John Lennon, a name synonymous with musical innovation and cultural impact, wielded guitars that became as legendary as his songs. From his humble beginnings in Liverpool to global stardom with The Beatles and a celebrated solo career, Lennon’s guitar choices played a crucial role in shaping his distinctive sound and songwriting. This article delves into the fascinating world of John Lennon Guitars, exploring the instruments that accompanied him on his unparalleled musical journey.
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Lennon’s guitar story began with simple acoustics and evolved to embrace a range of electric models, each contributing to different phases of his career. His instruments weren’t just tools; they were partners in creativity, bearing witness to the birth of countless timeless melodies and groundbreaking sounds that defined generations.
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Early Days and Humble Beginnings
Gallotone Champion: The First Strummings
The Gallotone Champion holds a special place in the John Lennon guitar story as his very first guitar. Purchased through a mail-order advertisement in Reveille magazine for approximately £10, this South African-made acoustic guitar was advertised as “Guaranteed Not to Split,” a testament to its no-frills construction. Legend has it that to avoid his Aunt Mimi’s disapproval, the delivery was made to his supportive mother, Julia Lennon.
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Julia, who played the banjo, taught young John a few chords, which he adapted to the guitar, initially leaving the sixth string slack. This Gallotone became the instrument with which Lennon formed his first band, The Black Jacks, later evolving into the Quarrymen. It was on this very guitar that Lennon played at the St. Peter’s Parish Fete in 1957, the pivotal event where he met Paul McCartney, marking the genesis of The Beatles. Conflicting accounts exist regarding the guitar’s purchase, with some suggesting it was Jim Gretty from Hessy’s Music who sold it to Aunt Mimi for John. Regardless, the Gallotone Champion served as the foundation for Lennon’s musical journey.
The whereabouts of this historically significant guitar remained a mystery for years. Reportedly, Lennon left it with Aunt Mimi for safekeeping when The Beatles achieved fame. Mimi later donated it, and it eventually surfaced at auction. A brass plaque, added by Mimi, bore her famous words to a young Lennon: “Remember, you’ll never earn your living by it,” a poignant reminder of his humble beginnings.
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In 1999, the Gallotone Champion was auctioned at Sotheby’s London, fetching £155,000. A portion of the proceeds was donated to the Olive Mount Learning Disabilities Directorate in Liverpool, adding a charitable dimension to the guitar’s legacy. For a time, it was displayed at Boston’s Museum of Fine Arts, allowing fans to glimpse this foundational piece of Beatles history.
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Dallas Tuxedo: The Manchester Mystery Guitar
The Dallas Tuxedo, a tobacco-sunburst solid-body electric guitar, remains shrouded in mystery and rumor. The story goes that in November 1958, during Johnny and the Moondogs’ trip to Manchester for a talent show, Lennon acquired this guitar under questionable circumstances. Both Paul McCartney and George Harrison hinted that Lennon may have stolen it from another act, a claim Paul reiterated in the Beatles Anthology.
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This British-made electric guitar, one of the earliest from the UK, became known as the “Manchester Mystery Guitar.” Lennon reportedly hid it in the loft of his home, Mendips, and was never photographed with it. It remained unseen until 1996 when workmen discovered it in the loft, along with banjo magazines. Ernie Burkey, the homeowner, later gifted it to Beatles enthusiasts Johnny “Guitar” Byrne and Larry Wassgren, who believed it to be the legendary “stolen” guitar.
While no definitive proof links this Dallas Tuxedo to the Manchester incident, it remains a strong candidate. However, Beatles archivist Mark Lewisohn suggests a different version, citing a witness who described Lennon’s acquired guitar that night as “a complete piece of rubbish.” The true identity of the “Manchester Mystery Guitar” and its fate remain uncertain, adding an intriguing chapter to the John Lennon guitar narrative.
The Rise to Fame: Hofner and Rickenbacker Era
Hofner Senator: A Hamburg Enigma
The Hofner Senator remains an obscure chapter in John Lennon’s guitar history. Despite being purchased during The Beatles’ Hamburg days, no photographic evidence exists of Lennon playing this guitar, and he never publicly mentioned owning one. Adding to the confusion, an “authenticating” photo provided to a buyer actually depicted Lennon with his Epiphone Casino, a completely different guitar.
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Ken Brown, a former Quarrymen member who owned a Senator himself, couldn’t recall Lennon owning one during their time together, though he acknowledged Lennon might have acquired it later. George Harrison’s verification of the guitar’s provenance in a letter to Lily Evans lends some credibility to its Lennon connection. Harrison’s guitar expertise and memory for detail were highly regarded by those around him.
