DM's Beatles forums

Solo forums => George Harrison => Topic started by: HFleen on August 15, 2004, 05:08:15 PM

Title: Georges' Guitars
Post by: HFleen on August 15, 2004, 05:08:15 PM
Wonder who got his guitars....

That is, to whom they were willed?

Would love to see that 12 string Richenbacker come up for auction....

Anyone know?

Herb
Title: Re: Georges' Guitars
Post by: Indica on August 16, 2004, 05:05:11 PM
http://www.thecanteen.com/fabguitars.html

Interesting information on the Beatles Guitars.
Title: Re: Georges' Guitars
Post by: HFleen on August 16, 2004, 05:09:12 PM
thanks...maybe I'll ask that guy...

;-)

Herb
Title: Re: Georges' Guitars
Post by: on November 08, 2004, 02:58:25 PM
Some other guitars George used with the Beatles were given away (like his first Country Gentleman or his Gibson SG), and others lost (like the second Country Gent), but the rest (or at least most of them, I haven't heard the contrary from any of them) belong now to Olivia and Dhani, as is the case of George's first Rick-12 (as for the second one, I think it was stolen a few years ago).
Title: Re: Georges' Guitars
Post by: Bruno on November 09, 2004, 02:39:33 AM
cool website Indika
Title: Re: Georges' Guitars
Post by: Bruno on November 09, 2004, 02:42:50 AM
(http://img7.exs.cx/img7/8527/Allhisguitars.jpg)
Title: Re: Georges' Guitars
Post by: on November 30, 2008, 02:31:17 PM
well, I had to make a thread about the lead guitarist of the greatest band ever.

The Beatle who had more guitars than any other Beatle in this world.  some used guitars when he was a Fab:

Egmond (the first ever George's guitar)
(http://www.thecanteen.com/newegmond.jpg)
(http://www.thecanteen.com/egmonddisplay.jpg)

Hofner President f-hole acoustic (his second guitar)
(http://www.thecanteen.com/pres.jpg)

Hofner Club 40
(http://images.google.com/url?q=http://www.rickresource.com/stt-research/1959club60.jpg&usg=AFQjCNGCUlCLhJL1Em2uKvayuA6YNYQK2Q)
(http://www.vintagehofner.co.uk/club3.jpeg)
(http://www.thecanteen.com/Georgeguitars.jpg)

Resonet Futurama
(http://www.thecanteen.com/futurama.jpg)
(http://www.thecanteen.com/futuramar.jpg)
(http://www.thecanteen.com/futad.jpg)
(http://www.thecanteen.com/newfut.jpg)
(http://www.carlsguitarcorner.com/Resources/EMS/041108c_sm.jpg)
(http://www.vintagehofner.co.uk/hofnerfs/futurama/g1.jpeg)

1957s Gretsch 6128 Duo Jet
(http://www.thecanteen.com/newduo.jpg)
(http://www.thecanteen.com/gretschduo.jpg)
(http://gretschpages.com/media/img/guitars/6128-55.jpg)
(http://i112.photobucket.com/albums/n200/cleric17/Guitars/gretsch/G6128-1957%20Duo%20Jet/Picture020.jpg)

1962s Gibson J-160E
(http://www.thecanteen.com/rushworth.jpg)
(http://www.thebackwards.sk/files/image/gear/jumbo_big.jpg)
(http://www.thecanteen.com/j160help.jpg)

Gretsch 6131 Jet Fire Bird
(http://www.thecanteen.com/ghredjet.jpg)
(http://www.gvmh.com/ebayimages/G6131TVP_xl.jpg)
(http://gretschpages.com/media/img/guitars/6131-55.jpg)
(http://www.apollonmusic.com/c_menu/Gretsch/G61new/G6131T.jpg)

1962s Gretsch 6122 Country Gentleman
(http://www.thecanteen.com/nicegent2.jpg)
(http://www.voxshowroom.com/northcoast/images/gretsch/cggh.jpg)
(http://perso.wanadoo.es/sissu/images/g8.jpg)
(http://www.tinkerbelletrading.com/aam/images/gretsch6122.jpg)
(http://www.guitarsandeffects.com/guitarimages2008/gretschcountrySP/gretsch_countryclassicSPg_007.jpg)
(http://www.12fret.com/new/Gretsch_Chet_Atkins_G6122-1962.jpg)

1963s Gretsch 6122 Country Gentleman
(http://www.thecanteen.com/gent.jpg)
(http://www.edroman.com/featured/images/62Ebony.jpg)

Maton Mastersound MS-500
(http://www.thecanteen.com/matonz.jpg)
(http://www.thecanteen.com/maton99.jpg)
(http://www.guitarsite.com/newsletters/gnw/images/other/georgematon.jpg)
(http://cache.daylife.com/imageserve/04Bb3cietfbG0/340x.jpg)
(http://cache.daylife.com/imageserve/0faE8j0gOteO7/610x.jpg)

Gretsch 6119 Tennessean
(http://www.thecanteen.com/georgetenny.jpg)
(http://perso.wanadoo.es/sissu/images/g9.jpg)
(http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/b/bb/Gretsch_6119-Tennessean-1966.JPG)
(http://www.thecanteen.com/george65.jpg)

Jose Ramirez Guitarra de Estudio
(http://www.thecanteen.com/GeorgeRamirez.jpg)
(http://www.thecanteen.com/Bored.jpg)

1962s Rickenbacker 425
(http://www.thecanteen.com/425e.jpg)
(http://www.thecanteen.com/425b.jpg)
(http://www.rickresource.com/stt-research/boras163425.jpg)
(http://www.rickresource.com/stt-research/george425.jpg)
(http://www.rickresource.com/stt-research/harrison4202pub.jpg)

1963s Rickenbacker 360-12
(http://www.thecanteen.com/new12.jpg)
(http://www.thecanteen.com/360a.jpg)
(http://www.thecanteen.com/head.jpg)
(http://www.seaofgreen.org/images/guitar.jpg)
(http://www.officenaps.com/jul_28_2008/rickenbacker_360_12.JPG)
(http://www.mlode.com/~813/george36012b.jpg)

1965s Rickenbacker 360-12 (Fire-glo)
(http://www.thecanteen.com/george66.jpg)
(http://www.thecanteen.com/heregeorge.jpg)
(http://www.beatles-revival.cz/fotky/Rickenbacker-360-12.jpg)
(http://www.tdpri.com/telephoto/data/534/medium/my360cw12.jpg)
(http://www.beatlweb.com/instrumentos/imagenes/Rickenbacker%20360-12%20Fire-glo.JPG)

1961s Fender Stratocaster
(http://www.thecanteen.com/gstrat.jpg)
(http://www.stratcollector.com/images/harrison.gif)
(http://i131.photobucket.com/albums/p312/JERMDADDY/fender%20american%20electrics/57stratwhiteblonde009.jpg)
(http://img216.imageshack.us/img216/7800/1963fenderstratocastercw0.jpg)
(http://www.dolphinmusic.co.uk/shop_image/product/98422a2abc36cc6406d19b0da1158863.jpg)
"Rocky"
(http://www.thecanteen.com/rockymmt.gif)
(http://www.thecanteen.com/rockyx.jpg)
(http://nogoodforme.filmstills.org/rocky.jpg)

Gibson ES-345-TD
(http://www.thecanteen.com/georgegib.jpg)
(http://www.beatlescollector.net/uploads/00000Gibson345350.jpg)
(http://roma.campusanuncios.com/picanuncio/venta/venta-130507814.jpg)

Epiphone E230TD(V) Casino (sunburst)
(http://www.thecanteen.com/GeorgeCasino.jpg)
(http://www.thecanteen.com/refincas2.jpg)

1964s Gibson SG Standard
(http://www.thecanteen.com/george&sg.jpg)
(http://spoonercentral.com/RS/Harrisons.jpg)
(http://www.thecanteen.com/sg2.jpg)
(http://www.thecanteen.com/nmesg.jpg)
(http://www.seaofgreen.org/images/guitar7.jpg)
(http://www.degrooviaguitars.com/pics/guitars/sgst/1.jpg)
(http://www.modernguitars.com/imagefiles/christiesSGLP/harrison.gif)
(http://www.modernguitars.com/imagefiles/christiesSGLP/SGLARGE.gif)

Gibson J-200
(http://www.thecanteen.com/j220b.jpg)
(http://purerock.zip.net/images/jazzbass4.jpg)
(http://purerock.zip.net/images/jazzbass6.jpg)
(http://www.12fret.com/usedSoldGallery/gibsonJ200nA24893.jpg)
(http://i19.ebayimg.com/02/i/001/00/09/88b6_12.JPG)

1957s Gibson Les Paul Standard
(http://www.thecanteen.com/georgeles.jpg)
(http://www.thecanteen.com/lesb.jpg)
(http://www.gibson.com/Files/aaFeaturesImages/RAFFLE.JPG)
(http://www.chrisguitars.com/gib85lpstd-ferrari-red.jpg)

1968s Fender Jazz Bass (probably when he recorded "old brown shoe" with his bass)
(http://www.thecanteen.com/geobass.jpg)
(http://www.loncohen.com/pix/images2/68fenderjazzbass.jpg)
(http://www.propellerheads.se/products/refills/reb/img/inst_jazz1968.jpg)

1968s Fender Telecaster
(http://www.thecanteen.com/rose3.jpg)
(http://www.thecanteen.com/rose4.jpg)
(http://photos.liveauctioneers.com/houses/julienentertainment/219/0029_1_lg.jpg)
(http://toguitars.com/images/telecaster/Rosewood-Tele.jpg)

Vox Mando-Guitar V257 (by far strangest guitar I have ever seen)
(http://www.thecanteen.com/mando2.jpg)
(http://www.voxshowroom.com/ct/guitar/mando.gif)
(http://www.mandolin-guitar.com/pics/VoxMandoguitar.jpg)

Fender Bass VI
(http://www.beatlweb.com/instrumentos/imagenes/Fender%20Bass%20VI.JPG)
(http://www.thecanteen.com/nusonic2.jpg)
(http://www.bassguitars.org.uk/wp-content/img/2007/03/limitedfenderbassvisunburst2006.jpg)

Coral Electric Sitar
(http://www.newjerseyguitarandbasscenter.com/169-JerryJonesSitar.JPG)

various others
(http://dsl89.podomatic.com/mymedia/thumb/1122483/0x0_1012539.jpg)
(http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2071/1736731487_4b58152ad4.jpg?v=0)
Title: Re: Georges' Guitars
Post by: harihead on November 30, 2008, 05:07:00 PM
Wow, thanks for this! What a great post.
Title: Re: Georges' Guitars
Post by: ManBeatles on November 30, 2008, 06:36:53 PM
He loves guitar so much.
i imagine that he is playing guitar and singing in heaven.
Title: Re: Georges' Guitars
Post by: Penny Lane on November 30, 2008, 09:11:57 PM
Quote from: 1505
i imagine that he is playing guitar and singing in heaven.

