The Vanished Epiphone Casino of John Lennon: A Journey Through Time
Over the years, the history of John Lennon's guitars has been a source of fascination for many Beatles enthusiasts and music lovers. Among them is the 1965 Epiphone Casino that Lennon was known to play during the Revolution period. This guitar, originally a warm sunburst color, underwent a transformation during its time with Lennon and has since become a subject of interest at the John Lennon Museum in Tokyo. This article dives into the history and current whereabouts of Lennon's Epiphone Casino.
The Origin of the Guitars and John's Struggles
One of the earliest and interesting stories behind one of Lennon's guitars dates back to his aunt Mimi. She once told him that he was destined for failure with the guitar. On one fateful day, she took it to a secondhand shop. However, once John informed his mother, she intervened and bought the guitar back for him. This event is a reflection of the various challenges Lennon faced in his musical journey.
The Transformation of the Epiphone Casino
The color of the guitar underwent a significant transformation from its original sunburst finish to a natural wood appearance. This was done in late 1967, following the prevailing belief at the time that natural wood sounded better than stained finishes. The color change resulted in a guitar that appeared cream-colored during its use at the famous rooftop concert in 1969.
According to sources, the guitar remained with John throughout his life and is currently in Yoko Ono's possession. After Lennon's passing, the guitar was displayed at the John Lennon Museum in Tokyo until the museum closed in 2010. Today, it is still on display at various events and can be seen at the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2017, although the current location remains unresolved.
The Epiphone Casino in the Beatles and Beyond: John's Guitars Website
A detailed account of John's guitars, including his 1965 Epiphone E230TD Casino, can be found on the website The Beatles and Beyond - John’s Guitars. This website provides a thorough discussion of the original sunburst finish of the guitar and its subsequent color change, adding a more personal touch to the story through colorful descriptions and images.
Current Location and Exhibits
While the exact current location of the guitar is still a mystery, it has been featured in several exhibitions both in Japan and the United States. In Tokyo, the guitar can be displayed at the John Lennon Museum. Outside of Tokyo, the guitar has been a highlight at the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, presented alongside other iconic artifacts of the rock era.
For Beatles fans and music historians, the journey of John Lennon's Epiphone Casino guitar is a fascinating piece of history. From the challenges Lennon faced during its early days to the various displays it has been a part of over the years, this guitar has indeed seen a rich and noteworthy journey. For more detailed information, interested parties can visit The Beatles and Beyond - John’s Guitars online.