#London #United Kingdom #Gibson ES-5N #T-Bone Walker #Regent Sounds

Iconic Guitar Auction at Regent Sounds

Regent Sounds, the renowned guitar shop located on Denmark Street, has made waves with its announcement of an exclusive online auction featuring the legendary 1949 Gibson ES-5N once owned by T-Bone Walker. Dubbed "the guitar that started it all", this unique instrument will be showcased as part of the store's new Vintage Lounge inauguration, marking a significant milestone in its storied history.

The auction is set to run for five weeks from February 23 to March 31 on Reverb, the world's largest online marketplace for musical instruments. This event is not just an opportunity for collectors but a homage to the rich legacy of Regent Sounds, gathering legends of rock and roll, collectors, and industry experts to celebrate this historic instrument.

The Significance of the Gibson ES-5N

The Gibson ES-5N owned by T-Bone Walker is widely regarded as one of the most valuable and historically important guitars due to its significant rarity, documented provenance, and a remarkable 77-year history. Only 22 units of this model were produced in 1949, each contributing to a transformational moment in the evolution of electric guitars and the music that followed.

Believed to have influenced a generation of musicians, T-Bone Walker's unique style and techniques have left an indelible mark on artists from Chuck Berry to Jimi Hendrix. The auction provides a unique chance for aspiring musicians and collectors alike to own a piece of this legacy, with bidding starting at £1,500,000.

A Revival for Regent Sounds

After a tumultuous period marked by uncertainty, Regent Sounds has recently undergone significant renovations, returning to its original location while expanding its offerings. The store now features the Rare and Vintage Guitar Lounge and three soundproof demo rooms, allowing musicians to test instruments in a more immersive environment. This revitalization breathes new life into Denmark Street, often referred to as the home of British music.

Jim Tuerk, Vice President of Marketing at Reverb, noted, "This auction represents a unique opportunity to own a piece of music history. T-Bone Walker's contributions to the evolution of blues into modern rock are monumental, and this guitar plays a central role in that narrative. Regent Sounds is the ideal venue to showcase this legendary instrument to a worldwide audience."

Celebrating a Musical Legacy

As part of this special showcase, the iconic guitar will also be on display at Regent Sounds during the auction period, where visitors can view it up close by appointment. Regent Sounds has a long-standing connection to music history, having been a recording venue for renowned artists such as The Rolling Stones, Jimi Hendrix, and David Bowie throughout the 1960s to the 1980s. Notable recordings at their studios include The Beatles' "Fixing a Hole" and The Rolling Stones' early hits.

Crispin Weir, co-owner of Regent Sounds, remarked, "The recent expansion and the opening of our Vintage Lounge herald a bright future for us. The sale of T-Bone's guitar and our partnership with Reverb are just the beginning of what we have planned for music enthusiasts."

A Future Rich in Potential

This auction is expected to attract significant attention from both music lovers and collectors, underpinning Regent Sounds' role in the continued celebration and preservation of musical history. Tony Bacon, author of books on guitar history, emphasizes how T-Bone Walker's innovations paved the way for future legends, making Regent Sounds a sacred spot for music aficionados.

With a storied past and an exciting future ahead, Regent Sounds is poised to continue its legacy as a cornerstone of the music industry. Mark your calendars for this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to bid on a piece of music legacy and experience the history that resonates in every note of the Gibson ES-5N.