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Fender Stratocaster (1961 model)

Both Lennon and Harrison acquired Fender Stratocasters in 1965, and used them extensively throughout the recording of Rubber Soul.

The quitar solo on Nowhere Man, for instance, was played by John and George play in unison on Fender Stratocasters. It is also possible that the Beatles used Fenders on the recording of the Help! album, however there is no hard evidence to support this theory. Lennon and Harrison nevertheless used the Fender Startocasters during the Sgt. Pepper sessions.

Converted to US curreny, a new Strat in 1965 would have cost around $500 or about $3,400 in today's money.

In 1967, when the Beatles performed All You Need Is Love on a worldwide broadcast, George Harrison played his Stratocaster which by then had been painted in psychedelic colours. The Harrison Estate still owns this guitar today.

A similar Fender Stratocaster to the ones used by the Beatles is available from Musician's Friend. Musician's Friend offers a 45-day full refund guarantee.

Fender Custom Shop Time Machine Series '60 Stratocaster Closet Classic Electric Guitar Olympic White This detailed Custom Shop reproduction of a 1960 Strat was built utilizing original tooling and production techniques of the era. Order now from Musician's Friend.

Fender Esquire

Paul McCartney used this guitar briefly during the Sgt. Pepper sessions. He switched between the Fender Equire and his Epiphone Casino when recording the solos for Good Morning Good Morning and Being For The Benefit Of Mr Kite.

A similar Fender Esquire to the one used by McCartney is available from Musician's Friend. Musician's Friend offers a 45-day full refund guarantee.

Fender '50s Esquire Electric Guitar 2-Tone Sunburst Maple Fretboard The Fender '50s Esquire Electric Guitar is the electric guitar that started it all. Order now from Musician's Friend.

Further reading: "Beatles Gear" by Andy Babiuk