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My mother assembled John Lennon’s, 1964 Rickenbacker 325 Guitar. My mother... Dorothy J. Tandle "Dotty" was working at (RIC) Electro Strings Rickenbacker Guitars back in February 1964 in Santa Ana California. There was only 10 employees at the time and two woman. Mom was the first woman factory worker hired at Rickenbacker. Francis C. Hall, CEO of Ric had the idea to meet with the Beatles when they came to do the Ed Sullivan Show and give them some new guitars. Mr. Hall gave Harrison a new twelve string guitar when he met them. (assembled by Dotty) When Francis C. Hall got back from N.Y., after talking to John, Paul and Ringo he had a new guitar made for John. F.C. Hall presented Lennon with a new 325 to replace his road weary 1958 one during the group's first trip to New York City. Rush shipped to the Hotel Deauville in Miami where it was used for the second performance in "Ed Sullivan Show" on February 16th. Nicknamed at the factory… “Miami Special” John used the new guitar on The Beatles second Sullivan appearance and on the group's subsequent tours and albums. My Father was the insurance man for "RIC" for 19 years. He used to go Bowling a lot with Ward Deaton, the GM at the time. (“Kona Lanes“, Harbor Blvd Santa Ana) I was there many times with them. Dad told Ward that Mom did soldering at Rockwell International and was very good. Ward hired mom to solder their guitars. She went to the factory with Dad and was shown what they wanted her to do, she thought it would be simple. My dad asked if she could assemble the parts at home with her five young children after her full time job. Ward agreed to pay her by the units produced, “Under The Table” cash. She did just soldering at first but soon developed a system and could produce four days worth of production compared to the past, after 3 months she wanted to quit working full time and asked if she could do more for RIC but continue working for cash/no taxes, so she asked for something else to do when she was ahead. Ward Deaton GM agreed and she worked at her own bench with no record on the Books, later she was added to the official records due to insurance liabilities. Ward liked the work she did and trained her to do everything she was comfortable doing. She learned the sanding process next doing the bodies neck/heads and Ward said…. “Dotty gives our guitars the woman’s touch, that’s why they are so sexy looking” Hand cutting pick guards and name tags. She was taught how to do the frets/finger board finishing. My dad has watched my mother several times do all the work on custom guitars at the factory. He would give them advise on safety issues. I have been to the factory in Santa Ana as a kid. Mom worked full time from 63 through 66/67, then she did part time for a while and did some soldering at home the last few years and brought the work in to the factory. The phone rang at our house at 6:10AM with the GM of Ric Ward Deaton asking if my mom could come in ASAP to work on a special rush order guitar My mother was asked to follow Lennon’s Custom guitar from start to finish. This was the Black & White semi-hollow bodied “Miami” model (serial number db122, d=1964, b=Feb.). After the woodshop cut out the body, she sanded the body, then worked on the neck & fret board, then she assembled the guitar after the finish was applied. She did all the work herself. She did the same for many custom orders at that time. She was trained in all areas except the wood shop and finishes. She did all the sanding, fret board assembly, hand cut the pick guard, electronics soldering and put all the other pieces on John Lennon’s Custom 325. John’s 325 was the first one with the fifth black tone knob. Mom said she was surprised at how small the guitar was and asked if it was a child’s model because it is so little compared to the Ric Bass.. She liked John’s guitar because it didn’t have an f hole or edge binding to fuss with. I don’t know how long it took to assemble the guitar, but I know she said it is all that mom worked on that day in February 1964. After finishing the guitar, she gave it to the tuner/inspector. He was a good friend and gave mom a ride home three times per week. He asked my mother “Since you built it, what song would you like to hear?” My mother said…“Peanut Butter And Jelly”. That was a song she wrote and the tuner knew the cords. My mother sang the song as it was being played. SO… The very first song ever played on John Lennon’s famous 325 was a song my mother wrote about the messes I made as a child. There is a “GREEN” check mark inside the guitar. The guitar assembled in February 1964 by Dotty custom made specially for John to replace his 1958 model 325 “Capri“ was dropped and the head was damaged, later repaired.. It now hangs on display at the Rock N Roll HOF. It is priceless. John’s “Miami” was replaced with a “1996” Fire-glo model from the Rickenbacker London sales rep/dealer Rose-Morris Ltd. Ten years later…..In the 1974, I worked for “Fender Musical Instruments” in Fullerton California. I made two Fender Rhodes Electric Pianos for John Lennon/Apple Studios. The one used on “Walls and Bridges” “Well if they’re gonna send one, send two cause I’d like one as well” John Lennon ordering a Fender Rhodes Electric Piano at the Apple studios. (Elton John recorded “Lucy In The Sky With Diamonds” with the same piano) My mother and myself are the only mother/son that both built an instrument for John Lennon. My mother made guitars for many famous Rockers, including the red guitar that was smashed by Peter Townsend of the WHO and is in the Rock HOF. Chris Squire, Roger Waters, Paul McCartney (left-handed 1964 4001S FG Rickenbacker bass) , John Entwistle, George Harrison’s 12 String. Roger McGuinn 12 string and many others. I have built pianos for “You name it” just about everyone IE: “Pink Floyd” on “Dark Side Of The Moon” It is our little contribution to Classic Rock. I’m very proud of that fact.
I'm sure John Lennon bought his first guitar earlier than that because I was in the same class as John and Pete Shotton at Quarry bank and played guitar with John round at Petes house on a couple of occasions - I bought my guitar in '56 around the same time as he did. Eric Griffiths was also there and Rod Davies plus a pal of mine Geoff Lee who played the washboard.
Interestingly, his 1962 Gibson Acoustic guitar 7:04 went missing for almost half a century and it resurfaced in a pawn shop! John lost it during the Beatles’ Finsbury Park Christmas Show and it was one of his favorite guitars. It was auctioned off in 2015 and fetched $2.4 million!
John Lennon listened to Elvis Presley records when he was 11 years old in 1951? That's pretty amazing considering the fact that Elvis' first recording was released in early 1956...
