Julien’s Auctions have just made headlines by unveiling a treasure from rock history — which is John Lennon’s long-lost Framus 12-string Hootenanny acoustic guitar.
This iconic instrument, used in recording The Beatles’ “Help!” album and other hits, emerged from obscurity after over 50 years, found tucked away in a UK attic. Its rediscovery marks a monumental moment, expected to shatter records at the company’s forthcoming MUSIC HEROES auction, which is scheduled to take place this May 29 (Wednesday) and May 30 (Thursday) live at the Hard Rock Cafe in New York City, and online here.
The estimated price range of $600,000 to $800,000 (Php 34,562,690 to Php 46,083,586) for John Lennon’s long-lost acoustic guitar underscores its profound significance and rarity in the realm of music memorabilia. Yet, this valuation goes beyond mere monetary worth; it reflects the instrument’s intrinsic value as a cultural artifact, a tangible link to one of the most influential periods in music history.
Courtesy of Julien’s Auctions
Featured prominently in various recordings during the height of Beatlemania, its melodic resonance graced classics like “Help!” and “You’ve Got To Hide Your Love Away.” Its journey from Lennon’s Hands to Gordon Waller of Peter & Gordon, and eventually to a forgotten attic is a saga of musical history — with its rediscovery after half a century adding a layer of mystique that elevates its allure to collectors and fans alike
Darren Julien, Co-Founder and Executive Director of Julien’s Auctions, equated its discovery to finding a lost masterpiece, likening it to a “Rembrandt or Picasso.” He further added, “The discovery of John Lennon’s Help! guitar that was believed to be lost is considered the greatest find of a Beatles guitar since Paul McCartney’s lost 1961 Höfner bass guitar.”
With the guitar now restored to its former glory, the instrument symbolizes a sacred honor, bridging past and present in the scripture of music history. Following its restoration, Julien’s Auctions brought the musical artifact to The Beatles’ drummer, Ringo Starr — reconnecting the two in an emotional reunion. Upon seeing the guitar, Starr even mentioned, “After so many years, I’m happy to see this guitar again.”
Ringo Starr reunited with Lennon’s long-lost guitar. Courtesy of Julien’s Auctions.
In other long-lost Beatles news, it was recently announced that Disney would be exclusively distributing the group’s 1970 documentary film, Let It Be, on their Disney+ platform. The release of the documentary film on the hit streaming platform marks its availability to the public after more than 50 years — following a mixed reception from fans and critics alike, with many claiming the film to be a downer as the final nail in the coffin after the group’s disbandment.
As we anticipate the final sale of this esteemed piece of musical history, feel free to revisit The Beatles’ seminal record Help! below: