Bartell (guitars)
| Company type | Private |
|---|---|
| Industry | Musical instrument manufacturing |
| Founded | 1964 |
| Founder | Paul Barth, Ted Peckels |
| Defunct | 1969 |
| Headquarters | Riverside, California , United States |
| Products | Guitars, basses |
Bartell was a guitar and bass manufacturer located in Riverside, California, established by Paul Barth and Ted Peckels. Operating between 1964 and 1969, the firm crafted around 2,000 instruments and also produced models under the brands Hohner, St. George, and Lancer.
George Harrison
In August 1967, session musician and music store proprietor Al Casey gifted George Harrison the very first prototype of a Bartell fretless guitar. Harrison brought this unique instrument back to the United Kingdom, where it was utilized during The Beatles' White Album recording sessions at Abbey Road Studios. John Lennon also experimented with the guitar, although he found it difficult to master. In a 1968 interview, Harrison affectionately dubbed it "the mad guitar."
Scholars of music history propose that this Bartell fretless guitar featured on songs such as "Happiness Is a Warm Gun," "Helter Skelter," and potentially "Savoy Truffle." Following The Beatles' breakup in 1969, Harrison retained possession of the guitar until 1985, when it was given to session guitarist Ray Russell during the production of the film Water.
The instrument gained public attention in March 2020 when it appeared on BBC's Antiques Roadshow. Expert Jon Baddeley appraised it at between £300,000 and £400,000, describing it as one of the most valuable items ever showcased on the program. A photograph from that broadcast depicts Harrison holding the Bartell guitar prominently. Despite this high estimate, the guitar sold for £237,562 (including buyer’s premium) at a Bonhams auction held in October 2020.
Other owners
The St. George XK12, a twelve-string electric guitar produced by Bartell, was once owned by John Frusciante. Additionally, Bartell manufactured guitars for Jimi Hendrix.
John Paul Jones of Led Zeppelin played a Bartell fretless bass branded under Hohner during their 1972 tour in Australia, underscoring Bartell's prominence among leading musicians.