Calling All Auction Survivors

I would certainly be willing to share on that basis. They all have previously been in Julien's online listings, so this may be easier, they are still visible, in possibly better quality. For example, here is a link to one of them.

https://www.julienslive.com/m/lot-details/index/catalog/320/lot/137916?url=%2Fm%2Fview-auctions%2Fcatalog%2Fid%2F320%3Fpage%3D2

The best way to find them is to google the lot number,

eg. walter becker julien's lyrics lot 61

Then you get a direct link to the auction page and can move to the next or previous lots.

One that I am pleased to own is lot 48, which is actually the mastering notes for Aja, ready for the cutting room, in Donald Fagen's hand.

Even nicer, in a way, is a track listing for The Royal Scam, lot 69, in Walter's hand that shows the preferred mixes for compiling the album.

As this is a part of what I do as a process in my own recording, they are great pieces to own.

Let me know if you need any stuff!

That's probably a good and timely idea, I have previously gone down that specific route with little response, although Julien's were good enough to give me some access to other unsold lots after my request, and I bought some. Which was really great actually. They are an excellent company to do business with. I will try again.

Being stuck at home, staying safe, not playing shows, lets my mind wander down such avenues of possibility! Thanks.

A happy and healthy 2021 to everyone, and while I'm sorting out the few bits and pieces from the Karen Stanley/Walter Becker Julien's auction that I was lucky enough to get (WB lyrics, track lists, stuff) I thought I'd drop in a thought that I REALLY should have kept bidding on those lyrics for Haitian Divorce. Hmm, Does anyone out there know who got them? I'd be very interested in correcting my mistake, re-writing the past, and buying them. Or trading them. Anything that works.

D-Mod, your room looks in much better shape than mine, and some NICE stuff there BTW, my room is now officially out of control. In a good way.

I think those guitars of Walter's at Julien's auction are going to be out of my range. And that will largely be due to the fact that I already spent my money on the ones I have here. How many guitars does a person need? This is the forum that may go a long way to answering that question. At least I play ALL of mine. I think that, possibly, auction fever takes a long, long time to subside. I know I'll still be looking around even in a year. For now, I thought it appropriate to include a family snapshot of my mixed bunch. The common denominator is that they are all really great & useful instruments, so hats off to WB for seeking them out in the first place, he certainly knew his guitars. BTW in the photo, I haven't added camouflage spots to the Frye and the B-Way, it's just reflections of the pattern on my studio rug.

L-R Frye Model One, Bigsby prototype, O'Dell Blondie, B-Way, Headless Baritone.

Oh my goodness! I had received a Julien's alert and had not checked it out! Thank you! I'll be across the street checking them out for a while.

Continuing WB items on Auction:

Julien's auction of WB items in Nov and Dec of 2019 offered all the instruments in Walter's possession at the time of his death.

From time to time, you'll see one or a couple WB guitars for auction there even today; apparently,(I THINK), these may be returns, or aborted deals or non-payments from 2019 ....and so those items go back into the auction pool

NiteBob tells me today that there are " 2 Monty guitars and an odd bass in a current Julien's auction."

Just went there myself -- and in fact, there are several high value (imho) items under a Becker search:

(see https://www.julienslive.com/m/view-auctions/catalog/id/357?page=1&view=list&key=becker&sale=undefined&catm=any&order=order_num&xclosed=no&featured=no).

Some of you may wanna take a peek!

I'm intrigued to know what the longer reply may have been! I must say I do like this site, full of like-minded people who like good music.

I had previously read that Fretboard Journal article, and happily just read it again. I do trawl google looking for this exact kind of thing, and there isn't enough, to be honest. There are plenty of links to "experts" who can show you how to play just about any song the wrong way, or try to tell you how something was written, when they mean arranged or recorded. I have a filter for that.

What I find, in decades of playing, recording and listening, is that my brain becomes more attuned to fine detail in sound, probably at the same rate as my ears physically deteriorate. But its a great excuse for me getting more guitars, if nothing else. Maybe amps too.

I think it would be impolite for me not to post pictures of my auction items, so I plan to do that soon. And I should have bought a Hahn. I really should. Auction remorse.

I just came across this thread. Great stories. I bought 3 guitars in the auction; The red B-Way (which was onstage at the Beacon when I was there in 2015), an O'Dell Blondie Tele clone, and the headless baritone guitar. I'm pleased to say all are being used in my recordings, and the B-Way has been on stage. I was actually on stage playing when I bought it, honestly. My phone was right there near me and in the middle of an old Drifters song I pulled the trigger. Since then I've bought 2 more guitars from that sale on the secondary market, A Bigsby BY-50 (I think) which is fabulous, and a Frye Model 1 in black, also fabulous. All now in England, all getting played by a musician who has been a fan since Can't Buy A Thrill came out. That's five down, six hundred and four to go. It's an inspiration.

