A guitar once owned and played by John Lennon has sold for nearly $2.9 million at an auction in New York, setting a new record for a Beatles instrument. This remarkable piece of music history was used by Lennon and George Harrison during the recording of the iconic albums “Help!” and “Rubber Soul.”
By Aubree Ross
A Historic Auction
The auction was held by Julien’s Auctions, renowned for selling notable memorabilia. The Framus acoustic guitar, manufactured in the early 1960s by a German company, exceeded its pre-auction estimate of $600,000 to $800,000. This sale broke the previous record set in 2015 when another Lennon guitar sold for $2.41 million.
Hidden for Decades
Remarkably, this guitar spent the last 50 years stored in an attic, forgotten by its owners. The instrument was originally gifted by Gordon Waller of the pop duo Peter & Gordon to his manager, who then neglected it for decades. Despite its long period of dormancy, the guitar remains in excellent condition, both visually and acoustically.
A Musical Relic
The guitar’s historical significance is immense, having been played by Lennon in the film “Help!” during the performance of “You’ve Got to Hide Your Love Away.” Additionally, George Harrison used it to record the classic track “Norwegian Wood.” These associations with pivotal moments in Beatles history significantly contributed to its high auction value.
An Iconic Discovery
Darren Julien, co-founder of Julien’s Auctions, compared finding the guitar to discovering a lost masterpiece by Rembrandt or Picasso. He emphasized the instrument’s magnificent condition and its dreamlike playability. This guitar, now recognized as a priceless piece of music history, continues to captivate Beatles fans and collectors worldwide.
The sale of John Lennon’s guitar not only highlights the enduring legacy of the Beatles but also underscores the significant value placed on memorabilia connected to the band. This auction has set a new benchmark, reflecting the timeless appeal and cultural impact of the Beatles’ music and history.
Based on content from www.gala.de