@@matejkrajnc1797 Lennon first heard Elvis' Heartbreak Hotel on Radio Luxembourg. It's the song and artist that Lennon credits with changing his life. That was in 1956.
Guys you are absolutely right it's a mistake that found its way through apologies to all... I should have said he was influenced by Elvis and not stated his age but I tied it in to when he got his first guitar which as you have rightly pointed out is incorrect... Thanks guys!
Very informative & extremely enjoyable. I first saw John Lennon on The Beatles 1962 tour with Helen Shapiro. I'll never forget that he walked onstage & said "My name is John Lennon, I'd like to introduce you to my group".
I am a friend of Ron DeMarino. I have had many discussions with him about Lennon's first Rick 325. Ron was the one who, at Lennon's request, restored it to the original natural finish. He told me that the black paint was terribly applied by brush, he could see the brush strokes. He said that it came off easily as there was no undercoat or primer used and that the original natural alder wood was unharmed. Ron is now retired as a luthier and wishes to remain anonymous.
Thank you for this fascinating history. I have a modest collection (2 dozen or so) of the British Monthly Beatle Books I used to buy them in Hollywood at a newstand in the late '60's. There are loads of photos of them in studio with their instruments. I would just stare at these photos while listening to their LPs imagining being there in studio as they were recording the songs I was listening to (the captions often mentioned what LP they were working on at the time). I am a retired musician; I was definitely influenced by them in those days.
John was an amazing guitarist,, it wasn't something that was ever focused upon during his career, but anyone who has ever tried to play and sing, with the complete ease that John did while performing will know and appreciate what a talent this man had,,,, 😁🖒✌
@Michael Mendillo No he wasn't. He was a competent guitarist. People like Hendrix, Clapton, Lee and Beck were in a completely different league. Lennon's prowess lay in his song writing and his voice although he was never comfortable with the latter.
I agree, he (lennon) used major, minor,major 7ths, minor 7ths to his advantage, briliantly, also great with numerous bar chords, the old standbys, great ear & talent at such a young age,, commonly ,dropped the D string (4rth wound) a little "flat" to get that familiar sound (twang) in the early stuff ,,it was great!!
Gifted and versatile muscians. Check. Singers par excellence. Check. _Rockin_ band. Check. Some of the best songwriters of the 20th century. Check. Other than that, just another rock band from the 60's ... :--)
But, ya, I love how random and, basically, irrelevant his guitars were to what he did. I mean, he played that little 5/8 size guitar for years. Not a short man. What was that about? My feeling is that he just wasn't paying that much attention, got used to it, and kept playing it out of inertia and having other, more important things on his mind. Like the middle 8 to "We Can Work It Out". :--)
63 year old Beatles fan and musician lucky enough to have a home studio and library of mainly (but not exclusively) Beatles history. Includes a framed letter from Apple declining an invite to tea and a jam session from 1970! Fantastic documentary! Well researched and presented. Thank you very much.
The Epiphone he had the finish taken off of is the most famous, I think, currently owned by Sean. If that guitar ever goes to auction, it would sell for a lot.
Ronnie DeMarino converted a number of righty Gibson guitars to lefty for me. He had the original pickguard from Lennon's Rickenbacker ,hanging on a nail on the inside of a cabinet in his shop in Copaigue NY.
i'll never forget the first time I played a 325. Felt like a toy at 3/4 scale! and sounds like a banjo (understandably since John started on banjo. He always played his D form chords banjo style.)
Just got home, 9:30-ish AM, coffee in hand, sat down, set cup on desk, picked up the Epi ES-335 and lo & behold me favorite guitar channel has gifted me w/ the best kind of entertainment... (I'll return after)
What an amazing technical knowledge of John Lennon’s guitars you have. Nice work. Brought back some great memories and filled in a bunch of details for this old Beatle fan. Keep it up!
AWESOME VID! John is my FAVORITE BEATLE and as a kid I used to draw pictures of him and his Rickenbacker. I have Always been interested in ALL OF THE OTHER Guitar's he played, so this Video is right up my Alley. Again Thank you so VERY much for Posting this Beauty ........🎸💚
Well done on a very informative video. 😊 A few trivial points: 1. Presley released his first US single on July 19, 1954, so Lennon couldn't have been listening to his records at age 11; 2. regarding the Ramirez, the nylon-string parts on 'And I Love Her' and 'I'll Be Back' are played by Harrison (although he may have been using Lennon's guitar); 3. "luthier" is pronounced "LOO-ti-ər"; 4. the November 28, 1974 concert with Elton John was not Lennon's last. You alluded to the actual last concert when discussing Lennon's 1962 Martin D28 acoustic (16:54): the 'A Tribute To Sir Lew Grade' show, April 18, 1975; 5. In 1967 the members of The Fool were Simon Posthuma and Marijke Koger (pronounced "mar-AYE-kər").
In 2007 went to the John Lennon Museum in Saitama Japan.. section in Tokyo.. and saw 3 of the guitars in this video.. the black 325 Ric with the song list taped to the upper cutaway. the Les Paul Jr. with the Charlie Christain neck pickup and the Dragon Hollow body Acoustic .. In London 2005 got to hold one of John Lennon's Army shirt at the Hard Rock Vault. .....basement at the Hard Rock gift shop ' '
In 2017 I flew to Norman's Rare Guitars JUST so I could play a 325, It was my dream guitar before I had even touched one, and I absolutely fell in love, it helps that I have small hands, but it's a goal in life to own one some day. 😂
You really need to get one. I've owned so many guitars over the years, but this one is my absolute favourite. I'd never ever sell it. This is a keeper.
In general, Lennon played on everything that comes across, he did not have a permanent brand. What a guitar is, that one is right. This is the best approach if someone wants to do art, not technology
The best guitar stories are the ones of famous musicians just going to a random pawn shop and finding a sonic gem. A new life for an instrument relegated to barter.
