Lennon's Guitars, Part 6



 
 

1964: 1964 Rickenbacker 325 (Rose-Morris Ltd. 1996 model), Fire-glo (sunburst finish) f-hole: After Lennon broke his Jet-glo 325, Rose-Morris must have jumped in quickly, because before Lennon could reach for his old 325, the British importer gave him this model, which they then began selling for £166 (or 159 guineas) as the "Beatle-Backer" (photo below). He used it for the '64-'65 Christmas shows. 

Lennon ultimately gave this guitar to Ringo, who broke it out in 2005 for "Satisfied" on Ringo's Choose Love.  Details here. 

 
 

 
 
1964: Framus 12-string "Hootenanny" acoustic, vintage unknown.  This German guitar, model 5/024, sold for just £42.  Lennon used it to record "Help!" "It's Only Love" and "You've Got to Hide Your Love Away," among other songs, and it's seen in the performance of the latter song in Help!  Whereabouts: Unknown.

Harrison also utilized the Hootenanny, which has a trapeze tailpiece and non-slotted head; Framus made many similar models during the '50s and '60s. 

 
This photo shows the Framus's nicely inlaid soundhole rosette.

 
 
 
 Onward to Pt. 7

(c)2000, 2006 John F. Crowley