The instruments belonging to the music pioneer, John Martyn, are set to be sold for auction in Merseyside on 2nd July. The auction, taking place at Omega Auctions in Newton-le-Willows on Merseyside, will include a range of Martyn’s instruments and equipment, with particular interest in two 1954 Gibson Les Paul Gold Top guitars and an Echoplex delay unit, which Martyn famously used to create his songs. The Les Paul’s guitars are estimated to sell for up to £50,o00, as said by the auctioneer Paul Fairweather. Fairweather added that Martyn had an “incalculable impact on modern music and his music is still cherished by fans all over the world”, leading to an expectation of “significant interest” in the instruments.

The widely acclaimed singer has been described as a vital guide for today’s music, and was known for his unique sound that combined jazz and folk, with huge artists such as Eric Clapton, Portishead and U2 citing him as a influence in their own music. Over his four decade career, Martyn released a whopping twenty three albums, his most well known being ‘Solid Air’, and received an OBE award in 2009, only a few weeks before his passing. He is now survived by his second wife, Theresa Walsh, and his three children.

Alongside selling Martyn’s instruments and equipment that he used for recording and performing, the auction will also include personal items, such as pieces of clothing worn by Martyn.