LONDON — A significant exhibition of legendary guitars from rock history is currently taking place in London before they are auctioned. The renowned auction house Christie’s conducted a preview on Tuesday for the collection of the late Jeff Beck, who passed away in January 2023 at the age of 78. From Wednesday onwards, until January 22, the public will have the opportunity to view 90 guitars along with numerous other personal items belonging to Beck, who is referred to by Christie’s as “the ultimate guitarist’s guitar hero.”
As one of the prominent guitar icons of the 1960s alongside artists like Eric Clapton, Jimmy Page, and Jimi Hendrix, Beck’s influence on music is undeniable. He was honored with two inductions into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame: first with his band the Yardbirds in the 1960s and later as a solo musician. Known for his distinctive sound and improvisational talent, Beck collaborated with a wide array of musicians over the years, including Rod Stewart, David Bowie, Stevie Wonder, Tina Turner, and Johnny Depp.
The entire collection is valued at over 1 million pounds (approximately $1.2 million) and features a striking oxblood 1954 Gibson Les Paul that Beck acquired in Memphis in 1972. He used this guitar throughout the remainder of the decade, and it is prominently showcased on the cover of his Grammy-winning 1975 jazz-fusion album “Blow by Blow.” This particular guitar is anticipated to fetch between 350,000 pounds and 500,000 pounds ($425,000 to $610,000) at auction.
Other notable items include a Telecaster-Gibson hybrid, named the “Tele-Gib,” estimated to bring in between 100,000 pounds and 150,000 pounds ($122,000 to $183,000), along with Beck’s 1954 Sunburst Fender Stratocaster, which is valued from 50,000 pounds to 80,000 pounds ($61,000 to $98,000).
Reflecting on the emotional experience of selling these cherished items, Beck’s widow, Sandra Beck, expressed that it was a “massive wrench” to let go of the collection. However, she added, “I know Jeff wanted me to share this love,” highlighting the deep connection that these instruments held for the late guitarist and his legacy in the music world.