My good friend actually owns the Dallas tuxedo that was found in the attic of John's home. His Uncle bought Auntie Mimis house after they rose to fame . Later to be bought by Yoko Ono and donated to the National Trust. The Guitar is on display at the Beatles museum in Liverpool. :-)
Photo’s taken during Lennon’s visit in Spain in 1966 to make the movie “How I Won the War” show John playing a classic nylon string acoustic made by Anselmo Solar Gonzalez. This is the guitar on which he wrote “Strawberry Fields.” These photos show him playing the guitar outdoors and inside his hotel room.
Never paid attention to John's guitars... until now! Great recommendation. This was very interesting, thank you! And as always, there were pics I didn't see before, like this one at 11:14 Gorgeous!
Or you could get a copy. You could buy some nice Rickenbacker pickups and add a headstock sticker that says rickenbacker. Most wouldn’t know the difference
Loved it ! Lennon to me was my first guitar hero. I especially enjoyed the post Beatles guitars. I once owned a Japanese replica of his red Stratocaster with red head stock and brass hardware it was a late 70's early 80"s El Degas.
Now THAT'S the way to end the year. In 2000 the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame had a Lennon exhibit which included many of these guitars. Among them was the Gibson J 160E, caricature acoustic. If you looked inside the sound hole one could see the residue of blue paint from The Fool's previous design. Regarding the Sonic Blue strat, Sonic Blue varies quite a lot, sometimes looking like Daphne and other times looking almost white. It's neat that you included the Black Strat, Ramon. I believe the Epiphone Casino is at the R&R HOF at this time, so I really should head back up there, as it was in the John Lennon Museum in Japan (since closed) at the time of the R&R HOF Lennon exhibit and I'd love to lay eyes on it. I live in Cuyahoga Falls (the second city name checked in the last verse of The Pretenders' "My City Was Gone") which is only 30 odd miles from Cleveland. If I do, I'll send you some photos, Ramon. Have a wonderful, or should I say, gear New Year.
I'm sure the 62' Strat is Sonic Blue, a color Fender took from GM on the 56' Chevs, being brand new guitars at the time they had no fading or change to the color yet, most all old custom color Fenders will fade to some degree depending on exposure and usage over the decades, Daphne Blue was quite a bit darker than Sonic.
@@Johngonefishin Yes, it is Sonic. Says so on the bill of sale. I was just remarking on Ramon's comment that it appeared more Daphne to him and the fact that Sonic can very greatly. I've seen it look almost like Daphne and so pale it appears light blue tinted white.
I played the blue strat in NJ in '94 or '95 at a repair/custom shop. It was there being checked out before being sent on its way to a collector in Japan along with another dozen or so vintage axes. I stopped in one Monday morning after a college class and saw a bunch of vintage cases all lined up by the door, I was into Strats and quickly singled out an old Fender case. As I was banging away on the thing the shop proprietor shouted from the other room they were all dropped off the night before (he seemed bent he had to stay up late on a Sunday) by Lenny Kravitz and that Lenny had gotten the strat from Sean who sad it was his dads. Of course back then there was no way validate any of this. I couldn't find a picture of John with the guitar until many years after and when I finally did it really confirmed it for me that I played Lennons's strat. That was the strat I played. I do know for sure it was a legit vintage strat. The shop had some legit superstar artist and big time collector connections. The shop proprietor was not one to make a big deal out of any of it. I was pain in his ass about it as I just wanted a vintage strat and he offered to me for $2000 if I could come up with the money by that coming Friday. I was driving a $600 car back then and $2000 might well have been 2 million. Missed out on that one.
I’m so glad I now know the serial numbers of John’s guitars! But I have to admit: this presenter’s research is peerless. And, I even understand that serial numbers are illuminating to researching. Great video. Thank you.
It was a cloudy day in NY when I heard the news. Whether it was sunny or rainy that day does not matter. This is how time alters our memories. My house was north of his Cold Spring Harbor home by 5 minutes. Also had an apartment in NYC at the time. Violence in America never seems to go away. NYC had fairly tough gun laws back then. But evil madmen always seem to find the tools of their trade.
Ha! Ramongoose?! Cool handle. I like your videos too. You give enough details to satisfy most all of us detail oriented equipment obsessed people. - MORE than!! Keep up the good work!
John Lennon, more than most, admitted many times over how he owed so much to Chuck Berry, Fats, Little Richard, Buddy Holley, ...., and they also owe him a big thanks for helping keep Rock'n'Roll the greatest musical experience ever experienced by Human civilization.
all true except the last part. R and R is no greater than 10 othe types of music i could name right away, such as Western and Indian classical and 10 different kinds of African music...
@@extanegautham8950 that reminds me of that truck-stop in Texas I was in decades ago, when I asked the waitress if they had any other music, and she said: we shore do, we got country, or, western. ;)
When I was a teenager I worked for Ronny DiMarino in Farmingdale, NY. I did all his customizations and repair work. I worked on a 54 Gibson Black Beauty for John Lennon, which is not in your video. There is quite an interesting story about the guitar and my involvement with it. Let me know if you ever want to hear about it.
Great video. One thing that surprised me after listening to 50 years of The Beatles and JL is that he seemed to be chasing tone. Gives me a bit of new found respect for him. Thanks for the great video, mate.
Excellent research, thank you so much for sharing. I would love to see you do one on Jerry Garcia's gear. He's played some beauties over his short lifetime too.
Worth mentioning the Bartell fretless given to John Lennon around 1968 by Paul Barth and Ted Peckels 6th June 1968 - John Lennon (with the Beatles) appears on the Kenny Everett radio show. Recorded at Abbey Road studios, this was broadcast by BBC Radio One on 9th June between 10.00am and Midday. The entire, uncut interview appeared on a 1986 album called “The Golden Beatles” Audio Kenny: “What kind of guitar is that? It’s very strange looking.” John: “A fretless guitar.” John passed the guitar to George Harrison who in 1984 gifted the guitar to U.K. session guitarist Ray Russell mobile.twitter.com/FindingFretless
You mentioned a Tweed Tremolux amp, but if memory serves it was actually a Tweed Vibrolux and which was eventually recovered in a black vinyl or naugahyde (or something similar) and then later given to John's nephew alongside the orange Gretsch. Amazing videos as always, Ramon.