The Hofner Senator surfaced at a Christie’s auction in 2009, fetching $337,226. It is currently part of the AEI Music collection in Seattle, Washington, and has been loaned to the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, offering glimpses into a lesser-known instrument in Lennon’s arsenal.
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Hofner Club 40: The Casbah Days Companion
The Hofner Club 40 marks a more documented phase in Lennon’s early guitar journey. Purchased just before The Beatles’ first performance at the Casbah Coffee Club, a hire-purchase receipt dated August 28, 1959, confirms the acquisition. The receipt from Hessy’s Music shop details a “Club 40 Hofner guitar” sold to John Lennon, described as a “student,” with his Aunt Mimi as the guarantor and a £17 deposit.
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This purchase receipt dispels the myth that Mimi bought Lennon his “first guitar” for £17, instead highlighting her support in enabling him to acquire a better instrument. The Hofner Club 40 became Lennon’s primary guitar during The Beatles’ formative performances at the Casbah Coffee Club.
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To commemorate Hofner’s 120th anniversary in 2007, they released a limited edition “John Lennon” Club 40 guitar, with only 120 produced worldwide, underscoring the historical significance of this model in Lennon’s early career.
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A full view of the Hofner “John Lennon” Club 40 Limited Edition guitar, showcasing its vintage-inspired design and commemorative features.
Rickenbacker Capri 325: The “Holy Grail”
The 1958 Rickenbacker Capri 325, serial number V81, stands as arguably the most iconic John Lennon guitar and a “Holy Grail” for Beatles aficionados. This guitar became synonymous with The Beatles’ early success and the “British Invasion.”
The Holy Grail 1960 325 Capri
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George Harrison recounted Lennon’s purchase in Hamburg in 1960, influenced by Jean “Toots” Thielemans, who played a similar Rickenbacker. Harrison described how American guitars were highly coveted by the Liverpool band at the time. Pete Best also recalled Lennon’s fascination with the Rickenbacker’s short scale neck, making it easier for him to play.
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Lennon’s 325 was one of only 28 produced in 1958, and one of eight with a natural “mapleglo” finish. It was unique for its lack of a sound hole, unusual for hollow-body Rickenbackers, and its four controls, suggesting it was retrofitted by Rickenbacker with an extra volume and tone knob. Records indicate that four 325s were shipped to Hamburg, and Lennon’s was likely among three maple-finished models sent to Framus Werke in Germany.
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The serial number “V81” places it as the second Capri produced in 1958. Its unusual features and low production numbers contribute to its legendary status and immense value. Some believe it may have been a prototype, showcased at a trade show before finding its way to Lennon in Hamburg.
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Alongside Lennon’s V81, two other 1958 Rickenbacker Capri 325 guitars with serial numbers V82 and V93 are also documented, further highlighting the rarity of this model.
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Lennon famously painted his 1958 Rickenbacker Capri 325 black in 1962. Chris Wharton, a friend of The Beatles, recounted that his father’s coach painter, Charlie Bantam, applied multiple coats of black Tecaloid enamel. The control panel retained its gold finish, though possibly repainted.
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By the early 1970s, the Capri 325 suffered from electronic issues, partly due to Lennon’s hands-on tinkering and less-than-gentle treatment of his instruments. Ron DeMarino, a New York luthier, restored and repaired the guitar in 1972. Lennon reportedly admitted to disconnecting the middle pickup to avoid “clicking” during recordings.
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Lennon’s last public performance with the ’58 Rickenbacker 325 was at Carnegie Hall in 1964. Original parts, including the Grover machine heads and gold pickguard, were later auctioned by Ron DeMarino, who received them from Lennon in 1972.
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Rickenbacker 325 c64 “Miami”: A New Generation
In February 1964, during The Beatles’ first trip to America, Rickenbacker gifted Lennon a brand-new 325, the 1964 Rickenbacker 325 c64 “Miami” (serial number DB-122). This guitar replaced his beloved but worn ’58 Capri 325 as his primary Rickenbacker.
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The new black 325 was delivered directly to The Beatles at the Deauville Hotel in Miami Beach. Lennon debuted it during rehearsals for their second Ed Sullivan Show appearance.
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During the 1964 Hammersmith Christmas show, Lennon accidentally dropped the “Miami” Rickenbacker, cracking the headstock.
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A heartwarming story connects Dorothy “Dotty” Tandle, a Rickenbacker employee, to this iconic guitar. Her son, Mark Raymond, shared that Dotty personally assembled and finished Lennon’s 1964 325 c64 “Miami.” She sanded the body, worked on the neck and fretboard, and assembled the guitar, even hand-cutting the pickguard. Dotty’s meticulous work was recognized within Rickenbacker, and she contributed to several “first” guitars for the company, including guitars for George Harrison and Paul McCartney.
