Everything Music. Everything News. Everything live.

George Harrison’s Guitar Sold for A Whopping $1.27 Million

Public Record Office of Northern Ireland, No restrictions, via Wikimedia Commons
Public Record Office of Northern Ireland, No restrictions, via Wikimedia Commons

In the world of music memorabilia, few items have gathered as much interest and awe as George Harrison's early Beatles guitar. This icon of rock history, the Resonet Futurama, recently fetched an astonishing $1.27 million at auction, held by Julien's Auctions in Nashville. The guitar's immense value is not merely due to its association with Harrison, but because it played a seminal role in the formation of The Beatles' distinctive sound during the band's nascent stage in Liverpool and later in Hamburg.

The Resonet Futurama was purchased by a teenaged George Harrison in 1959, at a time when he was an apprentice electrician. He stumbled upon this unusual but charming instrument at Hessy's music shop in Liverpool, a city that served as the cradle for what would become a rock and roll revolution. Despite its modest price of £58, the guitar's historical significance was invaluable. It was the guitar Harrison used during the early Beatles era, from 1959 to 1961, and was pivotal in the band’s first recording sessions with Polydor Records.

Harrison's use of the Futurama extended to over 324 performances. The guitar's unique sound was captured in recordings like the Beatles' collaboration with Tony Sheridan on the track “My Bonnie,” and “Cry for a Shadow,” penned by both John Lennon and Harrison. These tracks not only helped define the early Beatles sound but are also cherished by enthusiasts and historians for their contribution to rock's evolution.

What distinguishes this guitar is not its high-end build but its cultural and historical relevance. Originating from Czechoslovakia, the Futurama was imported by Selmer's and eventually found its way into Harrison's hands, partly due to a UK embargo on foreign goods that made authentic Fender guitars challenges to obtain. As such, this peculiar instrument became a significant piece of Beatles history, encapsulating the sound and spirit of the era.

The auction where Harrison’s guitar was sold was part of a larger event, “Played, Worn, & Torn II,” featuring over 800 music collectibles from icons like Eric Clapton, The Rolling Stones, and Nirvana. The piece sold for nearly twice its estimated value, underscoring the instrument's immense cultural appeal and the timeless allure of The Beatles. This sale not only reinforced the Futurama guitar's legendary status but also placed it in the ranks of other prestigious guitars that have fetched similarly breathtaking sums.

In terms of its technical aspects, the Futurama was a curiously constructed piece, with its plastic pickguard and controls giving it a toy-like appearance. Yet, it captured the imagination of many musicians during the 1960s British music scene, including Gerry Marsden and Jimmy Page, who both owned versions of the Futurama.

For enthusiasts and the devoted fans of George Harrison and The Beatles, the guitar embodies an era when rock and roll was on the cusp of monumental change, with Harrison and his fellow Beatles at the forefront. This particular instrument, undoubtedly, has become not only a collector's treasure but also a beacon of historical significance in the rich tapestry of music folklore.

Key Takeaways

Related Stories

Headline Act Paul McCartney performs on the Pyramid Stage during day four of Glastonbury Festival Glastonbury Festival, Day 4, UK - 25 Jun 2022

Paul McCartney Teases a 2025 Tour

In an exciting revelation that is sure to stir fans worldwide, Sir Paul McCartney is teasing the potential revival of…

Roger Waters, bassist, songwriter and former member of the rock band Pink Floyd performing on stage in Bologna, April 28, 2023, Italy, during his european tour. Photo Michele Nucci. Music Concert - Roger Waters - Farewell Tour, Bologna, Italy - 28 Apr 2023

Roger Waters Risks Jail Time During Political Protest

Roger Waters, former member of the iconic rock band Pink Floyd, finds himself at the center of legal controversy following…

David Bowie David Bowie Meltdown concert at the Royal Festival Hall, London, Britain - 29 Jun 2002

Huge New David Bowie Box Set Contains His Final Years

David Bowie’s legacy and his final years in music are being lavishly celebrated in the form of a comprehensive box…

Ronnie Wood of The Rolling Stones performs during The Rolling Stones 'Hackney Diamonds Tour' at Soldier Field in Chicago, USA - 27 June 2024 The Rolling Stones 'Hackney Diamonds Tour', Chicago, USA - 27 Jun 2024

Ronnie Wood Set to Release First Career-Spanning Compilation ‘Fearless: Anthology 1965-2025’

Renowned guitarist Ronnie Wood is being honored with a comprehensive anthology that encapsulates his illustrious 60-year career. Known for his…

Tony Levin King Crimson Festival, Crocus City Hall, Moscow, Russia - 26 May 2012

King Crimson’s in The Studio Recording a New Album

King Crimson, the illustrious progressive rock band from England, is set to release their first studio album since 2003’s *The…

Goo Goo Dolls - Johnny Rzeznik The Freezing Man Festival: Joey's Song Benefit Concert at The Sylvee in Madison, Wisconsin, USA - 11 Jan 2025

The Goo Goo Dolls Set to Headline 2025 Carousel Ball

The Goo Goo Dolls are set to headline the 39th Annual Carousel Ball, a charity gala organized by the Children’s…

LEFT PHOTO: Todd La Torre of Queensryche performs on Stage 954 at the Dania Beach Casino, Fort Lauderdale, Florida, USA - 15 Mar 2025 RIGHT PHOTO: Singer Mark Tornillo (Accept) at the Wacken Open Air in Wacken./Singer Mark Tornillo (Accept) performing at the Wacken Open Air in Wacken.

Queensrÿche Announces US 2025 Tour With Accept

Queensryche, the renowned progressive metal band, has officially announced an exciting new tour for the fall of 2025. This tour,…

MILAN, ITALY - APRIL 23: Buck Meek and Adrianne Lenker of Big Thief perform at Alcatraz Milan on April 23, 2023 in Milan, Italy. Big Thief Perform In Milan Italy - 23 Apr 2023

Big Thief Shares New Song ‘All Night All Day’

Big Thief has once again captured the music world’s attention with the release of their new single, “All Night All…

Sabrina Carpenter 67th Annual Grammy Awards, Show, Los Angeles, USA - 02 Feb 2025

Sabrina Carpenter Reveals Different Album Art From Prior Cover Controversy

Sabrina Carpenter has once again captured the media’s attention with her upcoming album “Man’s Best Friend,” which has been the…