George Harrison’s Historic Beatles Guitar Could Sell for $800,000
A rare part of music history is going to be up for bidding next month: an electric guitar that Harrison used when with the Beatles. The instrument which is set to be auctioned for over $800,000 is a significant tool in the band’s rise to fame story.
The original Futurama guitar with the sunburst finish was bought from Liverpool which is the city of Beatles. During arguably one of the most important periods in the band’s early formation, Harrison utilized this instrument frequently. It was used in performances at the Cavern Club, during tours in Germany, as well as recording of the band’s first two official recordings for Polydor Records.
The Guitar’s Journey
In an interview, Harrison said that the guitar was hard to play but liked its look, which he found ‘futuristic’. ‘It had a great sound he later said to the man from the magazine, no doubt appreciating some of the qualities of the instrument despite its unplayability.’ It is established that in 1964 Harrison donated the guitar to a rock magazine for a competition. Notably, when the winner opted for the cash instead, it stayed with the editor of the music publication and this artifact of rock and roll history remained.
Information on Auction and Exhibition
Even auction specialists have described the Futurama as one of the holy grails of historic Beatles guitars. The instrument will be taken to The Beatles Story Museum in Liverpool for two weeks and then taken around some of the museums in Europe. The last auction is planned in the United States from November 20 to November 22.
Valued between $600,000 and $800,000, the guitar could sell for even more as the instrument has a history connected to the early years of the Beatles. Its origin as well as its function in the formation of one of the most important groups of musical history makes the guitar an extremely desirable piece for both, collectors and researchers.