Hey guys,

Back in November I was lucky enough to win lot #411, a beautiful blonde Jazz-style bass without any manufacturer’s markings. I’m a HUGE fan, obviously, and would really like to know if there’s any story behind the bass or maybe even who sold it to Walter. Actually, I bet it’s older than I am….....The only clue I’ve got are the letters “JJ” written on the outside of the case along with “Acme Jazz.” The neck seems really amazing and sturdy, but off in comparison to the rest of the guitar. Maybe he had the intention of using the neck on a different axe? I may never know…but I hope to find out. I reached out to Julien’s months ago, no luck.

Any help would be greatly appreciated :)

Rachel

I saw the “Josie” Tele by Sadowsky in the online catalogue and how it appeared in bad shape. I thought I might be able to snag it with my $2800 budget. I watched some of Friday’s auction on my laptop to get a feel of how it worked. On Saturday I eagerly placed some bids on the Josie guitar and some pedal boards. When the guitar came up I had my finger hovering with the cursor over the bid button. Suddenly the bids rolled in and I barely got my cursor away without accidentally bidding $20,000! I was blown away by the prices for the pedal boards, too.

Well I already had the fever for a Tele type, being mostly an archtop guy, but always hearing how Tele’s made great jazz guitars. I looked ahead in the catalogue and saw a NoCaster Tele type made by 30th Street Guitars in NYC. I bid on it and got it at my budget. Boy did I hit the jackpot. It plays like butter. There is a date in the neck pocket indicating it was built in 1988. Walter definitely loved this guitar, too. There is quite a bit of fret wear, the volume pot is worn out, and there is a sticker on the headstock, “10’s”, that I presume was put there by his guitar tech. The headstock has two scorch marks along each side of the 6th string tuner where Walter slid his Camel regulars under the string. There definitely was some WB mojo flowing through this piece of wood. I tried emailing 30th Street Guitars asking if they could tell me anything about the guitar and got a terse response that seems very NYC… “Without the guitar in hand, I don't really recall. Built a lot of guitars for Walter over the years. He was a regular customer.”

I have played guitar for 55 years and have a small collection of player’s guitars. WB’s guitar will join the group comprised of a Mortoro guitar that was George Benson’s, Billy Bean’s ES-175, and Tommy Tedesco’s ES-175.

Still flushed with WB vibes, I also picked up a couple of Greer Amps pedals from the WB Estate on-line only auction on Dec. 9! I’m eagerly waiting for those to arrive.

https://www.jazzguitar.be/forum/guitar-amps-amp-gizmos/76811-walter-beckers-1952-telecaster-replica-30th-street-guitars-nyc.html

Hi rgb,

It's really great to see that you were able to pick up that beautiful Hahn Tele at the auction, and for a price that was within your budget.. All of the Hahn guitars are very well regarded, for their high quality of craftsmanship, excellent playability, and their superior intonation.. Plus, you just can't beat a Tele for versatility and that great Rock and Roll sound ! It has made this entire auction process so much easier when knowing the guitars and other instruments have gone to musicians and the people who have always loved and respected Walter and his dedication to creating fine music.. Congratulations on your new guitar my friend.. I'm wishing you many years of playing satisfaction with this Beautiful Hahn guitar.. It's really nice ! ! Lary

I won this awesome Hahn 1229 - great instrument! I'm a PRS guy, but this is now one of my prized guitars. I managed to get this at what I feel was a great price (near list price), even without the WB provenance. I didn't have a Tele, so this is one of WB's guitar's that was on my list and I'm glad it didn't get bid into the stratosphere :). The neck needed an adjustment, but my luthier set it up perfectly - he was excited to work on it too!.

I feel honored to be able to own and play this instrument.

Hi Mike T,

Sorry for the delay in responding to your post and pictures, but hopefully better late than never will apply here, considering everything that is happening during this Holiday Season etc, etc..

