Jeff Beck’s Guitars Smash Records at Auction.
Among them, a Mahalo Flying V ukulele surprises collectors.
In a remarkable event on January 22, 2025, Christie’s auctioned the personal guitar collection of the legendary Jeff Beck. Amassing a total of £8,727,284, the auction significantly surpassed pre-sale estimates. Among the 128 lots was a unique Mahalo Flying V ukulele. Reflecting Beck’s eclectic taste and sense of humor.
The Mahalo Flying V ukulele stood out as an unexpected gem within the collection, a testament to Beck’s playful and experimental side. With its bold Flying V design, this ukulele is a nod to one of rock’s most iconic guitar shapes. It combined whimsy with Beck’s passion for pushing boundaries in music. It was a rare find, showcasing Beck’s willingness to embrace instruments that were unconventional yet full of character.
While the auction featured high-profile instruments like the 1954 ‘Oxblood’ Gibson Les Paul, which sold for £1,068,500, and the white Stratocaster ‘Anoushka’ fetching £1,008,000, the Mahalo Flying V ukulele also garnered its share of attention. It ultimately sold for £5,040, exceeding expectations for such a quirky piece.
This ukulele, though small in size, offered a glimpse into the lighter, more humorous side of Jeff Beck’s personality. Its sale underscores the deep admiration for Beck’s legacy and the diverse range of instruments he cherished throughout his illustrious career, proving that even the smallest and quirkiest items can hold immense sentimental and artistic value.
