Rickresource Rickenbacker Forum

I was wondering if anyone knows what guitars George was using on Beatles For Sale? Right now I'm only interested in the 6 string sounds and not the 12 stringers. Specifically, which guitar was he using on "I don't want to spoil the party", and "Kansas City/Hey Hey Hey"? I love the sound of those two guitars and believe it was one of the Gretsches on both, but don't know for sure. If I had to guess I'd say it's the Tenny or the Country Gent, but was hoping someone who really knows could shed some light on it.

Thanks!

Greg

George used a Gretsch 6119 Tennessean on most of "Beatles for Sale" album together with Gibson J160e as far as I know.

The Tennesean would make the most sense, as it would have been George's newest Gretsch.

I also believe it was the Tenny primarily. His sound in songs like "Baby's In Black" and "Honey Don't" have that Tenny "snap" that comes from the HiLo Tron pups. I believe there are pictures showing George playing the Tenny on "Baby's In Black" with John kneeling in front of him manipulating the master volume know to get the volume swells. I've got a Tenny and a Gent, and while that doesn't make me an expert, I get closer to the sounds of "For Sale" songs with the Tenny.

Here's all the guitars that I believe George used on Beatles for Sale:

Gretsch Tennesean
Gretsch Country Gentleman
Gibson J-160E
Rickenbacker 360/12 OS