Your History of Guitars Re: John Lennon is mesmerizing so much so that I must watch it again; that is, if I am to edify myself at all. Kudos Supreme to the narrator!! Perfect Voice! When people ask you, "What instrument do you play"? my hope is that your reply is, "Is not it obvious? I proudly play the Vocal Chords"!
Lennon was into Formby? Wow. All the best for new years from downtown Liverpool Ramon. Nice one La. I live right next door to the Lennon/ John Moores art school. Its 50 feet away. Cheers man.
I once heard a recording of McCartney saying that George Harrison was a member of the George Formby Appreciation Society. He also loved to play ukulele, of course.
I have a photo of Lennon playing a Ovation model 1619 which is a stereo acoustic electric made in the late 70's and early 80's. Guitar came to be known as the John Lennon model. He used it on the Double Fantasy album.
Absolutely brilliant video. I never knew he had so many guitars, let alone commissioned refinishing, modified hardware etc. I knew about the Casino, Charlie Christian pickup though. Very interesting.
wow, read so much about the Beatles and didn't know about that stolen one. 2:40 the Club Forty (according to Mark Lewisohn's massive biography on the early days) was affectionately referred to as the 'Club Footy'
Thank you for your meticulous work put into this video. I can only echo the appreciation expressed by the commenters. I think this could even be further developed into a nice picture book with more info such as in which songs the guitars were used. It guess a lot of fans would buy it (I definitely would).
@@TheGuitarShow I know Ron still has the pickguard and the tuners mof one of Johns Rickenbackers. You don't throw tat kind of stuff away, even if broken!
Thank you mate excellent comontery sir we miss him dearly and the lads imagine how they're last concert would have been like stay blessed patriot and thank you
Wow. Well researched. And while I'd love to brag that I own several instruments of the near-vintage, that's not the deal. As a boomer, I leave my hurd of guitars to an indifferent pair of sons and wonder if the resale of guitars and my large collection of vintage amps will sustain my multiple award winning Bluegrass recording artist wife in her antiquity.
![JOHN LENNON'S RICKENBACKER 325 GUITARS: A Brief History [Part 1 of 3]](http://i.ytimg.com/vi/SbuVbe2pirI/mqdefault.jpg)
My mother assembled John Lennon’s, 1964 Rickenbacker 325 Guitar.
My mother... Dorothy J. Tandle "Dotty" was working at (RIC) Electro Strings Rickenbacker Guitars back in February 1964 in Santa Ana California. There was only 10 employees at the time and two woman. Mom was the first woman factory worker hired at Rickenbacker.
Francis C. Hall, CEO of Ric had the idea to meet with the Beatles when they came to do the Ed Sullivan Show and give them some new guitars. Mr. Hall gave Harrison a new twelve string guitar when he met them. (assembled by Dotty)
When Francis C. Hall got back from N.Y., after talking to John, Paul and Ringo he had a new guitar made for John.
F.C. Hall presented Lennon with a new 325 to replace his road weary 1958 one during the group's first trip to New York City. Rush shipped to the Hotel Deauville in Miami where it was used for the second performance in "Ed Sullivan Show" on February 16th.
Nicknamed at the factory… “Miami Special”
John used the new guitar on The Beatles second Sullivan appearance and on the group's subsequent tours and albums.
My Father was the insurance man for "RIC" for 19 years. He used to go Bowling a lot with Ward Deaton, the GM at the time. (“Kona Lanes“, Harbor Blvd Santa Ana) I was there many times with them. Dad told Ward that Mom did soldering at Rockwell International and was very good. Ward hired mom to solder their guitars. She went to the factory with Dad and was shown what they wanted her to do, she thought it would be simple. My dad asked if she could assemble the parts at home with her five young children after her full time job. Ward agreed to pay her by the units produced, “Under The Table” cash. She did just soldering at first but soon developed a system and could produce four days worth of production compared to the past, after 3 months she wanted to quit working full time and asked if she could do more for RIC but continue working for cash/no taxes, so she asked for something else to do when she was ahead. Ward Deaton GM agreed and she worked at her own bench with no record on the Books, later she was added to the official records due to insurance liabilities. Ward liked the work she did and trained her to do everything she was comfortable doing.
She learned the sanding process next doing the bodies neck/heads and Ward said…. “Dotty gives our guitars the woman’s touch, that’s why they are so sexy looking”
Hand cutting pick guards and name tags.
She was taught how to do the frets/finger board finishing. My dad has watched my mother several times do all the work on custom guitars at the factory. He would give them advise on safety issues. I have been to the factory in Santa Ana as a kid.
Mom worked full time from 63 through 66/67, then she did part time for a while and did some soldering at home the last few years and brought the work in to the factory.
The phone rang at our house at 6:10AM with the GM of Ric Ward Deaton asking if my mom could come in ASAP to work on a special rush order guitar
My mother was asked to follow Lennon’s Custom guitar from start to finish.
This was the Black & White semi-hollow bodied “Miami” model (serial number db122, d=1964, b=Feb.).
After the woodshop cut out the body, she sanded the body, then worked on the neck & fret board, then she assembled the guitar after the finish was applied.
She did all the work herself.
She did the same for many custom orders at that time.
She was trained in all areas except the wood shop and finishes.
She did all the sanding, fret board assembly, hand cut the pick guard, electronics soldering and put all the other pieces on John Lennon’s Custom 325.
John’s 325 was the first one with the fifth black tone knob.
Mom said she was surprised at how small the guitar was and asked if it was a child’s model because it is so little compared to the Ric Bass..
She liked John’s guitar because it didn’t have an f hole or edge binding to fuss with.
I don’t know how long it took to assemble the guitar, but I know she said it is all that mom worked on that day in February 1964.
After finishing the guitar, she gave it to the tuner/inspector. He was a good friend and gave mom a ride home three times per week. He asked my mother “Since you built it, what song would you like to hear?” My mother said…“Peanut Butter And Jelly”.
That was a song she wrote and the tuner knew the cords. My mother sang the song as it was being played. SO… The very first song ever played on John Lennon’s famous 325 was a song my mother wrote about the messes I made as a child.
