John Paul Jones studio gear goes to auction - Moog Model 15 leads sale

Soundgas is conducting a multi-part sale of studio equipment from John Paul Jones’ private collection, and part one of the timed auction is live now with bidding open through Jan 18, 2026. The roster mixes samplers, amps, preamps, delays and several synthesizers and keyboards, with select items available as fixed-price listings alongside the timed lots.

The headline lot for synth heads is a modified Moog Model 15, serial 5107, dated 22/5/74. It is offered as-is at £20,000, or buyers can choose a serviced option priced at £25,000 through Soundgas’ workshop. The listing flags previous modifications and notes the keyboard and modulation sections are housed in a flightcase with degraded foam. That condition note is crucial for anyone planning to gig the unit or ship it internationally; degraded foam can mean rack and panel stress in transit and an immediate cost for restoration or safer packing.

Also included in this tranche is an EMS Synthi Hi-Fli and an assortment of classic studio pieces. Soundgas attributes the items to Jones’ private studio but explicitly states there is no formal Led Zeppelin provenance for the gear. The house says more synths and keyboards will appear in subsequent auction parts, so collectors tracking specific modules or trying to curb GAS should monitor the series instead of betting everything on this first drop.

For players and collectors the practical value is clear: rare, vintage modular-era instruments and boutique studio hardware are circulating, sometimes with repair or service options bundled. The Moog’s dual pricing gives buyers a transparent choice between immediate ownership and a factory-like overhaul that could simplify resale or live use. But previous modifications and the flightcase condition will affect valuation and restoration needs; that £5,000 service premium may be wise if you want a working instrument without hunting for parts and tech time.

If you plan to bid, verify serial-number documentation, ask for test notes on voice, VCA, and filter behavior, and get clarity on what the servicing covers. Factor shipping, insurance, and customs if you’re outside the UK, and expect follow-up lots that could include sought-after modules or keyboard rigs. For dealers and players who prize originality, note that modifications can reduce market value even if they improve playability.

The takeaway? This auction is a rare chance to snag instruments with real studio lineage and hands-on service options, but the smart play is inspection and budgeting for restoration or shipping. Our two cents? Go in with your checklist, keep GAS in check, and be ready to compete for the parts you actually intend to patch into your setup.