I'm So Happy that you were able to pick up that beautiful Rickenbacker guitar ! I'm a Huge 12String guitar lover, and owner, and Rickenbackers have that certain distinctive sound and sonic presence, unlike any other instrument in the studio or on stage.. They have been a valuable tool for the producer in the studio, because of their clear, crisp tone that helps to create a solid foundation in the mix. And in the final production a Rickenbacker adds a rich, full range of dimension to a song, without interfering with the information from any of the other instruments.. They are truly unique guitars and I'm Sure that you're going to really enjoy playing it.. Congratulations Mike, I know that Walter would be happy to have another one of his prized instruments ending up in the care of a musician from the extended Walter Becker group of friends and family.. Thank you ! Lary

Hey all, wanted to share a couple of pics - the Rickenbacker and Maverick (finally) arrived. Great condition, excited to get some time with them.

Hi there Jim, Man, I'm really happy that you were able to pick up that beautiful blonde Tele !

It was one of the finest instruments available, at least in my humble opinion.. It's just gorgeous,

and Teles have that ultimate Rock and Roll sound ! Not to mention the versatility.. Congratulations

to you, I think that Walter would be Delighted by your story.. Enjoy yourself .. Lary

I was following the auction on line and bidding on a few things as they came up not expecting to actually win a bid And ended up buying one of the Glendale teles. Mine is the blonde, black guard 50s. It’s incredibly beautiful and very light. Nice grain in the body. The neck is perfect. I reached out to the builder to see if there was a story behind it and this is what he sent:

Jim, I have always been a huge Steely Danfan. So when I got the call that Walter wanted to order one of my guitars I was very excited. By what I can remember I think he already owned one of my guitars. I think the first guitar he bought from me was a Dreamcaster. Then I made the orange Supermod guitar and he liked it and bought that one. And then I had the good fortune to be invited to a Steely Dan show to meet Walter. I brought 3 guitars and he played on them and said I like all of them I'll take all 3. I got to talk with him joke around and have a great time, I saw the show from the side of the stage. Earlier in the night before the show we walked down a hallway and Donald Fagen was sitting on a bench talking to a few people. It seem somewhat strange to see Donald Fagen that close up, not that is was strange. Just when I was a 17 year old kid driving around in my car listening to Steely Dan I never imagined I would someday be in the same room with them. I wanted to say hi to Donald and shake his hand but I did not want to bother him so I just walk on past. I wish Walter was still with us. Thanks, Dale

So there you go... I’ve got a great guitar with a cool back story!

Well John, it's all about the deep compassion and consideration for your friend that really creates such an impact among everyone who has loved and admired Walter, for many of those same reasons. That is very much the kind of man he was, and your amazing gesture of making a gift of one of his prized instruments is very much in keeping with something that would give him a great deal of satisfaction. It seems like a very natural progression, and it deserves a sincere vote of admiration.. You are a good man John ! Lary

Hi John,

Your post brought tears to my eyes ! That is one of the most incredible acts of Brotherhood yet to come from this entire event experience.. I can only imagine how it must have affected both you and your dear friend ! This is absolutely outstanding ! There really aren't any other appropriate words to express the warm hearts that you have given everyone here, and especially to your friends and family! Thank you for sharing this with all of us.. You have restored my faith in humanity.. Lary

The blue Japanese Fender Strat (lot 502) is now in it's final home. I actually bought it for a friend of mine who is an excellent guitarist (much better than I am) and a massive Steely Dan fan. It was a surprise present and he had tears when I gave it to him and told him what it was. He was hit hard by Walter's death and this meant a lot to him. He said he went home and played Steely Dan songs on it for the next 5 hours straight. The guitar will be cherished! He remarked on how perfectly the guitar was set up and said it must be nice to have a guitar tech follow you around all day! I had played it a bit myself before I gave it to him and, like Bilbo and the ring, I found I was hard pressed to actually hand it over when the time came. It is a beautiful guitar and it plays very well. But it will be truly honored in his hands so it was the right thing to do. Wile I imagine a few of the guitars will wind up on someone's trophy wall, it sounds like many (most?) will be played and loved whether by pros or beginners.

As I’ve said elsewhere, although I’m not a professional musician, I nonetheless bought two of his guitars at the auction… and I don’t (yet) play the guitar. I just wanted to have something that once belonged to the man who, along with his Steely Dan partner Donald Fagen, pursued a singular quest for musical perfection that brought me and many others such joy and carried us in our 1970s journey from adolescence to adulthood and beyond. At the end of the day, I somehow wanted my purchase to honor him… to recognize his excellence and attention to detail… to use his love for the craft as inspiration to learn a new instrument… to feel his presence as I strum his guitars. While I suspect that most of the bidders, both online and in-person, were professional musicians, I’m sure that there were others out there like me… I think Walter would have wanted it that way.