I hope so...   :)

Thanks for another great guitar post.  I was happy to see the white Fender Stratocaster...it reminds me of my younger brother-in-law, who actually owns one!
Title: Re: Georges' Guitars
Post by: Jane on November 30, 2008, 09:48:58 PM
You are great! And speaking about guitars, have they progressed or changed much since the Beatles` times?
Title: Re: Georges' Guitars
Post by: on December 01, 2008, 12:27:46 PM
Quote from: 1393
You are great! And speaking about guitars, have they progressed or changed much since the Beatles` times?


duh, of course. I think the best guitars are mostly from the 50s, well and maybe from the 60s, but IMO just because of fender stratocaster. though there are many people who thinks that les pauls are overrated guitars, but again IMO les pauls are the greatest and most beautiful guitars that ever existed, even if it's extremely hard to play. Gibson guitars are the greatest, fender mainly would be at 2th place. its says that only the greatest guitarists can play with it, (Paul and George also have played, and John with the gibson too, but with the different a bit). so yes to your question. now it's just a "who is faster". now guitars are very lame and sloppy. today's guitars are just for speed, and the speed is not important.

I mean it looks so bad-ass to play with this guitar, but all of those guitars like this are just for eyes:
(http://i19.photobucket.com/albums/b157/aaronxr7/crazyguitar.jpg)

I mean that's a beauties:
(http://www.logic-cafe.com/images/articles/4DZ_Gibson-Guitars.jpg)
Title: Re: Georges' Guitars
Post by: DoBotherMe on December 01, 2008, 04:57:18 PM
Thank you for the great post. Here's a link with some backstory on his guitars. Dana ; )
http://www.steveisler.com/Beatles%20Guitars/harrison1.html
Title: Re: Georges' Guitars
Post by: Xose on December 22, 2008, 10:46:41 AM
Quote from: 1458
...Ramirez A-1
([url]http://www.thecanteen.com/jlramirez.jpg[/url])...


Sorry, but I'm afraid this is not a Ramirez.

This one is a Ramirez:

Quote from: 1458
...Jose Ramirez Guitarra de Estudio
([url]http://www.thecanteen.com/GeorgeRamirez.jpg[/url])
([url]http://www.thecanteen.com/Bored.jpg[/url])...


...and also is this one:

http://www.hofner.co.uk/viewtopic.php?f=15&t=38

Best!! ;)

Xose
Title: Re: Georges' Guitars
Post by: Xose on December 23, 2008, 09:57:13 AM
Hi everybody!! ;)

I enclose a photo of the 'Viola de fado de luxo' that my friend Domingos Martins Machado, 'violeiro' (=i.e., instrument maker) from Tebosa (=Braga - Northern Portugal) made for George Harrison in 1993 under Donovan's order. Being Donovan playing at Northern Portugal at those days he went to Martins Machado atelier and ordered him the guitar for George. After a few months, Donovan received news from Domingos that the guitar was ready, so he went there -on 14 June that year-, payed for the guitar the equivalent of today 1646
Title: Re: Georges' Guitars
Post by: Xose on January 02, 2009, 11:54:27 AM
Happy new year everybody!! ;)

Does anybody know if the Spanish guitar on the left side in this photo....

Quote from: 1458
...([url]http://dsl89.podomatic.com/mymedia/thumb/1122483/0x0_1012539.jpg[/url])


...is the same as this one??

Quote from: 1458
...([url]http://www.thecanteen.com/GeorgeRamirez.jpg[/url])
([url]http://www.thecanteen.com/Bored.jpg[/url])


Thank you in advance and best regards!! ;)

Xose
Title: Re: Georges' Guitars
Post by: Bobber on January 02, 2009, 12:45:02 PM
It looks like it. But I think you are the expert here!  :)
Title: Re: Georges' Guitars
Post by: Xose on January 02, 2009, 01:31:52 PM
Thanx for your compliments!! ;)

Do you know when that photo was taken??

Best,

Xose
Title: Re: Georges' Guitars
Post by: Bobber on January 02, 2009, 08:29:22 PM
Not sure.
I know there's a picture of all four Beatles playing a guitar like this, just after they received them or got them as a present. It's somewhere on these boards, but I couldn't find them. I'm not sure if those are the guitars that George is playing here. I'll have another look around.
Title: Re: Georges' Guitars
Post by: Xose on January 03, 2009, 12:35:27 PM
Thank you very much!! ;-)

I know which photo are you talking about, but I'm afraid that those guitars aren't the Spanish Ramirez but the Russian ones they were presented with (=I don't remember when. Sorry about that!!)

So..., doesn't anybody know when was taken the photo of GH guitars??

Best regards,

Xose
Title: Re: Georges' Guitars
Post by: Xose on January 06, 2009, 02:25:19 AM
Does anybody know when this photo was taken?? Perhaps is George reading his 'A hard day's night' script??

(http://img510.imageshack.us/img510/9384/guitar3ql3.th.jpg) (http://img510.imageshack.us/my.php?image=guitar3ql3.jpg)

Thank you in advance!! :-)

Xose
Title: Re: Georges' Guitars
Post by: DoBotherMe on January 06, 2009, 08:30:57 PM
Yes, that's taken during HDN filming. I think it's the Ramirez nylon string that he played on And I Love Her. But I'm guessing. Dana ; )
Title: Re: Georges' Guitars
Post by: Xose on January 06, 2009, 10:48:28 PM
Thank you very much Dana!! ;)

And yes: it's the Ramirez Spanish guitar used in 'And I Love Her'.

But... when was the photo taken??

