As Christie’s held the impressive auction of Jeff Beck’s instruments on January 23, 2025, some of the most important guitars in recent music history were dispersed. The musician, who passed away in 2023, left his mark with his unparalleled sense of innovation and virtuosic approach to the electric guitar. According to both fans and musicians, Jeff Beck was a revolutionary genius who transformed the previously accepted possibilities of the electric guitar. Among the highlights of this London auction were the famous Oxblood, the iconic Yardburst, and the renowned white Stratocasters. Matt’s Guitar Shop was present to cover this event, invited to play and admire some of these historic guitars the day before the auction.
The deliberately sober title of the auction, “Jeff Beck – The Guitar Collection,” reflected the spirit of the man who assembled it over the years. Beck primarily considered his guitars as modifiable, variable work tools, and until his final concerts, he made these instruments the material extension of his genius.
This auction was also a poignant opportunity to appreciate the extent of Jeff Beck’s passion and talent, who passed away suddenly while still deeply involved in numerous projects. From guitars to road cases, amplifiers, and pedalboards, each item in the exhibition was ready to hit the road again. The shock of his death made everyone realize the incomparable genius of this musician, always in search of the perfect sound, while leaving a huge void in the world of electric guitar. This sale reflected the vision of a passionate, virtuoso, and undisputed genius of electrified music.
The large crowd attending the exhibition and auction at King Street was no mistake: it was one of the last chances to witness instruments that changed the course of history. Some 130 hammer strikes and over 8 million pounds later, the international enthusiasm and fierce bidding for the finest pieces recalled the colossal legacy left by Jeff Beck. Behind him remain virtuosic solos, iconic tracks, historic collaborations, and guitars that have entered the collective rock narrative: the Oxblood, the Yardburst, and the white Strats.
We warmly thank the Christie’s London team for their welcome, availability, and time, and for allowing us to experience this historic and emotional moment.
