“An unspecified buyer dipped into their pocket for $2,857,500 – so fara record for any guitar previously owned by a Beatle”: The story of the Framus Hootenanny, the resurrected John Lennon favorite that was a key component of Beatles tone

John Lennon Framus Hootenanny 12-string.

The release of the Beatles’ album Help! in August 1965 marked a significant shift in the group’s sound. Their fifth LP release, it would also be their second film soundtrack, following A Hard Day’s Night from July 1964.

The band had met folk singer-songwriter Bob Dylan while in America that same year, and been bowled over by the compositions on his second album, The Freewheelin’ Bob Dylan. In conversation (and after Dylan had introduced them to marijuana), the singer advised John and Paul to “stop writing for the meat market” and come up with more thought-provoking lyrics.