The George Harrison played 1963 Mastersound electric guitar sold for $490,000  at Julien’s auction in New York City on May 15. Offered during a two-day rock memorabilia auction, the guitar was used by Harrison in the summer of 1963 when he had it on loan from Barratt’s Music Store, a business in England.

According to Beatles author Andy Babiuk, Harrison’s Country Gent was experiencing problems and it was brought to Barratt’s in Manchester to be repaired. The Mastersound was given to Neil Aspinall for Harrison to use while repairs were made. The Country Gent was returned the same day, but Harrison retained the Mastersound and played it in concert at Margate (July 8 to 13), in Liverpool (August 2), at a photocall at the Cavern (August 3) and when the Beatles played Guernsey, Channel Island (August 6-10). The Australian solid-body guitar has a flame maple natural finish top, dark sides, a sunburst back, mahogany neck with a bound rosewood fingerboard and dot inlays. It is fitted with a Bigsby vibrato and Bigsby bridge.

A complete review of this sale will appear later.