece of the auction were undoubtedly be Jeff Beck's personal guitars.
Beck's guitars are highly regarded for their unique tonal characteristics and the personal connection they hold to the musician himself.
The collection included a range of electric guitars, some iconic models from Gibson, Fender, and Jackson, as well as rare and customized instruments.
Notable guitars to be auctioned included:
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Gibson Les Paul ‘The Oxblood’
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Jackson Soloist ‘Tina’
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Gibson Les Paul ‘Yardburst’
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Fender Stratocaster ‘Anoushka’
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Fender Telecaster ‘Workhorse’
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Gretsch Duo-Jet
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Ibanez Signature Prototype
In addition to the guitars, the auction featured amps, pedals, and other gear that Beck used throughout his career.
These tools were integral to his sound, allowing him to experiment and create some of the most innovative guitar tones in music history.
Some of the notable pieces included:
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Marshall Super Lead 100-Watt
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Fender Twin Reverb Amp
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Electro-Harmonix Holy Grail Reverb Pedal
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Cry Baby Wah Pedal
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Proco Rat Distortion
Whether it’s a custom-built guitar or a vintage amp, the items up for auction were not only valuable as physical objects but also for the musical history they represent.
How the Auction Works
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Registering Online: To participate, one needed to register with the auction house. Usually done through the auction’s website.
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Reviewing the Catalog: Before the auction began, the auction catalog was made available online. It provided detailed information about each item, including photos, descriptions, and estimated values.
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Bidding:During the auction proceedings, bids could be placed either in person, online or by telephone. Once accepted, buyers were given instructions on how to make payment and organise the collection or shipping of their item.
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Understand the Fees: In addition to the hammer price (the winning bid), successful bidders had to pay additional fees, such as a buyer’s premium or taxes.
Christie’s conducted the auction through a live auction format, allowing bidders to place their bids in real-time, either in person or via online platforms.
The auction house had made it easy for international bidders to participate by offering live streaming and remote bidding options.
This ensures that music fans and collectors from all over the world could take part in what promises to be a thrilling event.
To place a bid, participants had to register with Christie’s in advance. Registration was simple and could be done on the Christie’s website.
Once registered, bidders could view the items for sale in the auction catalog in order to decide which items they wished to bid on.
Auction Preview: Viewing the Collection
Before the auction took place, Christie’s hosted an auction preview where prospective bidders and fans could view the items in person.
This provided an excellent opportunity to see the instruments and gear up close, examine their condition, and appreciate the historical significance of each piece.
The auction preview was scheduled for a few days before the auction date, allowing enough time for individuals to carefully consider the items and decide whether they wanted to place a bid.
The preview was open to the public, so those in London or were happen to be in the area during the event could enjoy a firsthand look at some of the most coveted guitars and gear in rock history.
For those who couldn't attend the preview, the items were photographed and displayed online, where potential bidders could access detailed images and descriptions.
Estimated Prices and Valuation
While it was impossible to predict exactly how much each item would sell for, there were pre-auction estimates available for each guitar, amplifier, and accessory.
These estimates were based on the rarity, condition, and historical importance of each piece, as well as market trends for similar items.
Iconic guitars like Gibson Les Paul ‘The Oxblood’ or Jackson Soloist ‘Tina’ were likely to fetch high prices, particularly given their connection to Beck’s career and the fact that these are one-of-a-kind instruments.
Similarly, vintage amplifiers and pedals that were used by Beck during his legendary performances were likely to be highly sought after by collectors and fans alike.
The Jeff Beck Guitar Auction was not just a chance to own a piece of rock history; it was an opportunity to experience the legacy of one of the greatest guitarists of all time.
The Guitars That Shaped Rock: Jeff Beck’s Collection Auctioned
The Jeff Beck Guitar Auction offered fans and collectors a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to acquire some of the most iconic and historically significant guitars in rock history.
From the classic Gibson Les Paul 'Oxblood' to the personalized Jackson Soloist 'Tina', each instrument tells a story of innovation, musical exploration, and artistic expression.
Some of the most iconic luthiers in the guitar industry played a role in designing and building guitars for Beck, including those at Gibson, Fender, and Jackson, as well as individual craftsmen who worked directly with Beck to create instruments that matched his unique playing style.
For those lucky enough to participate in the auction, the chance to own one of Beck’s guitars represented more than just the acquisition of an instrument—it was an opportunity to connect with the legacy of one of the greatest guitarists in history.
What Makes Jeff Beck’s Guitars So Valuable?
Beck’s guitars are more than just tools for making music; they are symbols of innovation and artistry.
As one of rock’s most revered guitarists, the gear he used shaped the sound of rock, blues, and fusion.
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Historical Significance: The guitars Beck used have been featured in some of the most iconic performances and albums in rock history. For collectors, owning one of these instruments means owning a part of music history.
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Unique Sound and Style: Beck’s playing style—characterized by his use of distortion, feedback, and unconventional techniques like the use of the whammy bar—was at the cutting edge of guitar innovation. His signature sound was defined in part by the instruments and equipment he used.
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Celebrity Ownership: Guitars previously owned and played by celebrities have always been valuable. In the case of Beck’s collection, these instruments have a direct connection to one of the most respected guitarists in the world.
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Condition and Provenance: Many of Beck’s guitars have been well-maintained, with their original parts intact. The provenance, or history of ownership, also adds to their value, as collectors know they are getting genuine instruments associated with a living legend.
Beck’s deep involvement in the creation of his custom guitars was not limited to just choosing features, he worked directly with the luthiers, making modifications, and testing the instruments until they were perfect.
Rock Royalty with Jeff Beck’s Legendary Guitar Collection
The Jeff Beck Guitar Auction offered a rare opportunity to acquire not only musical instruments but also a piece of rock history.
Beck’s guitars, amps, and pedals were much more than tools; they were a reflection of his artistry, creativity, and commitment to pushing the limits of guitar playing.
For collectors, music fans, and anyone who admires Jeff Beck’s legacy, this auction presented an exceptional chance to own a part of his musical journey.
Beck's guitars represent more than just musical tools; they are symbols of Beck’s legacy.
The Jeff Beck Auction was a monumental occasion for both guitar enthusiasts and those who have admired Beck’s musical genius throughout the years.
Jeff Beck Guitar Auction: FAQ
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