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Rickenbacker 325-12 String: The Twelve-String Rarity
Rickenbacker also created a 12-string version for Lennon, the 1964 Rickenbacker 325-12 String. While primarily a studio instrument, Lennon used it sparingly in live performances.
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Lennon was pictured using it in concert only once, at the Boston Gardens in 1964. He also played it on a Dutch TV show in 1964, though it was a lip-synced performance.
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A detailed image of the headstock of a Rickenbacker 12-string guitar, highlighting the tuning pegs for twelve strings.
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Rickenbacker 325 Model 1996 “Beatle Backer”: The Export Version
After damaging his 1964 Rickenbacker 325 Jet-glo, Lennon received a replacement, the 1964 Rickenbacker 325 Rose-Morris Model 1996, an export version. He used this guitar primarily in his home studio and later gifted it to Ringo Starr.
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Ringo Starr eventually auctioned this guitar, along with George Harrison’s 1962 Gretsch Tennessean, in 2015. The 1964 Rickenbacker 325 Rose-Morris Model 1996 sold for an impressive $910,000 at Julien’s Auctions.
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Jim Irsay, a prominent collector of Beatles memorabilia, acquired this guitar, along with other significant Beatles instruments at the same auction, further cementing the historical importance of John Lennon guitars.
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Acoustic Interludes: Gibson J-160E and More
Gibson J-160E: The Acoustic Workhorse
The Gibson J-160E acoustic-electric guitar became a signature instrument for both John Lennon and George Harrison. In 1962, they famously ordered a pair from Rushworth’s Music House in Liverpool, simply requesting “Gibson electric jumbos,” leading the store to order the J-160E model from the Gibson catalog.
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Despite not being exactly what they initially envisioned, the J-160Es became integral to The Beatles’ sound, notably used on “Love Me Do.” While some consider it a technically “crappy guitar,” its unique tone became a signature element of their early recordings.
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Due to their identical nature, Lennon and Harrison’s J-160Es were eventually mixed up. Harrison’s was stolen at the 1963 Finsbury Park Christmas show, though initially, Lennon mistakenly believed his was the stolen one.
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In 1964, Lennon acquired a replacement J-160E, distinguishable by double white rings around the soundhole. This became his main acoustic, accompanying him on The Beatles’ historic 1964 visit to America, marking the start of the “British Invasion.”
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In 1967, “The Fool” collective gave this J-160E a psychedelic paint job. However, by 1968, Lennon sanded it back to its natural finish, using it extensively throughout his career until his death in 1980. Traces of the blue paint remained inside the soundhole. He famously carved figures of himself and Yoko Ono into the top, commemorating their “Bed-Ins” for peace in 1969.
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Another Gibson J-160E, a 1966 sunburst model, was gifted by Lennon to Bob Dylan around Christmas 1968. Dylan later gave it to his guitar tech Cesar Diaz, who eventually sold it. It is now displayed at the Hard Rock Cafe in NYC.
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In a remarkable turn of events, Harrison’s stolen 1962 J-160E resurfaced after 50 years. It was purchased unknowingly by John McCaw in a US second-hand shop and later authenticated as Lennon’s (actually Harrison’s due to the mix-up). This “lost” guitar was auctioned for $2.4 million in 2015, becoming one of the most expensive guitars ever sold. Half of the proceeds were donated to the Spirit Foundation, founded by Lennon and Yoko Ono.
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Ramirez A-1 Classical Guitar “Segovia Model”
Around 1964, Lennon acquired a Ramirez A-1 Classical Guitar, possibly a “Segovia Model,” around the same time George Harrison bought his Ramirez Studio model classical guitar.
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Lennon was photographed with this and other classical guitars at his home in the 1960s, indicating his exploration of different guitar styles beyond electric and acoustic-electric models.
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Framus Hootenanny 12 String: The “Help!” Guitar
The 1964 Framus 5/024/12 Hootenanny 12 String acoustic guitar, purchased in 1965, is famously associated with The Beatles’ “Help!” era. Lennon played it in the “Help!” movie and on recordings for songs like “Help!”, “You’ve Got To Hide Your Love Away,” and “It’s Only Love.”
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This guitar, used by both Lennon and George Harrison, was long thought lost for almost 60 years until its recent rediscovery. It was auctioned at Julien’s Auctions in May 2024, expected to fetch a record price, potentially becoming the most expensive Beatles guitar ever sold.
