Jeff Beck's Guitar Collection Fetches Millions at Auction

photo credit: Philip Verhaege

The guitar collection of the late British guitarist Jeff Beck, who passed away in 2023, has fetched over 10 million euros at auction. This was announced by the London auction house Christie's. Among the standout pieces was the Gibson Les Paul 'Oxblood,' which went under the proverbial hammer.
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​The 1954 guitar, known as the 'Oxblood,' is featured on the cover of Beck's album Blow By Blow (1975). This iconic guitar was auctioned for nearly 1.3 million euros, despite an initial estimate of around 600,000 euros. Another highlight of the auction was 'Anoushka,' a Fender White Stratocaster that Beck played for sixteen years and described as his "other arm." With this guitar, he performed at the White House in 2012 for then-President Barack Obama. Anoushka ultimately fetched 1.2 million euros.

In total, 128 items from Beck's estate were auctioned, including guitars and amplifiers. Beck was a legendary guitarist who rose to prominence in the 1960s, first with the Yardbirds and later with his own Jeff Beck Group. Over the course of his career, he won eight Grammys and was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. The British guitarist passed away on January 10, 2023.
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According to his widow, Sandra Beck, Jeff's guitars were his greatest passion. She stated that he would have wanted them to be played, shared, and cherished once more. "I am deeply moved that Jeff's guitars have sparked so much enthusiasm among his fans and friends," said Sandra Beck. "Thank you all so much for believing in Jeff's legacy."

Jeff Beck 'blow by blow' 1975