THE actor Richard Gere’s guitar collection comes up for auction at Christie’s in New York on October 11. Included are vintage American guitars from the marquee names of C.F. Martin, Gibson, Fender, Gretsch and Epiphone, and a selection of amplifiers, as well as iconic guitars that belonged to Albert King, Peter Tosh and James D’Aquisto. Around 110 lots are expected to realise $1 million.
Born in 1949 Richard Gere, who has starred in over 40 films, is an accomplished musician. He studied trumpet and is a self-taught pianist and guitarist. His best-known films include An Officer and a Gentleman, Days of Heaven, American Gigolo, Looking for Mr. Goodbar, Pretty Woman, Primal Fear, Unfaithful, and Chicago, for which he won a Golden Globe Award for Best Actor. He played in the films Cotton Club and Pretty Woman. His personal collection of American vintage guitars is based upon their playability and craftsmanship.
” Although it’s more than a little painful to let them go, each one has been played, loved and appreciated- and will be again” he said. “All my proceeds from this sale will go to support humanitarian causes around the world.”
UPDATE: THE collection sold for near $1 million dollars. The top lot was a 1960 sold-body Les Paul electric guitar by Gibson, which made $98,000.
C.F.MARTIN AND COMPANY A GUITAR, STYLE D-28, NAZARETH, PA., 1931 Estimate: $50,000-70,000.
GIBSON INCORPORATED A SOLID-BODY ELECTRIC GUITAR, FLYING V KALAMAZOO, MI, 1958 Estimate: $60,000-90,000 Documented as a pre-production prototype by Gibson Incorporated, the guitar was formally the property of Albert King.
FENDER ELECTRIC INSTRUMENT COMPANY A SOLID-BODY ELECTRIC GUITAR, STRATOCASTER FULLERTON, CA., 1954 Estimate: $30,000-40,000