Gibson guitars are honoring John Lennon by releasing a acoustic guitar with his name on it. They decided to help celebrate what would of been the ex-Beatle’s 70th birthday this past Thursday the 7th of October. The guitar is called 70th Anniversary John Lennon J-160E.
John Lennon 70th Anniversary Gibson acoustic guitar J160E. Courtesy of Gibson Guitars
Robi Johns, Gibson’s Acoustic director of sales and marketing, told AP that they were approached by Yoko Ono who inquired about a limited release of a number of the guitar that her husband had once played. They will range from $4,700 up to 15,000 (US).
Lennon’s famous “John and Yoko” caricature sketches, representing the appearance of the guitar during the famous Lennon-Ono “Bed-In” peace protests of 1969. Gibson
This guitar, the Gibson J-160E, was the first quality American acoustic guitar that both John Lennon and George Harrison bought with the help of their manager in 1962 (Brian Epstein) as a a co-signed purchaser.
Keep on Jammin’
I had mixed feelings about this at first reading: you know, is this really a way to honour the great man’s memory or just a cynical way of cashing in? But the more I think about it the more I realize that, yeah, why not? At the end of the day it would be hard to think of a more fitting memorial, perhaps. I won’t be able to buy one, though! 😉
I won’t be able to get my hands on one of these babies unless I see one in my local guitar/music stores, that are plentiful in my area Austin!
I am surprised that it has taken this long for someone to come out with a John Lennon guitar. So many other greats that aren’t as great as John Lennon have had their tribute guitars.
OTOH I wouldn’t be surprised if there were royalty / legal issues involved.
Me too Electric Guitar Builder, me too!