There is a “GREEN” check mark inside the guitar.
The guitar assembled in February 1964 by Dotty custom made specially for John to replace his 1958 model 325 “Capri“ was dropped and the head was damaged, later repaired.. It now hangs on display at the Rock N Roll HOF. It is priceless.
John’s “Miami” was replaced with a “1996” Fire-glo model from the Rickenbacker London sales rep/dealer Rose-Morris Ltd.
Ten years later…..In the 1974, I worked for “Fender Musical Instruments” in Fullerton California.
I made two Fender Rhodes Electric Pianos for John Lennon/Apple Studios.
The one used on “Walls and Bridges”
“Well if they’re gonna send one, send two cause I’d like one as well”
John Lennon ordering a Fender Rhodes Electric Piano at the Apple studios.
(Elton John recorded “Lucy In The Sky With Diamonds” with the same piano)
My mother and myself are the only mother/son that both built an instrument for John Lennon.
My mother made guitars for many famous Rockers, including the red guitar that was smashed by Peter Townsend of the WHO and is in the Rock HOF. Chris Squire, Roger Waters, Paul McCartney (left-handed 1964 4001S FG Rickenbacker bass) , John Entwistle, George Harrison’s 12 String. Roger McGuinn 12 string and many others.
I have built pianos for “You name it”
just about everyone IE: “Pink Floyd” on “Dark Side Of The Moon”
It is our little contribution to Classic Rock.
I’m very proud of that fact.
Wow man just sharing that is historical.
That’s inane, I can’t believe this comment hasn’t gotten more attention
That may be one of the coolest stories I've ever read.
@@jamesvseverything5974 Hopefully you meant insane*
@@cooleslaw 😯
I'm sure John Lennon bought his first guitar earlier than that because I was in the same class as John and Pete Shotton at Quarry bank and played guitar with John round at Petes house on a couple of occasions - I bought my guitar in '56 around the same time as he did. Eric Griffiths was also there and Rod Davies plus a pal of mine Geoff Lee who played the washboard.
Fallic Alec How old are you?
@@o_o3684 79 in March
@@88SPIKE phallic
You're 4 real. !
@@bobjones9600 Sure am mate!
Fallic Alec That’s awesome
Interestingly, his 1962 Gibson Acoustic guitar 7:04 went missing for almost half a century and it resurfaced in a pawn shop! John lost it during the Beatles’ Finsbury Park Christmas Show and it was one of his favorite guitars. It was auctioned off in 2015 and fetched $2.4 million!
John Lennon listened to Elvis Presley records when he was 11 years old in 1951? That's pretty amazing considering the fact that Elvis' first recording was released in early 1956...
Oh snap. You went there.
Elvis first commercial recording was released in mid-1954.
@@matejkrajnc1797 Lennon first heard Elvis' Heartbreak Hotel on Radio Luxembourg. It's the song and artist that Lennon credits with changing his life. That was in 1956.
Guys you are absolutely right it's a mistake that found its way through apologies to all... I should have said he was influenced by Elvis and not stated his age but I tied it in to when he got his first guitar which as you have rightly pointed out is incorrect... Thanks guys!
Weren't they in the Army together ? Lol !!!!!!
Very informative & extremely enjoyable. I first saw John Lennon on The Beatles 1962 tour with Helen Shapiro. I'll never forget that he walked onstage & said "My name is John Lennon, I'd like to introduce you to my group".
Love that the lead picture at the beginning of this video is his 12-string Rickenbacker!
I am a friend of Ron DeMarino. I have had many discussions with him about Lennon's first Rick 325. Ron was the one who, at Lennon's request, restored it to the original natural finish. He told me that the black paint was terribly applied by brush, he could see the brush strokes. He said that it came off easily as there was no undercoat or primer used and that the original natural alder wood was unharmed. Ron is now retired as a luthier and wishes to remain anonymous.
Many thanks indeed for this invaluable info!
I thought Stu had a steady hand
Thank you for this fascinating history. I have a modest collection (2 dozen or so) of the British Monthly Beatle Books I used to buy them in Hollywood at a newstand in the late '60's. There are loads of photos of them in studio with their instruments. I would just stare at these photos while listening to their LPs imagining being there in studio as they were recording the songs I was listening to (the captions often mentioned what LP they were working on at the time). I am a retired musician; I was definitely influenced by them in those days.
I'd love to see those books! Beatles are the best!
@@TheGuitarShow yeah i would like to see them books aswell thats a fine collection you have and very ultra rare beatles books
John was an amazing guitarist,, it wasn't something that was ever focused upon during his career, but anyone who has ever tried to play and sing, with the complete ease that John did while performing will know and appreciate what a talent this man had,,,, 😁🖒✌
Great comment thanks
@John Cliff No argument there my friend,,, just an amazingly talented human being ,,, 😁✌
@Michael Mendillo
No he wasn't. He was a competent guitarist. People like Hendrix, Clapton, Lee and Beck were in a completely different league. Lennon's prowess lay in his song writing and his voice although he was never comfortable with the latter.
I agree, he (lennon) used major, minor,major 7ths, minor 7ths to his advantage, briliantly, also great with numerous bar chords, the old standbys, great ear & talent at such a young age,, commonly ,dropped the D string (4rth wound) a little "flat" to get that familiar sound (twang) in the early stuff ,,it was great!!
@@tlgtlg3803 Yes,,,considering all of their ages,,,,It is really mind blowing what they where capable of ! Incredible,,,,
In my opinion all John Paul and George where amazing guitarists. They just came up with knew stuff that continues to amaze and entertain people today.
Gifted and versatile muscians. Check.
Singers par excellence. Check.
_Rockin_ band. Check.
Some of the best songwriters of the 20th century. Check.
