British rock star Mark Knopfler to auction guitars for charity

London, Nov 21 (EFE).- Mark Knopfler, the former frontman of British band Dire Straits, will auction 120 guitars and amplifiers from his personal collection in London on Jan. 31, Christie’s said on Tuesday, with quarter of the proceeds set aside for charity.

The instruments up for sale spans the 50-year career of Knopfler, who has used them to write, record and perform an extensive catalog of compositions for Dire Straits, as well as to record his solo albums and film soundtracks, the auction house said in a statement.

“Mark chose each instrument for its individual sound and tone, assembling a wide-ranging archive that includes iconic and world-famous names such as Gibson, Fender and Martin alongside custom-built models by Rudy Pensa and John Suhr, and bespoke examples crafted by luthiers from across the globe,” the statement said.

Twenty-five percent of the final hammer price will go to the charities that Knopfler has supported over the years, including the British Red Cross, Tusk, and Brave Hearts of the North East.

According to Christie’s, the estimated prices for the instruments will range from 300 to 500,000 pounds ($376 to $626,778).

Before the auction on Jan. 31. 2024, the musician’s guitar collection will go on display in New York from Dec. 9 to 13 and in London from Jan. 19 to 30.

“Wherever I go I’m still crossing streets to look at guitars in the windows of music shops. I’ve done that since I was a little kid. I’ve lived with this love affair for over sixty years,” Knopfler said.

The singer-songwriter said he had “passion for all kinds of guitars,” and the collection for auction comprised guitars of all shapes and sizes, with plenty of them less expensive.

“It’s time to take some of these treasured six-string companions out of their cases and leave them in the care of Christie’s to allow them to have new adventures with new owners,” he said.

Amelia Walker, Specialist Head of the Private and Iconic Collections at Christie’s, said they were delighted to offer this “incredible collection of guitars” for sale, which has played a key role in the musical education of generations around the world.

Among the lots is a 1959 Gibson Les Paul guitar, which the musician played in concerts during the 2001 ‘Sailing To Philadelphia’ tour, with an estimated price ranging from $376,000 to $626,778. EFE

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