Inside the Final Gary Moore Gear Auction – From the Amps Behind His Sound to the Red Strat

🎸 Inside the Final Gary Moore Gear Auction – From the Amps Behind His Sound to the Red Strat That Defined His Blues Power”

Gary Moore was one of those rare musicians whose playing felt like a force of nature — raw, emotional, and unmistakably his. His career spanned blues, rock, fusion, and Celtic tones, and his gear collection evolved along with each new musical chapter. With the final Bonhams auction now bringing the last pieces of his collection to light, fans and collectors are getting a final glimpse into the tools that shaped his unmistakable sound.

⭐ A lifetime of instruments, each with a purpose

Moore didn’t collect guitars just to own them — each one was a stepping stone to a new sound. His collection included everything from vintage Gibsons and Fenders to workhorse amps and studio gear.

Since his passing in 2011, Bonhams has curated three major auctions, and this last chapter, titled “The Final Encore,” features around 30 guitars, over 40 amplifiers, and dozens of pedals, recorders, and stage-worn items.

The crown jewel? The legendary red 1960 Stratocaster closely associated with his fiery 2000s performances.

🎤 “He was ice-cold… until I mentioned the ‘Greeny’ Les Paul”

Former Guitarist editor Neville Marten remembers his first meeting with Moore.
Initially curt and distant, Gary softened instantly when Neville recognized the unmistakable out-of-phase tone of the iconic “Greeny” Les Paul, once owned by Peter Green. From that moment, the interview transformed into a heartfelt conversation about tone, blues, and musical roots.

Their shared gateway into blues was the same: the legendary Blues Breakers “Beano” album.

🎸 A player who chose guitars for the music, not the myth

Moore wasn’t tied to a specific brand or style.
When he needed a modern rock edge — he reached for a new Gibson Explorer.
When returning to his blues roots — he brought out a vintage Les Paul with the right voice.

Even with priceless classics in his collection, he wasn’t above buying a new Les Paul off the shelf if it suited the moment.

🔥 The Red Stratocaster — a star among legends

Among all the pieces, the red Strat is the most iconic. One of only two Fenders in this final collection, it became legendary thanks to Moore’s scorching performance of “Red House” at Fender’s 50th Anniversary at Wembley.
Many fans still see that moment as one of the greatest modern tributes to Hendrix.

⚡ Amplifiers: one true home — Marshall

While his guitars changed often, his amps rarely did.
Moore always returned to Marshall — especially a battered 50-watt combo that matched perfectly with his Les Pauls.
It was his sonic anchor through decades of evolution.

🎶 The essence of Gary Moore

Ask ten fans for their favorite Gary Moore era and you’ll get ten different answers — the rock virtuoso, the soulful bluesman, the fiery live performer.
But they’ll all agree on one thing:
he could make a single note feel like an entire story.

As Neville Marten puts it:
“Gary knew how to make the guitar speak. That’s what set him apart.”