This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 8/28/2022
This is the actual red Hamer Prototype electric guitar that George Harrison used when recording his guitar solo that appeared on the extended mix of "Got My Mind Set on You" which was released in Europe on a 12" vinyl EP. Harrison beautifully signed the back of the guitar in black sharpie pen. This is the only guitar known to date which was both used on a recording and also signed by him. Harrison played the guitar during the recording session at the Village Recorder in West Los Angeles on a Sunday in the fall of 1987, Harrison was with Jeff Lynne and engineer Bill Botrell wanting to record an extended mix of "Got My Mind Set on You" (GMMSOY), and he needed a guitar but the studio had none available. He ended up borrowing this red Hamer Prototype guitar with serial number 1-4192 that belonged to the studio's staff technician, Jeffrey Gilbert, who had worked for many famous rock and roll recording sessions. After Harrison was finished recording the guitar solo he signed the back of the guitar for Gilbert before giving it back to him. Harrison's cover of GMMSOY, which was originally recorded in 1962 by James Roy, was the No. 1 song on the Billboard Hot 100 Charts in January 1988, and was Harrison's last solo U.S. No. 1 hit. For Harrison, the song had a special meaning as the first time he heard it was when he was visiting his sister in the U.S. back in 1963 - at the beginning of the Beatles whirlwind that would encompass his life and help to make him one of the most well-known performers in rock and roll history.
This signature is an excellent, complete example of his autograph from 1987. While guitars signed by Harrison are incredibly rare and desirable, guitars which were actually played by him and furthermore used on one of his recordings represent a George Harrison collectible of the highest order. Very good condition. Comes with impeccable provenance: a letter from Beatles handwriting expert Frank Caiazzo attesting to the authenticity of the signature and the guitar, a letter of authenticity from Jeffrey Gilbert (the tech who lent Harrison the guitar and for whom Harrison signed it for), and a letter from engineer Bill Bottrell regarding the recording session and the story of the guitar. Bottrell also adds in his letter that it was at this session that the idea for forming the band that would eventually be the Travelling Wilburys took place, with Harrison saying "Yeah, I guess we're have a group or something", and handing Botrell a Traveling Wilburys guitar pick. Also comes with a Gotta Have Rock & Roll Certificate of Authenticity.