An early guitar played by George Harrison has shattered records, selling for an astounding $1.27 million during Julien’s Auctions’ Played, Worn & Torn II event on Wednesday in Nashville. The instrument, a Resonet Futurama electric guitar made in Czechoslovakia, was used by the legendary Beatle in the formative years of The Beatles and is now recognized as one of the most significant guitars in rock history.
A Record-Breaking Sale
Julien’s Auctions celebrated the sale as a milestone in music memorabilia. “George Harrison’s iconic Futurama guitar…has made history at today’s auction,” said Martin Nolan, the auction house’s executive director. This record-breaking sale places Harrison’s guitar among Julien’s prestigious “million-dollar club,” which includes guitars previously owned by music legends like John Lennon, Eric Clapton, and Kurt Cobain.
Other Notable Sales
The first day of the auction featured additional treasures from music history:
Eric Clapton: A stage-played and signed Fender Eric Clapton Signature Stratocaster fetched $65,000.
Paul McCartney: A signed, handwritten letter to John Lennon from Q Magazine sold for $28,575—nine times its original estimate.
John Lennon: A 1962 Fender Jazzmaster “Jenny” and 1961 Bandmaster Piggyback amp, used by Lennon and Jacky Spelter, sold for $63,500.
Kirk Hammett (Metallica): An autographed Epiphone ’79 Flying V electric guitar sold for $26,000, with proceeds benefiting Gibson Gives.
Mark Knopfler and Keith Richards: Signed Fender guitars from the rock legends raised funds for the Sweet Relief Musicians Fund, selling for $16,250 and $7,800, respectively.
A Celebration of Music History
The Played, Worn & Torn II auction continues Thursday, with more iconic music memorabilia set to go under the hammer. Day one has already established the event as a landmark celebration of the artistry and legacy of rock and roll.
With Harrison’s Resonet Futurama setting a world record, the sale underscores the lasting impact of The Beatles and the ongoing fascination with their groundbreaking contributions to music history.
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