What Were The Guitars George Harrison Used In The Beatles

The evolution of the guitars inside the era of The Beatles’ emergence in music was altogether awe-inspiring. For how many years, their desire to release quality music as well as to flaunt the massive popularity that they’re granted with the latest instruments are evident – most especially with the band’s lead guitarist George Harrison. Harrison’s guitars changed throughout time, and the musician is said to have used at least 20 guitars over his tenure with the Beatles! Take a look at all of them below.

 

Hofner President

Bought by Harrison for only about £30, it was said to be the first guitar that he used in the Beatles’ period. This wasn’t the first guitar he had thought of, that title belongs to an Egmond Spanish-style guitar.

Hofner Club 40

George switched his Hofner with another Hofner owned by his contemporary, Ray Ennis of the Swinging Blue Jeans. It’s solid, but still not better for professional use.

Resonet Futurama

Taking a step away from Hofners, George opted to pick Futurama, a knock-off guitar similar to the design of a Fender Stratocaster.

1957 Gretsch 6128 Duo Jet

This iconic guitar is said to be Harrison’s first main guitar that didn’t involve imitation or knockoffs. It was also the guitar he used for The Beatles’ recording of their seminal debut, Please Please Me. 20 years later, he would strike a pose with the guitar and feature it on the cover of his 1987 album, Cloud Nine.

1962 Gibson J-160E

As fame began to rise rapidly, so is their desire to try out new things – including guitars. The 1962 Gibson J-160E originally bought by Lennon is often used by their lead guitarist in many recording sessions.

Gretsch 6131 Jet Fire Bird

Little information surrounds this Jet Fire Bird guitar, but few pictures could confirm that Harrison used this axe sometime around 1963.

1962 Gretsch 6122 Country Gentleman

This axe came in handy albeit being heavy and bulky – almost dwarfing Harrison when around with it. But it was alleged to have been used during “She Loves You” sessions.

Maton Mastersound MS-500

On the way to a 1963 gig in Manchester, Harrison’s Country Gentleman needs fixing, so a store lent his a Maton Mastersound MS-500 for a backup. After some gigs, Harrison came back for the Gentleman; around the same moment, some man bought the backup guitar and was eventually sold for half-a-million dollars after it was authenticated.

1963 Gretsch 6122 Country Gentleman

Before the phenomenal trip to America, Harrison acquired a 1963 Gretsch, which he preferred even more than the original 1962 one. He gave the guitar to Ringo Starr after, which up to this date, is still in the drummer’s possession.

Gretsch 6119 Tennessean

This remains one of Harrison’s most associated guitars in his tenure inside the band, using this piece of the instrument in their legendary Shea Stadium concert.

Jose Ramirez Guitarra de Estudio

This Spanish-style acoustic had been used with tracks such as “And I Love Her” and early band recordings.

1962 Rickenbacker 425

This was the musician’s first-ever Rickenbacker. This was eventually gifted to George Peckham, a friend of Harrison’s. As of today, the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame currently possesses it, fit for display.

1963 Rickenbacker 360-12

This was originally given to John Lennon from Rickenbacker president F.C. Hall, but after deliberation, was gifted to Harrison instead. This also remains one of Harrison’s well-associated guitars.

1965 Rickenbacker 360-12

Radio Station WDGY gifted Harrison with this 12-string guitar upon The Beatles’ arrival in Minnesota. This was often used during Rubber Soul recordings.

1961 ‘Rocky’ Fender Stratocaster

Fender Stratocasters have been a hoot for Harrison and Lennon, who are both huge fans of Buddy Holly. Harrison named his axe “Rocky,” frequently using the axe during some periods in his career.

Gibson ES-345 TD

Little information has been given about this Gibson axe, but the guitarist was seen using it with promotional videos of “Day Tripper” and “We Can Work it Out.”

Epiphone E230TD Casino

Inspired by Paul McCartney’s recent purchase of the Epiphone Casino model, George wanted to buy one too. Lennon also bought his own, even calling it his “favorite guitar.”

Gibson SG Standard

In 1966, Harrison used an SG standard during their recording session; the most prominent one is inside their “Lady Madonna” video.

Gibson J-200

Sometime around 1968, Harrison became a fan of the Gibson J-200, using this guitar throughout White Album sessions. This was also established prominently as the guitar Harrison used in his iconic song, “Here Comes the Sun.”

1957 ‘Lucy’ Gibson Les Paul Standard

This was one of Harrison’s most prized guitars and was a gift from his friend, Eric Clapton. This was also the guitar that Clapton used during “While My Guitar Gently Weeps.”

1968 Rosewood Fender Telecaster

This was Harrison’s final guitar inside The Beatles and was featured prominently during the Fab Four’s Rooftop Concert. The company made it specifically for him.