Auction house Christie’s recently announced an upcoming auction of American-made vintage guitars that likely will pluck at the heartstrings of lovers of the six-string instrument worldwide.

A collection of classic guitars owned by actor Richard Gere will go to auction this fall. The Richard Gere Guitar Collection will be presented by Christie’s, in New York City, on October 11, 2011. Approximately 110 lots will be available; sales from the event are expected to be in the $1 million range. 

Along with being an actor, Richard Gere is an accomplished musician who is a studied trumpeter and a self-taught guitarist and pianist. Gere has actually played an instrument in several of his films, such as Cotton Club and Pretty Woman. He chose each of his guitars based on the instrument’s playability and craftsmanship. Proceeds from this auction will be donated to humanitarian causes supported by the artisan.

"I’ve had a love affair with guitars since I was a kid. They have been my true friends through the best and worst of times. I never planned to put together a collection, I just bought ones that I liked, the ones that sounded good and played well," said Gere. 

"Some are very special. Although it’s more than a little painful to let them go, each one has been played, loved and appreciated and will be again. All my proceeds from this sale will go to support humanitarian causes around the world."

Guitars manufactured by C.F. Martin, Gibson, Fender, Gretsch, and Epiphone will be offered as well as several amplifiers. Guitars previously owned by Jamaican reggae musician Peter Tosh and American blues guitarist Albert King are included. A guitar owned by Jimmy D’Aquisto, who is best known as being the premier maker of custom guitars from the 1960s until his death in 1995, also is among the lots.  

"Each guitar in this sale began as an instrument that Richard Gere purchased for himself, because he saw something brilliant, whether it was for its tonal quality, playability or sheer beauty, said Kerry Keane, head of the musical instruments department at Christie’s.

"What transpired over a lifetime is an almost encyclopedic representation of American guitar making. This is an exciting opportunity for collectors and fans alike to take advantage of Mr. Gere’s unrecognized talent for creating a cohesive collection." 

The Richard Gere Guitar Collection can be previewed at Christie's Rockefeller Galleries from October 8-11. Visit Christies.com to see more.
C.F.Martin and Company
Estimate: $50,000-70,000
Gibson Incorporated
Estimate: $60,000-90,000
John D'Angelico
Estimate: $10,000-15,000
Fender Electric Instrument Company
Estimate: $15,000-25,000