600 Pages of Walter Becker's Gear for Sale

If you haven't checked out the catalog of stuff for sale from Steely Dan's Walter Becker's estate, you are missing a real treat. Its online and nearly 600 pages (yes ... 600) of basses, bass amps (including an early 1970s SVT head), guitars, guitar amps, effects, studio equipment, etc. that are for sale. You can buy the catalog for $100 or download it for free. There is so much of it, its like walking into a high-end music store. Happy Bidding! ttps://juliensauctions.com/about-auction?id=296
 
If you haven't checked out the catalog of stuff for sale from Steely Dan's Walter Becker's estate, you are missing a real treat. Its online and nearly 600 pages (yes ... 600) of basses, bass amps (including an early 1970s SVT head), guitars, guitar amps, effects, studio equipment, etc. that are for sale. You can buy the catalog for $100 or download it for free. There is so much of it, its like walking into a high-end music store. Happy Bidding! ttps://juliensauctions.com/about-auction?id=296
I went to the website. Be aware that if you win a bid, you will have to pay an additional 25% of the purchase price "hammer" fee, plus another additional 3% random fee, plus taxes and shipping and insurance. I was looking at an INTERESTING Hahn Model 22 '51 Precision Bass (USA made) but all the fees and conditions scared me away.
 
  • Like
Reactions: OldFenderPlayer
Tell me about it. That Hahn looked SWEET too.

Yeah, but I really, and I mean REALLY want an early SVT. Having one from a member of Steely Dan would just make having the head that much cooler to me.

It's like books--I collect rare books--and while I have two copies of Fight Club, the signed copy I just got is much cooler than my first copy (I bought it in high school; it's a first edition paperback) or my second copy (a gift), even though they're all the same book.

I could get a current SVT or a used one from the 70s or 80s, and it'd sound like an SVT, but man, there's just something about owning "famous" gear.
 
Yeah, but I really, and I mean REALLY want an early SVT. Having one from a member of Steely Dan would just make having the head that much cooler to me.

It's like books--I collect rare books--and while I have two copies of Fight Club, the signed copy I just got is much cooler than my first copy (I bought it in high school; it's a first edition paperback) or my second copy (a gift), even though they're all the same book.

I could get a current SVT or a used one from the 70s or 80s, and it'd sound like an SVT, but man, there's just something about owning "famous" gear.
I get ya. I really wanted that Hahn '51 P-bass (Made in New York State). I'm sure Walter never played it, but he owned it. But there are also no warranties on any of the equipment. What if you buy it, pay the 28% fees, tax and shipping and there's a major problem with it? I don't think there is any recourse.
 
I get ya. I really wanted that Hahn '51 P-bass (Made in New York State). I'm sure Walter never played it, but he owned it. But there are also no warranties on any of the equipment. What if you buy it, pay the 28% fees, tax and shipping and there's a major problem with it? I don't think there is any recourse.

Exactly.

While it'd be cool as all get out to score an original SVT on the cheap, I don't want to deal with the potential problems that come with that.

Did Walter take care of his gear? I'm sure of it. Does that mean it's pristine and like new? Not at all. Just looking at the pics of the SVTs shows that they've seen some time on the road and with that, they probably have developed some problems and issues that could very well cost more than the winning bid price, the Hammer Fee, and shipping & insurance.

It's cool the gear is being auctioned off, but man, seems like people who would actually use and appreciate the gear are getting raw dogged without any KY.
 
Talking about famous gear reminds me of the day (in 1969) a high-school friend of mine decided to replace his two Dual Showman combos with Marshalls. He drove from New Haven to New York, went to Manny's, and came back with two used Marshall Major full stacks. The first stack had "JACK BRUCE" stenciled across the back of the cabs and heads. The second stack: "PETER PAUL AND MARY."
 
I Worked for an auctioneer company years ago, I would bet money, between there “advertising fees, commission, Auction labor, buyer premiums, special fee’s, packing, shipping, etc” there auction company will make at least 60% of the sale gross as profits. It’s just how the game is played. It’s unfortunate for everyone involved accept the auction company. It’s a lucrative business if you have the stomach for it.

There are some great pieces in the sale, but they will go for wartime prices in the end, that’s how it always works out.

Trust me they are just taking the fee on both sides of the sale, that’s the game
 
Very cool catalog. The thumbnail view allowed me to quickly flip through it to the stuff that interested me.

A few hightlights for basses. Some basses are scattered throughout, but...

Most of the Fender basses start on page 220.
Dan Armstrongs and other AMPEG basses start on 330
Sadowsky's on 413
NS, Musicamans and a few others of interest start at 499
An unreal collection of pedals starts at 511

I rather like the reclaimed Kelly Pine Telebass item #412

Thanks for posting this!
 
Last edited: