Collector's corner: Fagen/Becker autographs helps charity auction raise £16 000

One of the things up for auction this past week during the BBC's annual Children in Need fundraiser was the aptly named Star Guitar from artist Beth Nielsen Chapman.

She got a few friends to add their autographs to the guitar. OK, we can't say she collected the autographs herself. Here's what the BBC site says:

The front of Beth’s "Star Guitar" is signed by Wake Up To Wogan favourites Dolly Parton, James Taylor, Jack Johnson, Art Garfunkel, Katie Melua, Nanci Griffith, John Fogerty (Creedence Clearwater Revival), Donald Fagen and Walter Becker (Steely Dan).

Autographs on the back include: Michael McDonald, B. J. Thomas ('Raindrops Keep Falling On My Head'), legendary guitarist James Burton (who played with Elvis, Ricky Nelson and Emmylou Harris), John Kay (Steppenwolf), country star Tanya Tucker, and Delbert McLinton (the man who taught John Lennon to play harmonica).

How much did someone pay for the signed guitar? £16,000! Which equals $32,766.

And while we're on Steely Dan stuff being sold:

We haven't mentioned these two items on Ebay before so here goes...

October:
Walt Becker Steely Dan 58 Fender Precision Bass

This example of a 1958 Fender Precision bass was used in early Steely Dan recordings. Walter Becker purchased this bass in 1973 and used it on the recording of the Pretzel Logic album including the hit song "Rikki, Don't Loose That Number." The bass has been stored in Hawaii for several years and depicts some finish flaking due to the high humidity on the islands. The maple neck is very clean.
(From the Jimmy Crimmins 'Vintage Connection' Guitar Collection.)

Sold by Heritage Auctions for the neat sum of $29,500. More info here.

November:
Royal Scam Gold Award

Sold for $ 690. More info here.