Framus Revives a Legend: John Lennon’s hootenanny Acoustic Guitar Returns!
framus has unveiled a stunning reissue of John Lennon’s iconic 12-string Hootenanny acoustic guitar, celebrating its remarkable rediscovery and record-breaking sale.
A Musical Journey Begins
In the mid-1960s, John Lennon was captivated by the folk sounds of Bob Dylan, leading him to acquire this remarkable instrument. This purchase sparked a passionate yet brief relationship with the guitar, which would soon become integral to some of The Beatles’ most memorable tracks.
Crafting Timeless Hits
With this guitar in hand, Lennon penned the classic “You’ve Got to Hide Your Love Away.” It also played a pivotal role in other iconic Beatles songs, such as “Norwegian Wood” and “Girl,” and even made an appearance in the band’s film, Help! George Harrison further contributed to its legacy by playing it in the movie.
A Lost Treasure Found
For over five decades, this legendary guitar was thought to be lost to history until it was serendipitously discovered in an attic in the picturesque British countryside. Months later, it fetched an astounding $2,857,000 at auction, marking it as one of the most expensive guitars ever sold. Only a handful of guitars, including Eddie Van Halen’s Hot for Teacher Kramer and David gilmour’s Black Strat, have surpassed this price.
Setting Records
This sale not only established a new record for Beatles memorabilia but also eclipsed the previous high of $1.27 million for George Harrison’s unique Futurama guitar.
The Craftsmanship of the Hootenanny
The Hootenanny acoustic is a unique blend of jazz and concert guitar elements, featuring a mahogany neck, rosewood bridge and fingerboard, and a Trapeze tailpiece. While Framus could not replicate Lennon’s exact model, they sourced an identical 12-string from their Vintage Museum and meticulously reconstructed it using past documents, with the Lennon estate’s approval.
authenticity in every Detail
The new models, available in both six- and twelve-string variations, honor the original’s legacy with solid Sitka spruce tops, mahogany back and sides, and flat, nickel silver fret rosewood fingerboards. An oil finish enhances their authenticity.
True to the original, these guitars feature a nickel, height-adjustable trapeze tailpiece and vintage-style closed nickel machine heads, adding to their retro appeal. Decorative touches include ivory and black binding, a black pickguard reminiscent of Lennon’s original, and a beautifully crafted sound hole rosette made from individual wood pieces.
Exceptional Sound and Design
each model boasts a distinctive Hootenanny headstock, and Framus describes the guitar as “an ingenious blend of jazz and classical guitars, offering an exceptional look and sound—warm and surprisingly loud. It’s the unmistakable sound you recognize when you hear You’ve Got To Hide Your Love Away.
Pricing and Availability
The 12-string models are priced at €1,099 (approximately $1,145), while the 6-string version is slightly more affordable at €999 (around $1,040). Both models come with a specially designed Hootenanny hard case.
A Historic Auction
“This guitar is one of the most significant Beatles instruments ever to hit the auction market,” remarked Darren Julien, founder of Julien’s Auctions, during the guitar’s unveiling last year. “We believed it was lost forever.”
David Goodman, CEO of Julien’s, expressed excitement over the sale, stating, “We are thrilled to have set a new world record for Beatles memorabilia with the sale of John Lennon’s lost Hootenanny guitar. This instrument is not just a piece of music history; it symbolizes John Lennon’s lasting legacy.”
Get Yours Today!
The framus Hootenanny reissue guitars are now available for purchase. For more information, visit the Framus website.