Other than that, just another rock band from the 60's ... :--)
But, ya, I love how random and, basically, irrelevant his guitars were to what he did. I mean, he played that little 5/8 size guitar for years. Not a short man. What was that about? My feeling is that he just wasn't paying that much attention, got used to it, and kept playing it out of inertia and having other, more important things on his mind. Like the middle 8 to "We Can Work It Out". :--)
@@charliepin4501 mmmh....there is always one
63 year old Beatles fan and musician lucky enough to have a home studio and library of mainly (but not exclusively) Beatles history. Includes a framed letter from Apple declining an invite to tea and a jam session from 1970! Fantastic documentary! Well researched and presented. Thank you very much.
Pleasure I owe a lot to J. Crowley and his research for the record.
I love how Lennon didn't care about big brand names and would just get whatever sounded and felt nice.
Same with me if it sounded good and played great,it was for me
She probably made my 1973 4001 Bass I ordered from Rickenbacker
Brilliant job as always... and wow, the Lennon’s have a Burst just sitting in the attic somewhere, that’s cool... can’t wait to hear about the amps!
Thanks John
Yo Guitar Show, This is freaking fantastic!! Thank you guys so MUCH for taking the time to compile this list, (and then posting it of course)!! ~Mark~
My pleasure
The Epiphone he had the finish taken off of is the most famous, I think, currently owned by Sean. If that guitar ever goes to auction, it would sell for a lot.
MarkBarna1 ...Sean would never sell it!
Ronnie DeMarino converted a number of righty Gibson guitars to lefty for me. He had the original pickguard from Lennon's Rickenbacker ,hanging on a nail on the inside of a cabinet in his shop in Copaigue NY.
i'll never forget the first time I played a 325. Felt like a toy at 3/4 scale! and sounds like a banjo (understandably since John started on banjo. He always played his D form chords banjo style.)
Just got home, 9:30-ish AM, coffee in hand, sat down, set cup on desk,
picked up the Epi ES-335 and lo & behold me favorite guitar channel
has gifted me w/ the best kind of entertainment... (I'll return after)
Pleasure is mine, happy new year bro
@@TheGuitarShow ...and very many happy reruns
What an amazing technical knowledge of John Lennon’s guitars you have. Nice work. Brought back some great memories and filled in a bunch of details for this old Beatle fan. Keep it up!
Thanks very much
AWESOME VID! John is my FAVORITE BEATLE and as a kid I
used to draw pictures of him and his Rickenbacker. I have Always been interested in ALL OF THE OTHER Guitar's he played, so this
Video is right up my Alley. Again Thank you so VERY much for Posting this Beauty ........🎸💚
You the man! Happy New year
Thanks, happy new year Ramon.
Thanks happy new year
These are brilliant videos! Can't wait for the one about their amps. Thank you and take care...
Pleasure thanks
Well done on a very informative video. 😊 A few trivial points:
1. Presley released his first US single on July 19, 1954, so Lennon couldn't have been listening to his records at age 11;
2. regarding the Ramirez, the nylon-string parts on 'And I Love Her' and 'I'll Be Back' are played by Harrison (although he may have been using Lennon's guitar);
3. "luthier" is pronounced "LOO-ti-ər";
4. the November 28, 1974 concert with Elton John was not Lennon's last. You alluded to the actual last concert when discussing Lennon's 1962 Martin D28 acoustic (16:54): the 'A Tribute To Sir Lew Grade' show, April 18, 1975;
5. In 1967 the members of The Fool were Simon Posthuma and Marijke Koger (pronounced "mar-AYE-kər").
In 2007 went to the John Lennon Museum in Saitama Japan.. section in Tokyo.. and saw 3 of the guitars in this video.. the black 325 Ric with the song list taped to the upper cutaway. the Les Paul Jr. with the Charlie Christain neck pickup and the Dragon Hollow body Acoustic .. In London 2005 got to hold one of John Lennon's Army shirt at the Hard Rock Vault. .....basement at the Hard Rock gift shop
'
'
The workmen who found that guitar and the and two magazines in the loft were 2 lucky individuals.
That's funny they said it was garentead not to split but it actually split
Did it?
It probably did
I was actually thinking the same thing. You would think the quality with hand made guitars, I’d think at least it would last
My friend. It's guaranteed *
Guarantee can mean if it splits you get a replacement.
Keep up the fantastic work. Loved this.
The amount of research required here is mind blowing ,simply the best, I am taken aback , from a lover of quality
Been trying to find a video about this, my god you blew me away. What a masterpiece, thank you. What a collection, so over looked.
My pleasure Richard - it makes it all worth while!
In 2017 I flew to Norman's Rare Guitars JUST so I could play a 325, It was my dream guitar before I had even touched one, and I absolutely fell in love, it helps that I have small hands, but it's a goal in life to own one some day. 😂
You really need to get one. I've owned so many guitars over the years, but this one is my absolute favourite. I'd never ever sell it. This is a keeper.
Great work ! Happy New Year !!!
Good video, very interesting presentation, I really liked all the little facts you included, well done!
as always, a joy to watch, thank you
Pleasure
In general, Lennon played on everything that comes across, he did not have a permanent brand. What a guitar is, that one is right. This is the best approach if someone wants to do art, not technology
well said - I agree !
Casino was his most often used...
I have a Hofner Club 140, 1964.
I have owned it since 1966 at age 11 for a Xmas gift.
@@spaceengineer1452 Guess it was so good
True2
Thanks for this very informative and interesting documentary, excellent job
Thanks so much for such a detailed and accurate research! Always waiting for your new videos!
Pleasure
The best guitar stories are the ones of famous musicians just going to a random pawn shop and finding a sonic gem.
A new life for an instrument relegated to barter.
i've a couple. But i m after thee Strummer/Genzale White leg end falcon. Been asking someone on fbook...to no avail.
Great video as usual,looking forward to the Amps.Happy New Year!
Happy New year Mark
My good friend actually owns the Dallas tuxedo that was found in the attic of John's home. His Uncle bought Auntie Mimis house after they rose to fame . Later to be bought by Yoko Ono and donated to the National Trust. The Guitar is on display at the Beatles museum in Liverpool. :-)
Photo’s taken during Lennon’s visit in Spain in 1966 to make the movie “How I Won the War” show John playing a classic nylon string acoustic made by Anselmo Solar Gonzalez. This is the guitar on which he wrote “Strawberry Fields.” These photos show him playing the guitar outdoors and inside his hotel room.
