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An NDA and a Prayer to John Lennon's Ghost

How an L.A. guitar repairman fixed a Beatles relic

May 6, 2024

Ryan Schuermann, a skilled guitar repairman, was recently tasked with restoring a historically significant instrument – a 12-string Framus Hootenanny guitar once owned and played by John Lennon. The guitar was used in the Beatles' 1965 "Help!" album and film sessions. Discovered in an attic after decades, the guitar was in need of repair before it could be auctioned by Julien's Auction House.

Schuermann's most challenging task was a neck reset, a delicate procedure that involves removing the neck and reattaching it at a better angle. Despite initial nervousness, his experience and careful preparation led to a successful restoration. He was even able to play the guitar, confirming its sound was as it was during the Beatles' recording days.

The restored guitar is a highly anticipated item expected to fetch a significant price at auction, potentially breaking records. Beyond the monetary value, the guitar holds immense historical importance as a tangible artifact from the legendary Beatles era.

Read more about Scheurmann's restoration here.

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