AJ Thompson from Saltdean opted for £100 in 1964, missing out on a guitar now expected to sell for over $750,000.

In a nostalgic tale that has sparked both regret and intrigue, AJ Thompson, a devoted Beatles fan from Saltdean, made a decision decades ago that would come to haunt him. Back in 1964, he won a magazine competition that offered him the choice between a coveted guitar owned by George Harrison or a modest £100 in cash. In an unexpected twist of fate, Thompson chose the cash, which would be equivalent to around £2,500 today. Fast forward to now, the very guitar he passed up is set to be auctioned off for a staggering price, potentially reaching between $600,000 and $800,000.

Martin Nolan, the executive director of Julien’s Auctions, provided insight into the guitar’s remarkable history. Initially acquired by Harrison when he was just a 16-year-old apprentice electrician, the Futurama electric guitar was purchased in 1959 and paid for through a hire purchase agreement, signed by his mother. At the time, the instrument cost £74, a significant sum for a young musician, but its true value has dramatically increased over the years.

Nolan revealed that Harrison played the guitar in over 324 performances at the famous Cavern Club in Liverpool and during multiple shows in Hamburg between 1960 and 1961. This level of history and association with the Beatles undoubtedly enhances its value, making it a highly sought-after piece of musical memorabilia.

In a recent unveiling event at The Beatles Story museum in Liverpool, where the guitar is on display until 17 October, Nolan remarked, “We know he played this guitar in over 324 shows at the Cavern and numerous times in Hamburg in Germany in 1960 and 1961.” He also stated that the guitar was originally priced at 55 guineas, around £58, before the hire purchase agreement added to the cost.

Reflecting on Thompson’s decision, Nolan added, “He probably took about £100 at most, because that would be the intrinsic value of the guitar at the time. He probably took his friends and family out for a nice evening and a good dinner and some drinks and then went on with his life. If only… Would’ve, could’ve, should’ve!”

As the upcoming auction approaches, there’s a palpable buzz surrounding the guitar’s potential final price. Given the recent sale of John Lennon’s Hootenanny acoustic guitar for an astonishing $3 million (£2.3 million), auction experts are optimistic that this Futurama electric guitar may also exceed initial expectations. Nolan conservatively estimates its value but hints that it could fetch more than a million dollars when the hammer falls.

In an age where memorabilia connected to legendary musicians fetches eye-watering prices, the story of Thompson’s choice resonates with many. The bittersweet irony of opting for cash instead of a piece of rock history has prompted discussions among fans and collectors alike. Many wonder what the now-75-year-old Thompson would say if he knew the current market value of the guitar he once passed on.

As the auction nears, excitement mounts among collectors and Beatles enthusiasts. The guitar will go under the hammer at Julien’s Auctions in Nashville, Tennessee, as part of their Played, Worn & Torn sale. For fans of the Fab Four, the guitar represents not just an instrument, but a tangible link to a bygone era of rock ‘n’ roll history.

Thompson’s story serves as a reminder of how choices can shape our lives in ways we often don’t anticipate. While £100 might have seemed like a wise decision at the time, the potential worth of Harrison’s guitar is a poignant testament to the value of rock history. As the auction draws closer, one can only speculate about the drama and excitement that will unfold as bidders vie for a piece of The Beatles’ legacy.