TracksAuction.com are set to auction John Lennon’s Gretsch 6120 guitar which Lennon gave to his cousin David Birch in 1967.
The Gretsch 6120 is a historically important instrument from the former Beatle’s personal collection, used and photographed during the April 1966 “Paperback Writer” session held at EMI Studio 3 at London’s Abbey Road.
Birch was given the guitar when he visited Lennon in Weybridge in November 1967. Interested in starting up a band, Birch asked his famous cousin if he had any spare guitars.
“I was just cheeky enough to ask John for one of his spare guitars,” recalled Birch.
Lennon then gifted Birch with a Gretsch 6120, serial number 53940, that he’s owned ever since.
Beatles historian and author Mark Lewisohn and Birch discuss the instrument in the video clip below.
Online bidding begins on Nov. 14 at www.TracksAuction.com, concluding with a live auction at Le Meridien Hotel in London on Nov. 23.