Rare Beatles Guitar from 'Help!' Movie Set for Auction
An iconic 12-string guitar, once wielded by the legendary Beatles members John Lennon and George Harrison, is set to be auctioned after being lost for nearly six decades. Dive into the history behind this historic musical instrument from the classic 'Help!' movie.
A 12-string guitar that was played by Beatles members John Lennon and George Harrison, and was believed to be lost for nearly six decades, will be auctioned off. The acoustic Framus “Hootenanny” was utilized by the band in 1965, appearing in recordings, sessions, and performances of songs such as “Help!”, “You’ve Got To Hide Your Love Away”, and “It’s Only Love”, as stated by Julien’s Auctions, a California-based auction house.
Lennon then passed the guitar to a friend, who later gave it to someone else. This person stored the guitar in their attic without thinking about it for many years, as mentioned in a statement by the auction house on Wednesday.
The guitar is part of the "Music Icons" event.
The guitar is part of the "Music Icons" event.
Julien's Auctions
The auction house, in collaboration with Beatles expert Andy Babiuk, confirmed the authenticity of the guitar manufactured in Germany. It features a spruce top, mahogany back and sides, and a 19-fret rosewood fretboard.
According to the auction house, the guitar has unique markings that make it easily recognizable. However, the true test lies in its sound quality.
Lennon pictured in December 1963.
Lennon pictured in December 1963.
ITV/Shutterstock
“When strummed, it immediately identifies itself as ‘that’ guitar. If you know the chords, Beatles tunes fall out of the sound hole effortlessly,” it said.
“Like an audio time capsule from 1965, the Framus is a direct link to those records.”
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The guitar was in such poor condition that it was deemed unplayable by the auction house, prompting them to undertake a restoration project.
Julien trusted Ryan Schuermann from LA Guitar Repair to work on the Hootenanny. Ryan performed a fantastic neck reset, repaired the top beautifully, and treated the bridge with steam and heat. All of this was done to make sure the guitar would be playable for many years to come.
The guitar will be up for auction at Julien's Auctions "Music Icons" event at the Hard Rock Cafe in New York City on May 29-30.
The auction house expects to break the world record for the most expensive Beatles guitar.
Currently, the record is held by a 1962 Gibson J-160E, the guitar Lennon used to record "I Want to Hold Your Hand" and other early Beatles hits. This guitar sold for $2.4 million at Julien's in November 2015.
Editor's P/S:
The rediscovery of John Lennon and George Harrison's long-lost Framus "Hootenanny" guitar is a captivating tale that evokes nostalgia and excitement among Beatles enthusiasts. The guitar, which played a prominent role in some of the band's most iconic recordings, had been forgotten in an attic for decades before its recent authentication and restoration. The upcoming auction of this piece of musical history promises to be a momentous event, with experts predicting that it could shatter the world record for the most expensive Beatles guitar.
The "Hootenanny" guitar's journey from obscurity to auction stardom is a testament to the enduring legacy of the Beatles. Its unique markings and distinctive sound have made it instantly recognizable to fans, while the restoration process has ensured that it can be enjoyed and played for generations to come. The fact that the guitar was used by both Lennon and Harrison adds to its allure, creating a tangible connection to two of the most influential musicians in history. As it goes under the hammer, the "Hootenanny" guitar will undoubtedly evoke memories of the Beatles' groundbreaking music and serve as a reminder of the band's timeless impact on popular culture.
