Led Zeppelin bassist John Paul Jones to auctioning his old studio equipment

Posted On January 6, 2026January 6, 2026

John Paul Jones has started auctioning off his old studio equipment, which he hopes can be put “to good use”. 

The former Led Zeppelin bassist has put a number of his classic and top-of-the-range pieces of equipment on the market via the British company Soundgas, which is a specialist in selling similar types of equipment. 

The description for the auction explains that although Jones “is still very active musically – writing, recording and performing”, he has made the decision to part ways with some of his gear as he “no longer requires so much studio equipment”.

The icon, who very recently celebrated his 80th birthday on January 3rd, has been the owner of all the items since they were brand new but is now passing them on to the next generation as “he feels it should be in the hands of people who will put it to good use”.

As such, the description stipulates: “It is offered here without formal provenance, with the intention that it continues to be used as intended.”

Jones’ wide collection of coveted equipment includes a rare Arbiter Soundimension mechanical echo unit first used in the 1960s, as well as a Simmons SDS V electronic drum kit, a pair of AKAI digital samplers, and a pair of Yamaha NS-10M speakers.

All of the items represent a particular significance when looking back over the most seismic moments of the bassist’s career, with one such piece being the Guild Thunderbass amplifier which Jones used during his stint with Them Crooked Vultures, alongside Foo Fighters frontman Dave Grohl and Queens of the Stone Age’s Josh Homme.

Despite the history which the amp holds, it is unfortunately not in working condition after it was reportedly once loaned to Grohl and returned to Jones with the speakers blown. However, according to Louder Sound, it is still expected to fetch up to £1,300.

The items in Jones’s collection are available to bid on and buy via the Soundgas website, with the auction finally closing at 6pm GMT on January 18th, 2026.

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