Best regards,

Xose
Title: Re: Georges' Guitars
Post by: DoBotherMe on January 07, 2009, 12:17:53 AM
It was taken around the time of HDN filming, that is the script George is studying. There's a pic out there of all four of them at Abbey Road in the recording studio studying their scripts,  maybe Feb 27(?).  Dana ; )
Title: Re: Georges' Guitars
Post by: Xose on January 07, 2009, 12:35:44 AM
Quote from: 1380
It was taken around the time of HDN filming, that is the script George is studying. There's a pic out there of all four of them at Abbey Road in the recording studio studying their scripts,  maybe Feb 27(?).  Dana ; )


Thanks a lot again for your help!! ;)

BTW: do you know if this video of 'And I Love Her' (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=x8fNDfdjXd8) was filmed at Twickenham TV Studios, or perhaps at London Scala Theatre??

Thank you in advance!! ;)

Xose
Title: Re: Georges' Guitars
Post by: DoBotherMe on January 07, 2009, 12:40:45 AM
It's from the film, which was filmed at the Scala. The production company brought in military surplus to create the control room. The special features DVD of HDN explains a lot about the filming. Dana ; )
Title: Re: Georges' Guitars
Post by: Xose on January 07, 2009, 12:50:37 AM
Quote from: 1380
It's from the film, which was filmed at the Scala. The production company brought in military surplus to create the control room. The special features DVD of HDN explains a lot about the filming. Dana ; )


Thank you very much again!! ;)

I knew that it was from the film, but I thought it was filmed at Twickenham TV Studios, as that stage didn't seem a theatre stage for me, but a TV set...

In fact, this video (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eBuJpXqW_0w&feature=related) is from the film and, in my opinnion, is taken at Twickenham TV Studios..., isn't it??

And do you know if this photo was taken at Scala dressing rooms??

(http://img211.imageshack.us/img211/7461/camerinotwickenhamna4.th.jpg) (http://img211.imageshack.us/my.php?image=camerinotwickenhamna4.jpg)

Best, ;)

Xose
Title: Re: Georges' Guitars
Post by: JimmyMcCullochFan on January 07, 2009, 08:56:38 AM
This one's awesome. (http://wirelessdigest.typepad.com/photos/uncategorized/2007/06/04/miniharrison.jpg)
Title: Re: Georges' Guitars
Post by: adamzero on January 07, 2009, 06:49:47 PM
I'd have to say if I could own any of these I go for the Rick or the Country Gentleman.  But god, look at all those tele's (can't imagine what each one of those is worth).  
(http://www.12fret.com/new/Gretsch_Chet_Atkins_G6122-1962.jpg)

(http://www.officenaps.com/jul_28_2008/rickenbacker_360_12.JPG)
Title: Re: Georges' Guitars
Post by: Hello Goodbye on January 08, 2009, 01:33:06 AM
Quote from: 9
I'd have to say if I could own any of these I go for the Rick or the Country Gentleman.
([url]http://www.12fret.com/new/Gretsch_Chet_Atkins_G6122-1962.jpg[/url])


Oh yes!  

My 1963 Country Gentleman......

(http://oi35.tinypic.com/z7n1g.jpg)
Title: Re: Georges' Guitars
Post by: DoBotherMe on January 08, 2009, 06:29:56 PM
Xose, I trolled around the web and couldn't definitively find anything about Twickenham filming other than some interior scenes (like the railcar bit--I Should Have Known Better). But here's a link to Beatles day by day, maybe you can glean something from this. Dana ; )

http://www.dmbeatles.com/history.php?year=1964&PHPSESSID=fa1c76a82b173462a0177f2bb594fe61
Title: Re: Georges' Guitars
Post by: adamzero on January 09, 2009, 03:20:49 AM
Quote
Oh yes!  

My 1963 Country Gentleman......

([url]http://home.att.net/~thorobred7/Gretsch_1.JPG[/url])




Very nice!  Great color.  Looks like she sounds like a million bucks.  I had a Rick once (I won in a band contest, off all things).  But it got stolen.

Fortunately it was only the Glenn Frey model.  And insured.





Title: Re: Georges' Guitars
Post by: Hello Goodbye on January 09, 2009, 03:48:18 AM
Thanks!  It's a bit darker than pictured, a dark walnut.  The flash brings out some reddish hues.  George's Country Gents were made darker for him by the factory.  And yes, with that tube amp it has that early Beatles sound.  
I love it!


(http://o.aolcdn.com/feedgallery/music/i/b/beatles/08-beatles-082207.jpg)


Sorry about your Glenn Frey Rick, adamzero.
Title: Re: Georges' Guitars
Post by: An Apple Beatle on January 09, 2009, 11:04:15 AM
Very fine guitars....glad u were insured AZ.

Tubes all the way! What fender amp is that?...It looks the wrong colour to be a twin?
Title: Re: Georges' Guitars
Post by: Xose on January 09, 2009, 12:43:35 PM
Quote from: 1380
Xose, I trolled around the web and couldn't definitively find anything about Twickenham filming other than some interior scenes (like the railcar bit--I Should Have Known Better). But here's a link to Beatles day by day, maybe you can glean something from this. Dana ; )

[url]http://www.dmbeatles.com/history.php?year=1964&PHPSESSID=fa1c76a82b173462a0177f2bb594fe61[/url]


Thank you SO much for your help!! ;)

Then..., should I definitely stick to the fact that 'If I Fell', 'And I Love Her' and 'Things We Said Today' shootages on AHDN were filmed at Scala Theatre and NOT at Twickenham TV Studios?? If so.., which was the filming date??

