Mark Knopfler, the legendary former frontman of Dire Straits, has announced a significant auction of over 120 guitars and amps that have accompanied him throughout his illustrious five-decade career. The auction, titled “The Mark Knopfler Guitar Collection,” is scheduled to take place at Christie’s auctioneers on January 31, 2023.
Among the remarkable instruments up for auction is the guitar used to record Dire Straits’ iconic hit “Money For Nothing” and famously played at the legendary 1985 Live Aid concert in London. Christie’s describes the collection as an array of guitars that Knopfler used to write, record, and perform both Dire Straits’ and solo tracks.
The diverse collection features instruments from renowned brands such as Gibson, Fender, and Martin, alongside custom-built models crafted by acclaimed guitar builders Rudy Pensa and John Suhr. These guitars have been Knopfler’s companions in creating some of the most memorable music over the years.
In a statement released by Christie’s, Knopfler expressed his sentiment about parting with these cherished instruments, saying, “It’s time to take some of these treasured six-string companions out of their cases and allow them to have new adventures with new owners.” Despite the emotional attachment, he added, “You can be sure I’ll be sad to see them go, but we’ve had wonderful times together, and I can’t play them all.”
The auction, featuring guitars spanning Knopfler’s time with Dire Straits and his solo career, is not only a chance for fans to own a piece of music history but also an opportunity to contribute to charitable causes. The 74-year-old musician has pledged to donate a quarter of the sales proceeds to various charities, including the British Red Cross, wildlife conservationists Tusk, and children’s not-for-profit Brave Hearts of the North East.
The most highly valued lot in the auction is an original 1959 Les Paul Standard, estimated at £500,000 ($625,000), which Knopfler acquired from Bobby Tench of The Jeff Beck Group. Another notable piece is the Gibson Les Paul 1983 reissue guitar used to record “Money For Nothing,” expected to fetch up to £15,000 ($19,000).
Several other guitars, including a 2002 Fender “Mark Knopfler Signature Stratocaster” and a “Pensa-Suhr MK-1” crafted and adapted by John Suhr, are set to be auctioned, with estimates ranging from £6,000 to £8,000.
Notably, the auction isn’t limited to high-end items, as it includes more affordable options, such as a mandolin previously owned by blues legend Yank Rachell, with an estimated cost of £300 to £500.
Christie’s will provide opportunities for fans and collectors to view the guitars before the auction, with a touring exhibition in New York from December 9-13 and pre-sale viewings at its London headquarters.
In a recent interview with the BBC, while recording his 10th solo album, Knopfler mentioned that he might use some of the proceeds from the auction to indulge in new guitar acquisitions, humorously admitting that he is “not impervious to temptation.”