George Harrison’s Futurama Guitar sold for $1,270,000

On November 20th, George Harrison’s Futurama guitar was sold at Julien’s auction event. It was expected to be sold for $600,000 - $800,000, but the winning bid was a whopping $1,270,000. It was on display in The Beatles Story Museum in Liverpool, before being auctioned. The event brought attention to the guitar once more, and the auction house provided very detailed images of it. So let’s take a look at what made it so special and appreciate the fascinating piece of the Beatles’ history.

The Futurama Guitar

The Resonet Futurama, produced in Czechoslovakia during the 1950s, was one of the few solid-body electric guitars available in the UK. Known for its futuristic design and vibrant finishes, the Futurama became a popular choice for aspiring rock musicians who couldn’t afford or access American-made guitars. Though it wasn’t the most sophisticated instrument, it served as a stepping stone for many players, including George.

Solid-Body vs. Hollow-Body Guitars: Why George Wanted a Change

George’s fascination with the Futurama stemmed from its solid-body construction. Unlike hollow-body guitars, which have a resonant chamber that can produce feedback at high volumes, solid-body guitars are built from a solid piece of wood, allowing for greater volume, sustain, and clarity when amplified. For a young guitarist inspired by the electric energy of Chuck Berry and Buddy Holly, the Futurama was a step closer to achieving that distinctive American rock 'n' roll sound.

Moving On from the Hofner Senator

Before the Futurama, George played a Hofner Senator, a hollow-body archtop guitar more suited for jazz than rock 'n' roll. While the Senator had a warm tone, it lacked the punch and sustain needed for the emerging rock sound. George recognized its limitations, later recalling how he yearned for something "that could sound like the records I was listening to." The Futurama, despite its quirks, was a significant upgrade.

The Difficulty of Obtaining American Guitars

In post-war Britain, American-made guitars like Fender Stratocasters and Gibson Les Pauls were the gold standard, but they were almost impossible to find. Import restrictions and high prices meant that even established musicians struggled to afford them. This scarcity forced aspiring rockers like George to seek alternatives, such as European imports like the Futurama, which were more readily available.

Purchasing the Futurama on Hire-Purchase

George acquired Futurama in 1959 through a hire-purchase agreement, a common financing option for young musicians without upfront cash. Essentially, it was an installment plan, allowing George to pay for the guitar over time. This was a lifeline for working-class kids like George, whose family supported his ambitions despite modest means. George later described how “every penny went into buying guitars” during his formative years.

The Futurama’s Surprising Fate

Years later, the Futurama was donated as a competition prize, a testament to its role in Beatles history. The raffle competition was organized by the “Beat Instrumental Monthly” magazine in 1964. Surprisingly, the winner chose to take a cash alternative instead of the guitar. So Sean O'Mahony, the founder and editor of the magazine gave the winner the cash and held on to the guitar.