Iconic Guitars of Jeff Beck to Hit the Auction Block

Fans and collectors of music memorabilia will soon have the chance to own a piece of rock history. Over 130 items from the late Jeff Beck’s personal collection, including 90 guitars, will be up for auction. This sale represents an extraordinary opportunity to connect with one of the most influential guitarists of all time, whose career spanned decades and genres.

Highlights of the Collection

The auction, hosted by Christie’s, includes instruments valued at over £1 million ($1.3 million). One standout piece is a 1954 Gibson Les Paul, which Beck purchased in Memphis in 1972. This oxblood-colored guitar played a prominent role in his career throughout the 1970s. It even graced the cover of his groundbreaking 1975 album, Blow by Blow. This iconic instrument is estimated to fetch between £350,000 and £500,000 ($450,000 to $640,000).

Another notable item is Beck’s 1954 Sunburst Fender Stratocaster, valued between £50,000 and £80,000 ($65,000 to $100,000). This guitar showcases Beck’s distinctive playing style, known for masterful bends and whammy bar techniques. Additionally, a white Fender Stratocaster that Beck played extensively over 16 years—including at prestigious venues like Ronnie Scott’s jazz club and the Obama White House—is expected to attract bids ranging from £20,000 to £30,000 ($26,000 to $39,000).

A Legacy in Music

Jeff Beck’s influence on rock music and beyond remains unparalleled. Rising to fame in the 1960s with The Yardbirds, Beck forged a solo career that blended rock, jazz, blues, and classical elements. Twice inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, his collaborators included legends such as Rod Stewart, Stevie Wonder, and Tina Turner.

Among the auction’s rarities is a Telecaster-Gibson hybrid known as the “Tele-Gib,” with an estimated value of £100,000 to £150,000 ($130,000 to $190,000). This hybrid model is a testament to Beck’s creativity and passion for crafting a unique sound.

The Human Touch

What sets this auction apart is the personal nature of the items. Many of the guitars show visible signs of use, including wear on the fretboards and well-loved strings. These details provide a glimpse into Beck’s approach to his instruments—not as pristine artifacts but as essential tools of his craft. Each guitar carries a piece of Beck’s legacy, embodying the passion and energy that defined his playing.

A Collector’s Dream

The auction follows other high-profile music memorabilia sales, including Mark Knopfler’s collection and items from Pattie Boyd. Beck’s widow, Sandra, has described the decision to part with the collection as bittersweet, but she believes it’s a fitting way to share Jeff’s love for music with the world.

For those eager to preview these treasures, a selection of guitars will be displayed at Christie’s Los Angeles showroom from December 4–6. The full collection will then move to Christie’s London, where it will be on view starting January 15, with the auction set for January 22.