Beatles guitars made an important chapter in the Beatles history. More: they made an important chapter in rock'n'roll and even in modern popular culture history. They're also responsible for the success of many manufactors, who literally owe their wealth to the Beatles fans, who, since the sixties, have tried to obtain the same instruments as their idols.

Part of this is reasearch: some of us freaks want to look for that particular sound. But most of it is mystical: possessing one of these instruments is like getting close to an almost sacred item, and that's the beauty of it, because once you put your hands on a 360-12 Rickenbacker that's not just a guitar anymore.

At the very least, knowing a little of these instruments is approaching the Beatles history in a different way, a way which few people have thought of. These guitars shows the progress in every way of the Beatles, how their dreams began and developed little by little.

This page offers just a glimpse on this fascinating subject. If you want to know more, don't miss Andy Babiuk's "Beatles Gear", one of the best books I've ever read. Besides substantial, interesting and very well written information, you'll also find hundreds of marvellous and often very peculiar pictures. Take my word: you don't want to miss this book. And no, I'm not getting payed to say this - it's just that the book is really good, and a lot of the information here was taken from it, but that's not even near of what it offers.

Now, enjoy yourself! If you're already a guitar aficcionado, I'm sure you'll be delighted. If you aren't, I bet you're about to become one.

Gallotone Champion Zenith model 17 Egmond Hofner President Hofner Club 40 (John's and George's) Futurama Hofner 333 Rosetti Solid 7 Rickenbacker 325 (first one)

Hofner 500/1 violin basses Gretsch Duo Jet Gibson J-160 E acoustic guitars Gretsch Country Gentleman guitars Rickenbacker 425 Gretsch Tennessean Rickenbacker 360-12 (1964) Rickebacker 325 (1964) Rickenbacker 325-12

Epiphone Casino guitars Fender Sonic Blue Rickenbacker 360-12 (1965) Gibson SG Lucy (Gibson Les Paul) Fender VI Rickenbacker 4001 Rosewood Telecaster Other guitars

Beatles guitars timeline