A Guyatone LG50 solid body blonde maplewood electric guitar with twin pickups and 3 stage mixer control, formerly owned by Rory Storm and the Hurricanes guitarist Johnny ‘Guitar’ Byrne, housed in its original leather case with red felt lined interior. The Guyatone LG50 was Johnny's go-to guitar, his favourite instrument which he used through his career. The guitar was played extensively from the 1960s onwards by Johnny and appears in numerous photographs of him on stage at Butlins, the Cavern Club, the Tower Ballroom, the Star Club in Hamburg and at various other venues frequented by The Hurricanes. It was originally purchased from Frank Hessy’s Music Store, 66-68 Whitechapel, Liverpool in September 1958. Accompanying the guitar is a payment book from Hessy’s containing 41 signed receipts for payments made towards its purchase. Also included is a four-sided Guyatone promotional leaflet containing details of three Guyatone solid body guitars.

The guitar is accompanied by sixteen photographs, printed recently, including one of Ringo Starr playing it during a performance at the Jive Hive, St Lukes Hall, Crosby in October 1961.

The guitar measures approximately 99cm (39 inches) in length. There are numerous signs of usage to the front and reverse of the body, neck and head stock including several small chips. The metal parts including the pickups, bridge and frets all show age related discoloration. The condition is very good minus.

The case is showing obvious signs of age related wear and tear including scuffing, two broken hinges and tears to the red felt. Two of the three fastening buckles are broken. The condition is good.

Provenance: from the collection of Margaret Byrne, Johnny's widow. The guitar is accompanied by a letter of provenance from Margaret which reads:

"This is to certify that the Guyatone LG50 electric guitar illustrated below, was formerly owned and used by my husband, Johnny ‘Guitar’ Byrne. John originally purchased the guitar from Frank Hessy’s in Whitechapel, Liverpool. The guitar is accompanied by the original payment book and comes in its original case.

John used the guitar throughout his career with Rory Storm and The Hurricanes. Numerous photos exist of John playing the guitar including one of his band mate Ringo Starr holding the instrument."

John Byrne was born in Liverpool on the 4th December 1939 to Michael Byrne, a seaman, and Elsie Ford. John attended St Oswald’s School in the Old Swan suburb of Liverpool. He met his future band member Alan Ernest Caldwell (later to be known as Rory Storm) on the top deck of a bus in Liverpool in 1956. A firm friendship developed between the two teenagers who lived only a stone’s throw away from each other in Broad Green. Alan’s interest in the guitar was furthered by John who showed him how to play simple chords on the instrument. Seeing Lonnie Donegan in concert galvanized the pair into forming a band. It was initially called Alan Caldwell’s Skiffle Group but after several changes of names they became known as Rory Storm And The Hurricanes. John assumed the name of Johnny Guitar. Rory Storm and The Hurricanes began to pick up gigs throughout Liverpool, playing the Cavern and other local venues. By 1960 they had transitioned from an amateur skiffle group to a fully fledged rock ‘n’ roll band. Rory Storm And The Hurricanes also had a high profile drummer going by the name of Ringo Starr. Constant gigging between 1957 and 1960 turned them in to the number one band in Liverpool. Testament to their growing fame was the fact that Rory Storm And The Hurricanes were invited to appear on the same bill as Gene Vincent at Liverpool Stadium on May 3rd 1960. Following a summer season at Butlins Pwllheli they shared top billing at the Kaiserkeller in October 1960. More trips to Hamburg ensued alongside summer seasons at Butlins together with regular gigging on Merseyside but national recognition and a hit record eluded the group. Following the sudden death of band member Ty O’Brian on 2nd March 1967 Rory and Johnny decided to call it a day.

Also comes with a Tracks Ltd. certificate of authenticity.