A Lost Legend Resurfaces
A remarkable piece of music history, a 12-string guitar once strummed by Beatles legends John Lennon and George Harrison, is set to captivate the world again as it goes up for auction. Lost for nearly six decades and now rediscovered, this guitar featured in the creation of timeless songs such as “Help!” and “You’ve Got To Hide Your Love Away” promises to stir the souls of Beatles enthusiasts and collectors alike.
A Historical String Symphony
Rediscovering a Musical Treasure
Julien’s Auctions, a California-based auction house, has announced the upcoming auction of an acoustic Framus “Hootenanny” guitar played by Lennon and Harrison in 1965. This guitar was lost to the attics of oblivion and was now found to be pivotal in several Beatles recordings and performances. Its journey from a cherished instrument to a forgotten relic and back is nothing short of cinematic. “After that, Lennon gave the guitar to a friend, who passed it on to someone who took the guitar home, tossed it in the attic, and gave it nary a thought for decades,” shared the auction house in a recent statement.
A Symphony of Restoration
Meticulous Revival of a Beatle’s Guitar
Understanding the historical value and the emotional connection fans have with Beatles memorabilia, Julien’s Auctions took exceptional care to restore this precious instrument to its former glory. The restoration was handled by Ryan Schuermann of LA Guitar Repair, who, according to the auction house, “performed a masterful neck reset that’s nearly undetectable, a beautiful repair of the top, steam and heat treatment of the bridge… all to ensure the Hootenanny would be playable not just for now, but for decades to come.” This restoration ensures that the guitar not only carries the legacy of the past but is also prepared to make music in the future.
An Auction to Remember
A Record-Breaking Sale Anticipated
The guitar will be featured at Julien’s Auctions “Music Icons” event at the Hard Rock Cafe in New York City on May 29-30. It is touted to set a new record for the most expensive Beatles guitar ever sold. The current record is held by a 1962 Gibson J-160E, played by Lennon, which sold for $2.4 million in 2015. The unique story and the impeccable restoration of the Hootenanny guitar make it a prime candidate to surpass this record.
The Echoes of Beatles’ Strings
As this historic guitar prepares to find a new home, it is a tangible link to the Beatles’ golden era, resonating with the chords of some of their most beloved songs. It is not just an instrument but a portal to a bygone era, a piece of art that offers the rare opportunity to own a slice of the magic that defined a generation. For Beatles fans and music historians, the auction promises a chance to reclaim a piece of lost history and preserve it for future generations.
