An electric guitar once played by George Harrison during the early days of the Beatles is set to hit the auction block next month, with estimates predicting it could sell for over $800,000. The guitar, a Futurama model, was purchased by Harrison from a music store in Liverpool and became one of his most frequently used instruments during the band’s formative years.
Harrison played the guitar throughout the early 1960s, including during the Beatles’ performances at Liverpool’s famous Cavern Club, on tours in Germany, and while recording their first official tracks for Polydor Records. The sunburst-finished Futurama, which boasts a distinctive “futuristic” design, is considered one of the most significant guitars in Beatles history. Auctioneers have labeled it “one of the holy grails” of Beatles memorabilia, given its central role in the band’s early evolution.
Although Harrison later admitted the guitar was “very difficult” to play, he was drawn to its unique design and sound. “It had a great sound,” he remarked during an interview, reflecting on the instrument’s contributions to the band’s early success.
In 1964, after acquiring more advanced instruments, Harrison donated the Futurama guitar to a rock magazine as part of a contest prize. Interestingly, the contest winner chose a cash prize over the guitar, leaving the historic instrument in the possession of the magazine’s editor. Now, decades later, it is set to be auctioned between November 20-22 in the United States, where it is expected to exceed its pre-sale estimate of $600,000 to $800,000.
Before heading to auction, the guitar will be displayed at The Beatles Story museum in Liverpool for the next two weeks, allowing fans to catch a glimpse of this piece of rock history. It will then tour several museums across Europe, building excitement for collectors and Beatles enthusiasts alike.
The auction promises to draw significant attention from music historians and collectors of rock memorabilia, eager to own a rare artifact that played a pivotal role in the Beatles’ rise to fame. With its rich history and connection to one of the most iconic musicians of all time, this Futurama guitar is poised to become one of the most valuable pieces of Beatles memorabilia ever sold.
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