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Electric Innovations: Stratocasters, Casinos, and More
“Mysterious Black Stratocaster”: A Rehearsal Enigma
A black Fender Stratocaster with a matching black headstock remains one of the most intriguing mysteries in John Lennon’s guitar history. Photographed during a 1965 rehearsal at the Donmar Warehouse, this unique Stratocaster raised questions about its origin and current location.
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Fender claimed they didn’t produce black Strats with black headstocks in 1964 or 1965. Speculation suggests Ivor Arbiter, the UK Fender distributor, might have custom-painted it for Lennon, knowing his preference for black guitars. The guitar’s current whereabouts remain unknown, adding to its mystique.
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The Donmar Warehouse rehearsal hall, the location where John Lennon was photographed with the mysterious black Fender Stratocaster.
Fender’s attempts to endorse The Beatles in the mid-1960s ultimately led to instrument gifts rather than a formal endorsement deal, as Lennon and McCartney were initially reluctant to switch from their preferred guitars.
Epiphone Casino: The Stripped-Down Sound
The 1965 Epiphone E230TD Casino became another crucial guitar in John Lennon’s arsenal from 1966 onwards. He purchased it in London and used it extensively during The Beatles’ final tour in 1966 and on classic albums like “Revolver” and “Sgt. Pepper’s Lonely Hearts Club Band.” He famously stripped down the finish on his Casino to its natural wood, using it for the “Revolution” version on the “White Album,” “Abbey Road,” the Let It Be rooftop concert, and his early solo work.
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The Casino’s lightweight construction and versatile sound made it a favorite for both recording and live performance. George Harrison also acquired a Casino, reflecting their shared preference for matching guitars.
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Gretsch G6120DC (Nashville): “Paperback Writer” Sound
The 1964 Gretsch G6120DC (Nashville) is primarily known for its use on The Beatles’ “Paperback Writer” recording session. Photographs from the session in April 1966 document Lennon using this orange-finished, double-cutaway hollow-body guitar with gold-plated hardware.
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After the “Paperback Writer” session, the Gretsch seemingly remained at Lennon’s home. In 1967, he gifted it to his cousin, David Birch, who later loaned it to The Beatles Story museum in Liverpool.
Guild Starfire XII: A 12-String Gift
Guild Guitars gifted Lennon a 1966 Guild Starfire XII electric 12-string guitar in August 1966. While it likely didn’t see studio use, it was probably used in his home studio.
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The guitar, a one-off in flame maple with gold-plated hardware, was presented to Lennon by Mark Dronge of Guild Guitars. It eventually ended up with Yoko Ono’s first husband, Tony Cox, and is currently displayed at the Hard Rock Cafe in Honolulu, Hawaii.
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Martin D-28: Acoustic Simplicity
John Lennon owned several Martin D-28 acoustic guitars. In December 1969, he gifted a 1965 Martin D-28 to rockabilly artist Ronnie Hawkins. However, the guitar Hawkins currently possesses is a 1972 D-28, suggesting a possible mix-up or exchange over time.
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Lennon also owned a 1962 C.F. Martin D-28, a workhorse acoustic that he used extensively.
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Sonic Blue Fender Stratocaster: Pepper Era Sounds
A 1961 Sonic Blue Fender Stratocaster became a prominent guitar for Lennon from 1965 to 1968, coinciding with The Beatles’ psychedelic “Pepper” era.
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In 1965, roadie Mal Evans purchased two used Sonic Blue Stratocasters for Lennon and George Harrison. Harrison’s “Rocky” Stratocaster is well-documented, while details about Lennon’s Sonic Blue Strat are less clear, with some confusion about its exact year of manufacture.
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Fender Custom Shop has created a “Beatle Spec” 1961 Relic Stratocaster in Sonic Blue, honoring the guitars used by Lennon and Harrison.
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Vox V251 Guitar-Organ Hybrid: An Experimental Prototype
The 1966 Vox V251 Guitar-Organ Hybrid was an experimental prototype given to John Lennon by Vox in an attempt to secure an endorsement. This unique instrument combined a Phantom VI guitar with internal organ electronics.
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Despite the endorsement not materializing, Lennon owned this rare guitar, which sold for $305,000 at a Sotheby’s auction in 2014.
Ovation 1651-7 Legend Acoustic Guitar: Recording Sessions Companion
The Ovation 1651-7 Legend Acoustic Guitar was used by John Lennon in several recording sessions.
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National Reso-Phonic TriCone Steel Resonator: Rallying for Freedom
A National Reso-Phonic TriCone Steel Resonator guitar was played by John Lennon onstage at the John Sinclair Freedom Rally in December 1972.