Thank you in advance and best wishes!! ;)

Xose
Title: Re: Georges' Guitars
Post by: Hello Goodbye on January 09, 2009, 05:36:26 PM
Quote from: 15
Very fine guitars....glad u were insured AZ.

Tubes all the way! What fender amp is that?...It looks the wrong colour to be a twin?
It's a 1963 Fender Vibroverb Reissue...... 2 10 inch Oxford speakers.  I bought this amp in 1991.  It's true to the original and Fender went out of their way to replicate the original in every way with just a minor update change in the circuitry for reliability.  Fender asked the Oxford Speaker Company to reproduce their early 1960s speakers for this amplifier.
Title: Re: Georges' Guitars
Post by: An Apple Beatle on January 09, 2009, 05:51:26 PM
Very nice HG....even the name VIBOverb excites me no end. lol
Title: Re: Georges' Guitars
Post by: Hello Goodbye on January 09, 2009, 06:05:31 PM
^   ooops....corrected that....it's Vibroverb
Title: Re: Georges' Guitars
Post by: An Apple Beatle on January 09, 2009, 06:16:45 PM
Ahhh whoops...it still sounds 'Vibry' to me.  ;D

I'm sure it sounds like a dream.
Title: Re: Georges' Guitars
Post by: adamzero on January 10, 2009, 05:23:35 PM
I wondered if the lighting brought out the redness, HG.  Most I've seen are darker.  But it's a beautiful instrument.  

Thanks for the concern about the loss of the Rick.  But to be honest I was kinda embarrassed to play a bright red "Glenn Frey" model.  I used the money to buy other equipment I needed.  HG, I also love that Vibroverb look.  Very cool.
Title: Re: Georges' Guitars
Post by: Hello Goodbye on January 11, 2009, 11:12:47 PM
Quote from: 9
I wondered if the lighting brought out the redness, HG.  Most I've seen are darker.  But it's a beautiful instrument.  

Thanks for the concern about the loss of the Rick.  But to be honest I was kinda embarrassed to play a bright red "Glenn Frey" model.  I used the money to buy other equipment I needed.  HG, I also love that Vibroverb look.  Very cool.

Yes, the flash brings out some red hues.  Here's another picture of my Country Gentleman, still with a flash but less redness from this angle.  That's a Gibson Tune-O-Matic Bridge replacing the original Gretsch Bar Bridge (which resides in the case):

(http://oi36.tinypic.com/330y6at.jpg)


The brown Tolex gives the Vibroverb a very vintage look.  Fender went to black Tolex in 1964.
Title: Re: Georges' Guitars
Post by: Xose on January 21, 2009, 10:29:44 PM
Does anybody know where is housed George's guitar collection??

Thanks in advance!! ;)

Xose
Title: Re: Georges' Guitars
Post by: Xose on January 29, 2010, 07:40:55 AM
Quote from:  link=topic=896.msg198479#msg198479 date=1228055477
...
Resonet Futurama
([url]http://www.thecanteen.com/futurama.jpg[/url])
([url]http://www.thecanteen.com/futuramar.jpg[/url])
([url]http://www.carlsguitarcorner.com/Resources/EMS/041108c_sm.jpg[/url])...


Well, it seems that guitar was really not George's but Rory Best's, Pete Best's brother.

In the superb book David Bedford, Liddypool, Birthplace of The Beatles, Deerfield, Dalton Watson Fine Books, 2009, p. 127, the author interviews Rory -which, by the way, displays his Futurma with him in a photo dated 2008- and this one says:

"He [George] had this great Futurama guitar which, when he opened it upstairs [at The Casbah], was like looking at the Holy Grail". Rory recalled: "This was the closest you could get to the American Fenders. I liked it so much that I went out the next day and bought one. I couldn't play it but I had to have one. Afetr George broke the neck on his [just before going to Hamburg for the first time in 1960, August the 16th.], he came to me and said, 'Can I borrow your guitar, Rory?' so I said, 'Okay, as long as you teach me to play it'. He said okay, and eighteen months later I got it back, battered. And he didn't teach me to play either"

So this means that ALL the photos with George playing a Futurama guitar, don't show his but Rory's...

Best!! ;)

Xosé
Title: Re: Georges' Guitars
Post by: Xose on January 29, 2010, 11:08:01 PM
More about this subject at the same book:

"...Just before they had left for Hamburg, George had broken the neck of his [Futurama] guitar and had to return it to be repaired. He asked if he could borrow Rory's guitar to tide him over and on his return, tried to sell it to another band member for £30. Thankfully, George was turned down..."

Xosé
Title: Re: Georges' Guitars
Post by: Bobber on January 30, 2010, 09:59:37 AM
I found this story confirmed in Roag Best's book 'The Beatles The True Beginnings'.
Quote from Paul McCartney: " We'd all seen these pictures of Americans with these posh guitars, Fenders and Stratocasters, but really none of us could afford them and anyway they just weren't around. But this guitar came out called the Futurama that really looked like the posh guitars so then it was the bee's knees. I remember George upstairs in the front parlour, opening the guitar case. It was like a moment of pure magic. He opened it and there it was, like the holy grail."
Rory Best: "George had a problem with the neck of his guitar. Futuramas were made in Yugoslavia and it had to be sent there to be repaired. He asked if he could borrow mine and I said, 'Only if you teach me guitar.' So he borrowed it for a year, I think. He never did teach me. And what was an absolute pristine guitar came back somewhat the worse for wear, shall we say."

