Here’s a really cool article written by a great friend of mine.  BOB MYTKOWICZ is a fine musician with whom I have had the pleasure of playing in a few different bands.  He’s an accomplished guitarist, vocalist, bassist, keyboard player and drummer.  He’s also valued by many as a Beatles Authority.  I believe his trips to Liverpool and London happen at least twice yearly these days.  Here’s an article that Bob did for Guitar Player Magazine and he has also given permission for me to reprint it here for those who want to be in the know about these guitars that played such a huge part in the history of the instrument.  Many thanks, Bob!  – Jack

FAB GEAR – THE INSTRUMENTS OF THE BEATLES by Bob Mytkowicz

I can still see Ed Sullivan standing there saying, “Ladies and gentlemen, the Beatles!”  That’s how seventy three million other people and I were introduced to the Beatles.  Although I was quite young, the Beatles left an indelible impression on me.  John Lennon stood on the right.  In his straddle stance, he bounced slightly to the rhythm and strummed a small black guitar.  George Harrison in the center, almost hidden behind a large double cutaway guitar, concentrated on his playing.  Paul McCartney on the left, the most animated, played a violin-shaped guitar.  The drummer, Ringo Starr, perched on a riser behind, broke into an occasional grin.

 

It is safe to assume that most people see this picture when they envision the Beatles.  Press and photo coverage escalated when world fame struck the Beatles in 1964, and most photos show them playing the same instruments.  The Fab Four did use this same gear for most of their touring years, but they possessed and used much more.  As the Beatles’ studio experience grew, they often tried one of their ever-growing collection of instruments.  Of course they also used other equipment on stage as well. Continue reading FAB GEAR – THE INSTRUMENTS OF THE BEATLES by Bob Mytkowicz