In a monumental sale that had Beatlemaniacs worldwide buzzing, John Lennon’s long-lost 12-string Framus Hootenanny guitar just shattered records as the most expensive Beatles guitar ever sold at auction. The iconic axe, which accompanied the Fab Four during the recording of their 1964 “Help!” album, fetched a staggering $2,857,500 at Julien’s Auctions this week – more than quadrupling its estimated sale price.
The German-made ’60s gem, hailed as “the most important Beatles guitar to ever come to market,” was recently restored to playing perfection by a California luthier. After over half a century gathering dust in a British attic, the Framus was essentially resurrected, with its frets rehabbed and neck reset to recapture that unmistakable Lennon tone.
For the vintage guitar aficionado who did the repair work, it was a mind-blowing experience. Ryan Schuermann got to channel those legendary recording vibes as he put the final touches on the same acoustic that backed classics like “Rubber Soul” and the “Help!” cut “You’ve Got to Hide Your Love Away.”
The Framus’ incredible odyssey traces back to 1964 when Lennon acquired it, before eventually gifting it to pop duo Peter and Gordon a year later. After changing several hands, it ultimately ended up forgotten in a guitar case stuffed in an attic – until the mind-blowing discovery. “Oh, that’s John’s,” the homeowner’s dad nonchalantly remarked upon the long-lost treasure’s unearthing.
Among the precious few missing Beatles guitars finally accounted for, Julien’s CEO David Goodman hailed the sale as a crowning achievement. ““This guitar is not only a piece of music history but a symbol of John Lennon’s enduring legacy. Today symbolizes what we do best at Julien’s — creating opportunities for people to reconnect with the cultural touchstones that have shaped the moments that matter most throughout their lives. Today’s unprecedented sale is a testament to the timeless appeal and reverence of The Beatles’ music and John Lennon.”
