A guitar used by John Lennon sold for a record-breaking $2.9 million (Rs 24.1599 crore) at a Beatles auction, according to BBC. The 12-string Hootenanny acoustic guitar was used in the recording of the Beatles' 1965 album and film "Help!"
The instrument had been missing for over 50 years. Previously owned by Scottish guitarist Gordon Waller, who later gave it to his band's road managers, the guitar was rediscovered by new owners in the rural British countryside and subsequently put up for auction.
BBC reports that the guitar was sold via a telephone bid at the Hard Rock Cafe in New York. Lennon famously played the song "You've Got To Hide Your Love Away" on this guitar in the 1965 film "Help!" It was also used on recordings for the album of the same name.
"This guitar is not only a piece of music history but a symbol of John Lennon's enduring legacy," Goodman said in a statement obtained by BBC. "Today's unprecedented sale is a testament to the timeless appeal and reverence of The Beatles' music and John Lennon."
Julien's Auctions also claims that the guitar was used by both Lennon and George Harrison during recording sessions. The auction house says it has matched the guitar to photos taken during sessions for both records as well as stills from the movie "Help!"
Here's a closer look at the famous guitar, as described by Julien's Auctions:
- The Framus "Hootenanny" 5/024 12-string acoustic guitar was made 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, floating bridge, twelve tuners with white plastic buttons, a white string guide nut, zero fret, and multi-ply binding.
- The lot also included a Maton-branded hardshell case, a copy of "The Beatles Help! Deluxe Edition Hardcover Book, Script, and DVD box set," and a copy of "The Beatles: Photographs from the Set of Help! by Emilio Lari."
