John Lennon's long-lost guitar fetches record $2.9M at auction!
A guitar used by John Lennon in 1965 has set a new record as the most expensive The Beatles instrument ever auctioned. The Framus 12-string Hootenanny acoustic guitar, presumed lost for over half a century, was found in an attic and sold for $2.9M (£2.3M) via a telephone bid at New York's Hard Rock Cafe. Julien's Auctions, known for its record-breaking The Beatles memorabilia sales, facilitated the sale of this significant piece of music history.
Julien's Auctions CEO hailed Lennon's guitar as 'most important'
David Goodman, CEO of Julien's Auctions, hailed the Framus guitar as "the most important Beatles guitar to ever come to market." He added that the guitar is not just a piece of music history but also a symbol of Lennon's enduring legacy. "Today's unprecedented sale is a testament to the timeless appeal and reverence of [The Beatles's] music and John Lennon," he concluded.
Guitar's journey: From Lennon to auction
The guitar was previously owned by Scottish guitarist Gordon Waller of the British duo Peter and Gordon, who later passed it on to his band's road managers. It was rediscovered in the attic of a rural British countryside house by new owners, after which it was put up for auction. Julien's Auctions also claims that both Lennon and George Harrison used the guitar during recording sessions, adding further historical significance to the instrument.
Detailed description of Lennon's record-breaking guitar
The Framus Hootenanny 5/024 12-string acoustic guitar was crafted in 1964. It features a spruce top and mahogany back and sides, with a set mahogany neck, a 19-fret rosewood fretboard, and a decorative sound hole rosette. Other details include a trapeze tailpiece, a floating bridge, 12 tuners with white plastic buttons, a white string guide nut, zero fret, and multi-ply binding. The auction lot also included other The Beatles memorabilia.
