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The Instruments

You can’t make musical history using just any old instruments! The Beatles found their favorite guitars, basses, and drums in London and Hamburg, and they became nearly as famous as the music itself. Find out what made John, Paul, George, and Ringo choose their trademark instruments.

Rickenbacker 325 Guitar

This vintage guitar became a collector’s item when John Lennon got his hands on it in Hamburg – and he customized it to make it even more unique.

Höfner Violin Bass

From the day Paul McCartney picked one up, this distinctively shaped instrument has been known as the “Beatle bass.”

Gretsch Duo Jet Guitar

George Harrison’s “first good guitar” gave him just the sound that he was looking for.

Ludwig Drums

It was the snappy oyster black pearl finish that caught Ringo Starr’s eye at the music store…and the world soon found out that they sounded pretty good too. Ringo’s loyalty to Ludwig made their drum kits world famous.
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