“We thought it was lost forever. This could be the guitar that sets a new world record”: John Lennon’s missing Help! Framus acoustic has been found in an attic after 50 years – and it could become one of the most expensive guitars ever sold

By Matt Owen
published 2 hours ago



(Image credit: Julien's Auctions/Future)

The 12-string acoustic guitar was used on a number of classic Beatles tracks, and is tipped to rival Kurt Cobain’s $6m Martin D-18e when it hits the auction block next month

John Lennon’s long-lost Framus Hootenanny acoustic guitar has been found – and it’s set to go under the hammer next month for what could potentially be a world record-smashing auction.

One of the most iconic and influential instruments to have been used by the Beatles, the 12-string guitar was used during the Help! recording sessions in the ‘60s, and can be seen in the Beatles film of the same name.

Notably, it was used for the film’s performance of You’ve Got To Hide Your Love Away, and it can also be heard on It’s Only Love and I’ve Just Seen a Face. Furthermore, the Framus is said to feature on the recording of Girl, as well as the rhythm track for Norwegian Wood.

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