Beatles’ Lost Framus ‘Hootenanny’: Rare 12-String Guitar Played by Lennon, Harrison Up for Auction After Six Decades

An iconic Framus “Hootenanny” guitar played by Beatle legends John Lennon and George Harrison is set to go up for auction after being lost for almost six decades, California-based auction house Julien’s Auctions has confirmed. The 12-string acoustic instrument was used extensively by the band in 1965 during recordings, sessions and performances of songs such as “Help!”, “You’ve Got To Hide Your Love Away” and “It’s Only Love”. After Lennon gifted it to a friend, however, its whereabouts remained unknown for decades. The guitar was eventually found in poor condition but has since been restored by LA Guitar Repair’s Ryan Schuermann ahead of the auction event at Hard Rock Cafe in New York City on May 29-30 as part of Julien’s Auctions “Music Icons” sale, where it is expected to fetch a record price for any guitar ever owned by The Beatles. Current titleholder is Lennon’s Gibson J-160E from the early ’60s that was used during hits such as “I Want To Hold Your Hand”, which sold at Julien’s Auctions in November 2015 for $2,4m. The Framus guitar boasts a spruce top and mahogany back and sides with a rosewood fretboard; its distinctive markings make it easily identifiable when strummed but its restoration process – involving steam heat treatments, a new bridge installation plus subtle yet skillful neck resetting by Schuermann – ensures that the guitar is now in pristine condition for future generations to enjoy.