There's a picture of the guitar included and it does look battered.
Title: Re: Georges' Guitars
Post by: Xose on January 30, 2010, 03:38:18 PM
I found this story confirmed in Roag Best's book 'The Beatles The True Beginnings'.
Quote from Paul McCartney: " We'd all seen these pictures of Americans with these posh guitars, Fenders and Stratocasters, but really none of us could afford them and anyway they just weren't around. But this guitar came out called the Futurama that really looked like the posh guitars so then it was the bee's knees. I remember George upstairs in the front parlour, opening the guitar case. It was like a moment of pure magic. He opened it and there it was, like the holy grail."
Rory Best: "George had a problem with the neck of his guitar. Futuramas were made in Yugoslavia and it had to be sent there to be repaired. He asked if he could borrow mine and I said, 'Only if you teach me guitar.' So he borrowed it for a year, I think. He never did teach me. And what was an absolute pristine guitar came back somewhat the worse for wear, shall we say."

There's a picture of the guitar included and it does look battered.

Yes. I also got the book and I read that clip after posting my last message...

It's clear that the famous George's Futurama, seen at so many pictures in Hamburg and Liverpool in 1960-61, was not George's by Rory's. Another unearthed myth...

Best!! ;)

Xosé
Title: Re: Georges' Guitars
Post by: Jai Guru Deva. on January 30, 2010, 06:15:03 PM
Hey guys, just wanted to pop in and say that this is a great thread!  I didn't realise George had quite so many guitars, and this thread has helped to broaden my guitar horizons and admire the ones I like even more.  And also to be jealous of George for having so much fab equipment!  :D
And that picture of him on the first page with him standing at the back of a room FULL of his guitars...  I bet that's what George looks like in Heaven.  Just a whole bunch of guitars, good sounds and good friends.  :)

xxx
Title: Re: Georges' Guitars
Post by: Bobber on January 30, 2010, 07:12:35 PM
Yes. I also got the book and I read that clip after posting my last message...

It's clear that the famous George's Futurama, seen at so many pictures in Hamburg and Liverpool in 1960-61, was not George's by Rory's. Another unearthed myth...

Best!! ;)

Xosé

So, if I read it correctly: George HAD a Futurama, but it is Rory's that is in most pictures from Hamburg.
Title: Re: Georges' Guitars
Post by: Xose on January 30, 2010, 07:19:00 PM
So, if I read it correctly: George HAD a Futurama, but it is Rory's that is in most pictures from Hamburg.

That is. Correct...

BTW: on page 33 of Andy Babiuk's book there is a -very small- reproduction of Hessy's HP book for Paul McCartney's purchase of his Solid 7 guitar. Has anybody ever come across with a bigger reproduction of that document??  ???

Best!! ;)

Xosé
Title: Re: Georges' Guitars
Post by: sewi on February 03, 2010, 10:01:51 AM
([url]http://home.att.net/~thorobred7/Gretsch_2.JPG[/url])

What a beatiful guitar!I envy you! ;-)
Title: Re: Georges' Guitars
Post by: Xose on March 17, 2010, 09:58:11 AM
From Ramírez newspaper which will be presented at the forthcoming Frankfurt Musik Messe...

Xosé

(http://img94.imageshack.us/img94/5440/artculofrankfurti.jpg) (http://img94.imageshack.us/i/artculofrankfurti.jpg/)

(http://img21.imageshack.us/img21/1951/artculofrankfurtii.jpg) (http://img21.imageshack.us/i/artculofrankfurtii.jpg/)
Title: Re: Georges' Guitars
Post by: Bobber on March 17, 2010, 09:43:50 PM
Nice one. I think you should have at least credited the photo.
Title: Re: Georges' Guitars
Post by: Xose on March 18, 2010, 07:11:04 AM
Nice one. I think you should have at least credited the photo.

Yes you are right. But were Ramírez themselves who enclosed the photo (=as well as the translation into English) so it's up to them...

Xosé
Title: Re: Georges' Guitars
Post by: Quarrygirl on October 21, 2010, 07:59:12 PM
This is a great thread  ;D

Been a guitar player since I was 8, and have a Gretsch Duo Jet (bought because George had one - yes I'm that shallow!) and a few others. Once I get my Country Gent I'll give up as it really is the ultimate for me.

If there are any other guitarists out there, and interested in having a look at my collection (well some of them!), here are a few:

(http://i248.photobucket.com/albums/gg187/nicola1976edinburgh/61b24c41.jpg) (You can see the George canvas reflected in the Liverpool shirt!)

(http://i248.photobucket.com/albums/gg187/nicola1976edinburgh/IMG_0316.jpg)

Sorry for bringing mine into a thread about George's guitars, but if it wasn't for him, I wouldn't have the obssession I have. For that, I will also be extremely grateful to George for making me a guitarist  :-*


Title: Re: Georges' Guitars
Post by: Hello Goodbye on October 22, 2010, 04:11:54 AM
Been a guitar player since I was 8, and have a Gretsch Duo Jet (bought because George had one - yes I'm that shallow!)


That's not shallow at all!  Nice Duo Jet, Quarrygirl.


Once I get my Country Gent I'll give up as it really is the ultimate for me.


I edited my previous posts in this thread to show my Country Gentleman (server had changed).  And I elaborated a bit in the Introduce Yourself thread.

I wish you luck in your search for a vintage Country Gent.  They're out there and I gave you a link to a reputable dealer here in the US, Quarrygirl.  Once again, it's Gruhn Guitars...


http://www.gruhn.com (http://www.gruhn.com)
Title: Re: Georges' Guitars
Post by: An Apple Beatle on October 22, 2010, 08:55:56 AM
Nice collection! Diggin the Casino at the bottom there too. ;)
Title: Re: Georges' Guitars
Post by: Bobber on January 12, 2011, 09:09:32 AM
"First really decent guitar": George Harrison and the Gretsch Duo Jet guitar. A $20,000 replica arrives in stores in May.