Many thanks for this
Great highly detailed video!!! The 325 story is exactly what I was looking for! Thanks!
Pleasure 🙏
Never paid attention to John's guitars... until now! Great recommendation. This was very interesting, thank you! And as always, there were pics I didn't see before, like this one at 11:14 Gorgeous!
When I hit the lotto. I’m getting black and white Rickenbacker Lol Great presentation. Thank you. Stay safe 🙏
Thanks me too Im getting one as well
Or you could get a copy. You could buy some nice Rickenbacker pickups and add a headstock sticker that says rickenbacker. Most wouldn’t know the difference
Incredible information on John Lennon's guitars! Thanks for making these videos!
Just stumbled upon your channel. Love it!
He listened to Elvis in 1951? Blimey, that takes some doing.
Time machine
The sanded down Casino is one of the most gorgeous guitars I've seen.
Thank you for this video. I'd heard it all my way home.
Incredible detail. Thank you
Loved it ! Lennon to me was my first guitar hero. I especially enjoyed the post Beatles guitars. I once owned a Japanese replica of his red Stratocaster with red head stock and brass hardware it was a late 70's early 80"s El Degas.
Hell yeah, thank you for this!
Pleasure happy new year bro
Great video, you did your research well, can't imagine how long it took
Really great job with this video! My Dad had a Ramirez guitar. Pleasantly surprised to learn that it was also in the Beatles' arsenal.
Now THAT'S the way to end the year. In 2000 the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame had a Lennon exhibit which included many of these guitars. Among them was the Gibson J 160E, caricature acoustic. If you looked inside the sound hole one could see the residue of blue paint from The Fool's previous design. Regarding the Sonic Blue strat, Sonic Blue varies quite a lot, sometimes looking like Daphne and other times looking almost white. It's neat that you included the Black Strat, Ramon. I believe the Epiphone Casino is at the R&R HOF at this time, so I really should head back up there, as it was in the John Lennon Museum in Japan (since closed) at the time of the R&R HOF Lennon exhibit and I'd love to lay eyes on it. I live in Cuyahoga Falls (the second city name checked in the last verse of The Pretenders' "My City Was Gone") which is only 30 odd miles from Cleveland. If I do, I'll send you some photos, Ramon. Have a wonderful, or should I say, gear New Year.
Amazing comment thanks happy new year and wishes you the best for 2020
I'm sure the 62' Strat is Sonic Blue, a color Fender took from GM on the 56' Chevs, being brand new guitars at the time they had no fading or change to the color yet, most all old custom color Fenders will fade to some degree depending on exposure and usage over the decades, Daphne Blue was quite a bit darker than Sonic.
@@Johngonefishin Yes, it is Sonic. Says so on the bill of sale. I was just remarking on Ramon's comment that it appeared more Daphne to him and the fact that Sonic can very greatly. I've seen it look almost like Daphne and so pale it appears light blue tinted white.
I played the blue strat in NJ in '94 or '95 at a repair/custom shop. It was there being checked out before being sent on its way to a collector in Japan along with another dozen or so vintage axes. I stopped in one Monday morning after a college class and saw a bunch of vintage cases all lined up by the door, I was into Strats and quickly singled out an old Fender case. As I was banging away on the thing the shop proprietor shouted from the other room they were all dropped off the night before (he seemed bent he had to stay up late on a Sunday) by Lenny Kravitz and that Lenny had gotten the strat from Sean who sad it was his dads. Of course back then there was no way validate any of this. I couldn't find a picture of John with the guitar until many years after and when I finally did it really confirmed it for me that I played Lennons's strat. That was the strat I played. I do know for sure it was a legit vintage strat. The shop had some legit superstar artist and big time collector connections. The shop proprietor was not one to make a big deal out of any of it. I was pain in his ass about it as I just wanted a vintage strat and he offered to me for $2000 if I could come up with the money by that coming Friday. I was driving a $600 car back then and $2000 might well have been 2 million. Missed out on that one.
Amazing story thanks for sharing it with us
Top drawer research. Well done.
Great job, thanks for the insight. Must have taken a lot of time and research to get all this info.
Absolute treasure trove of information, another great video, thanks.
Pleasure
I’m so glad I now know the serial numbers of John’s guitars! But I have to admit: this presenter’s research is peerless. And, I even understand that serial numbers are illuminating to researching. Great video. Thank you.
Thanks and happy new year to you
Thank you for a most excellent video ....
This is great, thanks for posting. 👍👍
THANK YOU. YOU ARE A BREATH OF FRESH AIR. LOVE THIS TYPE OF TEACHING. CARRY ON BROTHER. YOU HAVE A FAN.
Thanks Ken
I remember when I first heard Lennon was shot. It was on a lovely sunny afternoon on the ITV 1 O'clock news.
It was snowing in Luxembourg that day. I kept looking around at people and thinking “how can you be so normal today”?
@@colindayo My mum woke me up with the news as it happened about 3.50am UK time.
It was a cloudy day in NY when I heard the news. Whether it was sunny or rainy that day does not matter. This is how time alters our memories. My house was north of his Cold Spring Harbor home by 5 minutes. Also had an apartment in NYC at the time. Violence in America never seems to go away. NYC had fairly tough gun laws back then. But evil madmen always seem to find the tools of their trade.
Excellent review. I've always wondered if the changing the finish on his guitars effected the sound quality.
Ha! Ramongoose?! Cool handle. I like your videos too. You give enough details to satisfy most all of us detail oriented equipment obsessed people. - MORE than!!
Keep up the good work!
Thanks - I try!
Your videos are really interesting . Many Thanks .keep them coming . :)
michaelreaper666 ..this was very intresting!!!
John Lennon, more than most, admitted many times over how he owed so much to Chuck Berry, Fats, Little Richard, Buddy Holley, ...., and they also owe him a big thanks for helping keep Rock'n'Roll the greatest musical experience ever experienced by Human civilization.
