Legendary Guitar Owned by George Harrison and Eric Clapton Hits the Market for $1 Million
A piece of rock and roll history is up for grabs! A 1913 Gibson Style O acoustic guitar, once owned and played by both George Harrison of The Beatles and Eric Clapton of Cream, is being sold for a staggering $949,999.
This isn't just any vintage guitar; it's an instrument with deep ties to some of the most iconic music of the 20th century. Evidence suggests that Harrison used this very guitar while co-writing "Badge" with Clapton in 1968, which became a hit single for Cream.
But the guitar's significance doesn't stop there. As states by Reverb, Harrison later used the middle eight from "Badge" as inspiration for "Here Comes the Sun", a timeless classic from The Beatles' *Abbey Road* album. Imagine owning the instrument that birthed not one, but *two* legendary songs!
The Gibson Style O's history is as intriguing as its famous owners. The guitar can be seen in the documentary *Eric Clapton: Life In 12 Bars*, with Harrison known to have played it during the writing of Badge.
After its time with Harrison and Clapton, the guitar found its way to Delaney Bramlett, of the duo Delaney & Bonnie, who also had strong ties to both musicians. Bramlett’s estate is now offering this piece of history to collectors.
The guitar became affectionately known as "Pattie," a nod to Pattie Boyd, who was married to Harrison and later to Clapton, and served as the inspiration for both Harrison’s “Something” and Clapton’s “Layla”. This adds another layer of romantic and artistic intrigue to the instrument's story.
The 1913 Gibson Style O itself is a unique instrument. Although not widely popular at the time due to its thick top and large neck, its distinctive scroll and modified features make it instantly recognizable. Despite some period-correct repairs, including a neck reset and refret, its historical value remains immense.
For serious collectors, this is a rare opportunity to own a piece of music history that connects The Beatles, Cream, and the early solo careers of two of rock's most celebrated guitarists. "Pattie" represents a meeting point of musical genius and a pivotal moment in rock history.
Is this guitar worth the million-dollar price tag? Does the historical significance justify the cost, or is it simply an investment for the ultra-wealthy? Let us know your thoughts in the comments below!