By Brian Mansfield, Special for USA TODAY
When George Harrison played Liverpool's Cavern Club with The Beatles in the early '60s, he had a Gretsch Duo Jet in his hands.

Now, Gretsch Guitars is putting a limited-run tribute model of the instrument Harrison described as his "first really decent guitar" into the hands of fans.

Harrison played the Duo Jet, known for its trebly tone, on The Beatles' first album (called Meet the Beatles in the USA). It's also pictured on Harrison's 1987 Cloud Nine album.

"I've never seen a more precise and detailed replica of any guitar in my life," says Harrison's son, Dhani.

The tribute Duo Jets, limited to a run of 60, arrive in stores in May with a suggested retail price of $20,000.

That's considerably more than the $210 merchant sailor Ivan Hayward paid for the original at Manny's Music during a late-'50s stopover in New York.

"It didn't have a huge body, and you could get it flat into your body and move with it," says Hayward, now 74. "It was like the nearest thing to making love to a woman. That's what it meant in those days."

Hayward kept the Duo Jet three years before selling it. Harrison recalled finding it through a newspaper ad, but Hayward says the young Beatle learned of it via word of mouth.

Hayward remembers the teenage Harrison as "a bit rough" and wearing tight pants and a jacket made of black plastic. "It was hard to get leather in them days."

Hayward wanted 90 pounds (about $255 at the time) for the guitar, but Harrison had just 70, "all crumpled, smelling, what you get paid when you go on gig, a handful of beer money," Hayward says. Harrison eventually took the guitar and left the 70 pounds and an IOU (a copy of which is included with the tribute guitar). Hayward later went to see Harrison's band play a local church dance, but they never talked again. (The debt has since been settled.)

Gretsch Guitars product manager Joe Carducci says master luthier Stephen Stern re-created the guitar precisely, replicating the nicks and dings of a half-century's use, even using a CAT scan to determine the semi-hollow guitar's body-chambering style.

The CAT scan also resolved a question about a flaw on the neck that resembles a crack.

"The doctor zeroed in on it, like you would a human bone, and said if it was cracked we would see it; there was no fracture at all," Carducci says. "So that line, that finish flaw, is included in the reproduced guitar."
Title: Re: Georges' Guitars
Post by: Paul Petraitis on November 23, 2011, 03:17:10 PM
I'm fascinated by George's trip in Sept '63 (with his brother Peter) to visit his newly married sister Louise in Benton, Illinois. I'm a Chicago historian and a guitar player as well ('54 Strat, '68 Marshall Artiste) and am interested in anything relating to that trip. He not only bought a guitar that trip ( a Rickenbacker, misidentified as a Model 425 that he had painted black to match John's)) but he bought an armload of American records..30 in all according to his new American buddy Gabe McCarty (guitarist with local group the 4 Vests with whom George jammed onstage at a local VFW hall ) including the single "I Got My Mind Set On You" (his recording of this minor hit was the last time a Beatle had a No. 1 record in America!)...does anybody know what other recordings he may have brought home in that batch of 30? Did he carry this treasure trove of American records with him over the years as he moved? Olivia?
Title: Re: Georges' Guitars
Post by: nimrod on November 24, 2011, 12:42:43 AM
"First really decent guitar": George Harrison and the Gretsch Duo Jet guitar. A $20,000 replica arrives in stores in May.

By Brian Mansfield, Special for USA TODAY
When George Harrison played Liverpool's Cavern Club with The Beatles in the early '60s, he had a Gretsch Duo Jet in his hands.

Now, Gretsch Guitars is putting a limited-run tribute model of the instrument Harrison described as his "first really decent guitar" into the hands of fans.

Harrison played the Duo Jet, known for its trebly tone, on The Beatles' first album (called Meet the Beatles in the USA). It's also pictured on Harrison's 1987 Cloud Nine album.

"I've never seen a more precise and detailed replica of any guitar in my life," says Harrison's son, Dhani.

The tribute Duo Jets, limited to a run of 60, arrive in stores in May with a suggested retail price of $20,000.

That's considerably more than the $210 merchant sailor Ivan Hayward paid for the original at Manny's Music during a late-'50s stopover in New York.

"It didn't have a huge body, and you could get it flat into your body and move with it," says Hayward, now 74. "It was like the nearest thing to making love to a woman. That's what it meant in those days."

Hayward kept the Duo Jet three years before selling it. Harrison recalled finding it through a newspaper ad, but Hayward says the young Beatle learned of it via word of mouth.

Hayward remembers the teenage Harrison as "a bit rough" and wearing tight pants and a jacket made of black plastic. "It was hard to get leather in them days."

Hayward wanted 90 pounds (about $255 at the time) for the guitar, but Harrison had just 70, "all crumpled, smelling, what you get paid when you go on gig, a handful of beer money," Hayward says. Harrison eventually took the guitar and left the 70 pounds and an IOU (a copy of which is included with the tribute guitar). Hayward later went to see Harrison's band play a local church dance, but they never talked again. (The debt has since been settled.)

Gretsch Guitars product manager Joe Carducci says master luthier Stephen Stern re-created the guitar precisely, replicating the nicks and dings of a half-century's use, even using a CAT scan to determine the semi-hollow guitar's body-chambering style.

The CAT scan also resolved a question about a flaw on the neck that resembles a crack.