Holly.
all true except the last part. R and R is no greater than 10 othe types of music i could name right away, such as Western and Indian classical and 10 different kinds of African music...
@@extanegautham8950 that reminds me of that truck-stop in Texas I was in decades ago, when I asked the waitress if they had any other music, and she said: we shore do, we got country, or, western. ;)
unlike zeppelin, who did brilliant work but failed to credit the inspirations.
Great video. Subbed for the future John Lennon amp video
This explains so much. Thanks.
When I was a teenager I worked for Ronny DiMarino in Farmingdale, NY. I did all his customizations and repair work. I worked on a 54 Gibson Black Beauty for John Lennon, which is not in your video. There is quite an interesting story about the guitar and my involvement with it. Let me know if you ever want to hear about it.
Here's something awesome the gallotone champion was extremely cheap then but now the guitars are super rare
Great video. One thing that surprised me after listening to 50 years of The Beatles and JL is that he seemed to be chasing tone. Gives me a bit of new found respect for him. Thanks for the great video, mate.
Excellent research, thank you so much for sharing. I would love to see you do one on Jerry Garcia's gear. He's played some beauties over his short lifetime too.
Worth mentioning the Bartell fretless given to John Lennon around 1968 by Paul Barth and Ted Peckels
6th June 1968 - John Lennon (with the Beatles) appears on the Kenny Everett radio show. Recorded at Abbey Road studios, this was broadcast by BBC Radio One on 9th June between 10.00am and Midday.
The entire, uncut interview appeared on a 1986 album called “The Golden Beatles”
Audio
Kenny: “What kind of guitar is that? It’s very strange looking.”
John: “A fretless guitar.”
John passed the guitar to George Harrison who in 1984 gifted the guitar to U.K. session guitarist Ray Russell
mobile.twitter.com/FindingFretless
You mentioned a Tweed Tremolux amp, but if memory serves it was actually a Tweed Vibrolux and which was eventually recovered in a black vinyl or naugahyde (or something similar) and then later given to John's nephew alongside the orange Gretsch. Amazing videos as always, Ramon.
Thanks for this info
Excellent video, I certainly learned a lot. Thanks.
Pleasure thanks
Hey... Thanks for this ! It's very well informed and complete.
Pleasure
Your History of Guitars Re: John Lennon is mesmerizing so much so that I must watch it again; that is, if I am to edify myself at all.
Kudos Supreme to the narrator!! Perfect Voice!
When people ask you, "What instrument do you play"? my hope is that your reply is, "Is not it obvious? I proudly play the Vocal Chords"!
pleasure - thank you! I am a guitar player but I try to sing as well. Happy new year!
Lennon was into Formby? Wow. All the best for new years from downtown Liverpool Ramon. Nice one La. I live right next door to the Lennon/ John Moores art school. Its 50 feet away. Cheers man.
Amazing thanks for this comment I'll have to visit one day
I once heard a recording of McCartney saying that George Harrison was a member of the George Formby Appreciation Society. He also loved to play ukulele, of course.
These videos are great, particularly the Beatles stuff, keep them coming! 👍✌️
Pleasure
Subbed... Happy New Year to you!
Thanks.
Thanks Joe - happy new year
@@TheGuitarShow Happy 2022 to you!
.... but apart from the obvious Elvis error, that was really enjoyable and informative.
Thanks Lenny, yeah I know that was so dumb of me.... Too late now!
I have a photo of Lennon playing a Ovation model 1619 which is a stereo acoustic electric made in the late 70's and early 80's. Guitar came to be known as the John Lennon model. He used it on the Double Fantasy album.
Yes I saw that in my research alas I ran out if time thanks
So well done thank you sir
Thank you Joey🙏
Absolutely brilliant video. I never knew he had so many guitars, let alone commissioned refinishing, modified hardware etc. I knew about the Casino, Charlie Christian pickup though. Very interesting.
Thanks so much!
wow, read so much about the Beatles and didn't know about that stolen one.
2:40 the Club Forty (according to Mark Lewisohn's massive biography on the early days) was affectionately referred to as the 'Club Footy'
Did John Lees of Barclay James Harvest, "borrow" one of Lennon's guitars?
I seem to remember he wrote a song about it.
Thanks for this I'll check it out
@@TheGuitarShowua-cam.com/video/IJGiIyP0ke4/v-deo.html
Awesome as always! Thanks.
Thanks Craig
Thank you for your meticulous work put into this video. I can only echo the appreciation expressed by the commenters. I think this could even be further developed into a nice picture book with more info such as in which songs the guitars were used. It guess a lot of fans would buy it (I definitely would).
The Tele from the Elton John Concert can be seen being played in the "Stand By Me" video
Thanks for this
14:51 ringo's face of confusion on why he got a guitar lmao
Thanks so much for this ~ very interesting!!
Sir thank you for doing this. God bless you sir! Stay Safe out there!
I was lucky enough to chat a few times with Ron De Marinp who worked on some of Johns guitars. Great guy. Hope he is doing well.
That's amazing George bet you got some great info
@@TheGuitarShow I know Ron still has the pickguard and the tuners mof one of Johns Rickenbackers. You don't throw tat kind of stuff away, even if broken!
awesome video and research!
Thanks happy new year
Thank you mate excellent comontery sir we miss him dearly and the lads imagine how they're last concert would have been like stay blessed patriot and thank you
Thank you
I like your channel. Very informative..thanks
Wow. Well researched. And while I'd love to brag that I own several instruments of the near-vintage, that's not the deal. As a boomer, I leave my hurd of guitars to an indifferent pair of sons and wonder if the resale of guitars and my large collection of vintage amps will sustain my multiple award winning Bluegrass recording artist wife in her antiquity.
there is a photo of the natural 325 at the NY trade show. the grain matches exactly- so it is the same guitar.
Thanks Timothy
great video! precise informations!! thx from Japan.
Many thanks indeed for watching 🙏🙏🙏
Ironically, John recorded with the1958 Capri on December 8, 1980 - as the narrator added - on "Walking on Thin Ice".