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Legendary Strings: John Lennon and George Harrison's Iconic Guitar from 'Help!' Up for Auction

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A piece of music history long thought lost emerges from the shadows: a 12-string Framus "Hootenanny" guitar, strummed by the deft hands of Beatles icons John Lennon and George Harrison, is set to captivate fans once more as it hits the auction stage after nearly six decades. This acoustic marvel, integral to the sonic fabric of the band's 1965 journey, graced recordings, sessions, and live performances of timeless tunes like "Help!", "You've Got To Hide Your Love Away", and "It's Only Love".

California-based auction powerhouse Julien's Auctions unveils this treasure, wrapped in tales of friendship and forgotten attics. After gracing Lennon's hands, the guitar found its way to an unsuspecting caretaker, its significance obscured until recently.

Crafted in Germany, this Framus creation boasts a spruce top, mahogany back and sides, and a 19-fret rosewood fretboard—an instrument infused with history. Beatles authority Andy Babiuk lends his expertise, affirming its authenticity through distinctive markings and, most notably, its unmistakable sound—a living testament to an era.

Forgotten but not forsaken, this relic was discovered in disrepair, prompting a meticulous restoration by Ryan Schuermann of LA Guitar Repair. The Hootenanny, once silent, now sings again, its rejuvenated voice poised to echo through the ages.

As the curtain rises on Julien's Auctions "Music Icons" event at the Hard Rock Cafe in New York City on May 29-30, anticipation swells. With expectations soaring, this guitar is primed to shatter records, poised to claim its place as the most coveted Beatles artifact ever sold—a testament to the enduring legacy of musical pioneers.

In the reverberating chords of this 12-string Framus "Hootenanny," we find not just a guitar, but a bridge spanning decades of musical history. Its journey from the hands of Lennon and Harrison to the heights of auction acclaim is a testament to the enduring power of music to transcend time and touch hearts. As it takes its final bow on the auction stage, let us embrace this moment as a celebration of creativity, friendship, and the everlasting magic of The Beatles.

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