The Gibson Johnny Smith that guitarist George Benson used to record his 1976 hit album Breezin’ (sales around three million) is now for sale on Reverb, the online marketplace dedicated to musical instruments. The Official George Benson Reverb Shop opened yesterday for viewing, with the Johnny Smith guitar and others available for purchase from 16 October.
Benson, now aged 81 and still touring and recording, said “I’ve lived with these special instruments for many years. They are my babies, but I think it’s time to pass them on as I believe that sharing them with others will inspire folks as it did me. My hope is that these guitars will lead to a very enjoyable experience for their new owners.”
Reverb was launched in 2013 by Chicago guitar-shop owner David Kalt and might be seen as a rival to eBay, which has traditionally held sway in second-hand instrument sales. George Benson’s guitars will be offered at a fixed price on Reverb, sold directly by Benson himself. However, interested buyers can make offers on the guitars in addition to buying them at the listed price.
Alongside the distinguished Johnny Smith guitar, other items on sale include the following:
An Ibanez GB10, that has served as Benson’s touring guitar over the last decade and is the only GB10 he plays on stage.
An original D’Aquisto, from 1980 that was personally built by master luthier Jimmy D’Aquisto.
An Ibanez GB,that was designed after the GB20 and is the only such Ibanez in existence.
An Ibanez 30th-Anniversary GB Kimono Inlay,used to perform his duet on guitarist Norman Brown’s single Nuthin’ But A Party.
A Gibson L5 Wes Montgomery, complete with a real tortoise shell pick guard.
An Ibanez GB 45th SSR, the original prototype of Ibanez’s 45th-anniversary guitar, featuring a GB-exclusive designed adjustable tailpiece.
Reverb’s Benson sale comes at a time when every month seems to bring an auction of celebrity jazz or rock instruments through traditional auction houses. Bonham’s of London is displaying guitars, amps and accessories belonging to Irish bluesman Rory Gallagher from 12-17 October before auction on 17 October. Some Jean-Luc Ponty violins were auctioned last month, Charlie Watts items were sold in September 2023 and Peter Green’s guitars and memorabilia made £483,300 last year. Reverb’s Benson sale follows other star sales on the website of artefacts owned by such as Peter Frampton, Nancy Wilson and T Bone Burnett.
