All for Authenticity's Sake
The ‘other’ Beatles take pride in not only re-creating the
look, mannerisms, costumes and music,they
also make sure that their instruments are as close to their icons’
as possible, not only to get the right sound, but to complete the picture
too. Let’s take a closer look at The ‘other’ Beatles
‘FAB GEAR!’
John’s Guitars
Amplifier - VOX AC30
Gibson J160E
Both John and George bought these electro-acoustic guitars in 1962,
and used them extensively throughout the 60’s.
Rickenbacker 325
This 3/4 scale guitar was bought in Hamburg in the early 1960’s-
it was a natural finished body with gold
scratchplate and chrome hardware. He later changed the original tremelo
for a Bigsby tailpiece. Late in
1962, John got the guitar refinished in black and used it right up
until 1964, when Rickenbacker gave him
a new replacement for is now tatty original. The new 325 was black
with white scratchplate, and boasted
the new Rickenbacker tremelo tailiece.
Epiphone Casinos
In 1966 Paul, George and John all acquired their sunburst semi-acousticguitars.
John and George
both used their guitars in the final tour of 1966. Later in 1968,
John sanded his down to bare wood!
George’s Guitars
Amplifier - VOX AC30
Gretsch Duo Jet
This small solid bodied guitar was used during the Cavern days of
the
early 60’s. Also seen on the cover of George’s album ‘Cloud 9’
Gretsch Country Gentleman
Probably the most famous of George’s guitars. Paul’s is a beautiful
1964 example which has all the same
features as Harrison’s: Brass nameplate, Grover Imperial machine heads,
painted f-holes, Filtron Pickups,
muting switches, Bigsby etc
Gibson Les Paul
This Cherry Les Paul, nicknamed Lucy’ was given to George by Eric
Clapton
Rickenbacker 360 12 string
An exact replica of George’s (reputedly second ever made) Rickenbacker
12 string guitar which was
presented to him on same day as John’s 325 in 1964. George used it
extensively in1964-66, especially
on the album and film ‘A Hard Days Night’
Epiphone Casino
This version of the Casino is fitted with a Bigsby tremelo unit, just
like George’s.
Fender ‘Rocky II’ Stratocaster
In 1967, George had painted his pale blue Fender Stratocaster. He
can be seen using it on the
'I Am The Walrus’ video. He used it on ‘All You Need Is Love’, and
more recently for slide work on
'Free As A Bird’. George nicknamed it ‘Rocky’ - so meet Rocky II!
Fender Rosewood Telecaster
This all rosewood guitar was used extensively on the ‘Let It Be’ sessions,
including the famous
‘Rooftop Concert’.
Paul's Basses
Amplifier - VOX T60 head and Cabinet
Hofner 500/1 ‘violin bass’
The famous violin bass, probably the most instantly recognisable
instrument used in the show, due to McCartneys association.
Rickenbacker 4001 S
This bass was aquired my McCartney in 1965 and although never seen
playing live then, he used it to record on albums as early as Rubber
Soul.
In 1967 he painted a psycadelic design and is seen using it on
‘I Am The Walrus’, ‘Hello Goodbye’ and ‘All
You Need Is Love’ promo films.
Fender VI (not pictured)
Although not technically one of Paul’s basses, this bass was
used by John and George on ‘Let It Be’ and
‘Hey Jude’
Epiphone Texan (not pictured)
Paul uses this acoustic guitar to play ‘Yesterday’, just
like McCartney in 1965’s ‘Big Night Out’
Ringo's Drums
Ringo’s Ludwig kit of the 1960’s is now world-famous.
The
Oyster finish and classic drumskin logo was as much a part
of the image as the moptops!
Ken’s kit is a beautiful 1964 example, with !960’s hardware
and cymbals.
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