"The doctor zeroed in on it, like you would a human bone, and said if it was cracked we would see it; there was no fracture at all," Carducci says. "So that line, that finish flaw, is included in the reproduced guitar."

Hmmm 20k for what was a cheap guitar.....= daylight robbery  ha2ha
Title: Re: Georges' Guitars
Post by: real01 on September 21, 2012, 08:54:34 AM
Rory Best: "George had a problem with the neck of his guitar. Futuramas were made in Yugoslavia and it had to be sent there to be repaired. He asked if he could borrow mine and I said, 'Only if you teach me guitar.' So he borrowed it for a year, I think. He never did teach me. And what was an absolute pristine guitar came back somewhat the worse for wear, shall we say."

I'm interested in this quote because former Yugoslavia is mentioned (I live in one of the countries of the former country).
But, as I searched the net, I found out that Futuramas were made in then Chekoslovakia:
Quote
a 1958 Resonet Futurama, a Czech-made Stratocaster knockoff that, by Harrison's own estimation, "was a dog to play."
[url]http://www.acousticguitar.com/issues/ag122/gear122.html[/url] ([url]http://www.acousticguitar.com/issues/ag122/gear122.html[/url])

So, did Rory confuse Chekoslovakia with Yugoslavia (-slovakia, slavia - it sounds similar) - or was the guitar really sent to Yugoslavia to be repaired?! glassesslip

I think that the first option is more likely - mistaking Chekoslovakia for Yugoslavia. If it was sent to Yugoslavia, then the manufacturer had to have a store
or repair shop in Yugoslavia. That wouldn't be unlikely - the both countries were socialistic and people were interested in r'n'r, so it is theoretically possible.
But I never heard anything about George's guitar was on a repair in Yugoslavia - and I cannot find anything on the net that would confirm that.

Does anybody have any more information on this?
Title: Re: Georges' Guitars
Post by: Bobber on September 21, 2012, 11:04:01 AM
Most obvious just a mistake by Rory.

Information here: http://www.vintagehofner.co.uk/hofnerfs/futurama/fut.html (http://www.vintagehofner.co.uk/hofnerfs/futurama/fut.html)
Title: Re: Georges' Guitars
Post by: hendersonskater on November 20, 2012, 05:12:42 AM
For christmas i'm getting a Rickenbacker 360/6 string. I'm in a band (We're just a hometown band biggest show we've played was 500 people in edmonton haha) and we do a few beatle covers, :) i love the beatles though, i tried to convince my bass player liam to get a Rickenbacker 4001 bass like paul played during Sgt Peppers, but he wants an explorer bass :P 8)
Title: Re: Georges' Guitars
Post by: KelMar on November 20, 2012, 05:25:24 AM
For christmas i'm getting a Rickenbacker 360/6 string. I'm in a band

You must have been very good this year! Welcome to the forums.  :)
Title: Re: Georges' Guitars
Post by: nimrod on January 04, 2013, 11:18:55 PM
For christmas i'm getting a Rickenbacker 360/6 string. I'm in a band (We're just a hometown band biggest show we've played was 500 people in edmonton haha) and we do a few beatle covers, :) i love the beatles though, i tried to convince my bass player liam to get a Rickenbacker 4001 bass like paul played during Sgt Peppers, but he wants an explorer bass :P 8)

Welcome to the forum !!

Lucky you getting such a great guitar as a present !!
Good on your Bass guy for sticking to what HE wants, Rick Basses look great but the sound isnt that great IMO

Good Luck with the band ;D
Title: Re: Georges' Guitars
Post by: Hello Goodbye on January 05, 2013, 04:39:56 AM
Rick Basses look great but the sound isnt that great IMO


Maybe you gotta paint it to make it sound good.    ;D


(http://i41.tinypic.com/24d0xgy.jpg)




My 360/12C63 sounds great...


(http://i46.tinypic.com/ka0c9j.jpg)
Title: Re: Georges' Guitars
Post by: nimrod on January 07, 2013, 11:32:22 PM
yours isnt a Bass Bazz :D

seriously, for me the Rick Bass was too thin & trebly, much prefer the sound of a Fender P, or even a Hofner, Bass sound should be deep, Gibson Basses a bit muddy for me.

Were all different though, and we like what we like :)

btw the black Fender Stratocaster in the post showing all Georges guitars is actually a Squier stratocastor
Title: Re: Georges' Guitars
Post by: Hello Goodbye on January 07, 2013, 11:41:17 PM
What happened to the goat?
Title: Re: Georges' Guitars
Post by: nimrod on January 08, 2013, 12:14:29 AM
What happened to the goat?

He's retired, got a bit grumpy, Im looking at auditioning a couple of Roo's :)
Title: Re: Georges' Guitars
Post by: KelMar on January 08, 2013, 04:11:34 AM
He's retired, got a bit grumpy, Im looking at auditioning a couple of Roo's :)

I like the roo much better Kev, in spite of (or because of) their attitude.   :)
Title: Re: Georges' Guitars
Post by: nimrod on January 08, 2013, 04:20:33 AM
I like the roo much better Kev, in spite of (or because of) their attitude.   :)

thanks Kelley dont you think he looks like he's holding a bow & arrow ?
Title: Re: Georges' Guitars
Post by: KelMar on January 08, 2013, 04:45:25 AM
thanks Kelley dont you think he looks like he's holding a bow & arrow ?

My first thought was that he was lining up a punch but yeah, I see what you mean. Those roos!
Title: Re: Georges' Guitars
Post by: Dcazz on January 08, 2013, 05:25:45 PM
thanks Kelley dont you think he looks like he's holding a bow & arrow ?
He looks like a Ninja Roo to me!