A National Reso-Phonic TriCone Steel Resonator guitar, similar to the one John Lennon played at the John Sinclair Freedom Rally.
A close-up view of a National Reso-Phonic TriCone guitar, highlighting its resonator cones and unique sound.
Hofner 5140 Hawaiian Standard Lap Steel: “For You Blue” Slide
The Hofner 5140 Hawaiian Standard lap steel guitar is associated with The Beatles’ “For You Blue.” Lennon played lap steel on this track, famously using a shotgun shell as a slide.
John Lennon playing a Hofner 5140 Hawaiian Standard lap steel guitar, likely during the “Let It Be” sessions.
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Black Fender Telecaster: Madison Square Garden Finale
A 1963 Black Fender Telecaster became another notable guitar in Lennon’s collection. His last public performance with this Telecaster was in November 1974 when he joined Elton John onstage at Madison Square Garden, performing “Whatever Gets You Through the Night.”
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1956 Les Paul Junior: Stripped-Down Rock
A 1956 Les Paul Junior became another of Lennon’s favored guitars in the early 1970s. Originally tobacco sunburst, it was stripped down to a natural finish, and luthier Ron DeMarino installed a Charlie Christian pickup in the neck position. Lennon played this modified Les Paul Junior extensively in the early 70s, including at his Madison Square Garden performance in 1972.
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1960 Les Paul Standard: A Collaboration with Jagger
A 1960 Les Paul Standard appeared briefly in Lennon’s hands in November 1972 during a collaboration with Mick Jagger and Wayne “Tex” Gabriel at the Record Plant in New York.
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Sardonyx 800 DII Guitar: Double Fantasy Secret Weapon
The Sardonyx 800 DII Guitar, a rare model built by Ken Schaffer, became Lennon’s “secret weapon” during the “Double Fantasy” sessions. Only 15 to 20 of these guitars were ever made, making it one of the rarest guitars associated with Lennon.
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Hamer “Special”: A Gift from Rick Nielsen
A Hamer “Special” guitar, a custom white finish with a red stripe, was gifted to John Lennon by Rick Nielsen of Cheap Trick during the “Double Fantasy” sessions. It features “John Lennon” inscribed under the Hamer logo and “Rick N” on the truss rod cover.
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This Hamer “Special” is currently displayed at the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame.
Red Fender Stratocaster: The Last Photo
In 1980, Lennon acquired a candy apple red Fender Stratocaster with 22-carat gold electroplated brass hardware. Annie Leibovitz famously photographed him playing this guitar in bed on his last day. This photo became iconic, used for promo and the inner sleeve of “The John Lennon Collection” album.
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Cream Fender Telecaster with Bigsby: Imagine Sessions
A Cream Fender Telecaster with a Bigsby tailpiece is seen in photos from the “Imagine” recording sessions. While it’s unclear if Lennon owned it, it’s prominently featured in session photos.
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John Lennon Imagine sessions with Casino and Tele bigsby on the wall
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Yamaha CJ-52 Dragon Acoustic: A Custom Masterpiece
The Yamaha CJ-52 Dragon Acoustic Guitar is a custom masterpiece created for John Lennon. Inspired by Paul Simon’s Yamaha acoustic, Lennon commissioned Yamaha in 1977 to build him a CJ-52 model with a Dragon motif using traditional Japanese Maki-e art.
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Julian Lennon reportedly considered this guitar his favorite from his father’s collection.
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Yamaha CJ-52: Template for Signature Models
The Yamaha CJ-52 model, without the dragon inlay, was used by John Lennon, Jimmy Page, and Paul Simon and served as the template for their signature Yamaha guitars.
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Additional Guitars and Instruments
Beyond these main instruments, photos and records reveal Lennon with various other guitars, including Fender Telecasters, a Fender VI 6-string bass, and a Hofner President guitar gifted to roadie Tappy Wright.
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John Lennon and Yoko Ono File Photos – 1971
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Conclusion: The Enduring Legacy of Lennon’s Sound
John Lennon’s guitars were more than just instruments; they were extensions of his creative spirit, each one playing a role in crafting the soundtrack of a generation. From the budget-friendly Gallotone Champion to the iconic Rickenbacker 325 and the versatile Epiphone Casino, Lennon’s guitar choices reflected his evolving musical styles and his relentless pursuit of sonic innovation. These guitars, now museum pieces and auction treasures, stand as tangible links to a musical genius whose impact continues to resonate today, inspiring countless guitarists and songwriters worldwide. Exploring John Lennon guitars is not just about cataloging instruments; it’s about understanding the tools that shaped a legend and the music that changed the world.
