Broken but priceless, these headphones have seen music history up close.
John Lennon‘s headphones are set to hit the auction block at Hansons Richmond in London on April 27. These are a pair of broken AKG K60 headphones, believed to be used during the recording of The Beatles’ final album, “Let It Be,” in 1969.
The headphones were originally given to the band’s former office boy, Murray Macauley, who worked at the Apple recording studios on Savile Row in the 1970s. These are expected to sell for around £3,000 (around US$3700).
The AKG K60 Headphones and Their Importance
John Lennon wearing the AKG K60 headphones.Launched by AKG in 1969, the Austrian-made AKG K60 headphones were greatly admired by John Lennon. This was evident by the many photos of him using this model.
These headphones were considered top-of-the-line at that time.
The AKG K60 headphones had a frequency response of 20-20,000 Hz, a sensitivity of -62 dB, and an impedance of 150 ohms.
They are known for their ability to reproduce music at concert hall level with deep, rich bass, a balanced mid-range, and clear high tones without distortion. And, they offered a full-fidelity listening experience and complete comfort over extended periods.
The exact pair up for auction are believed to have been used by Lennon during the “Let It Be” recording sessions at Apple studios from January 22-29, 1969, just before the band’s infamous rooftop concert.
Murray Macauley’s Story
Murray Macauley, now 71, began his career as an office boy at Apple Records in November 1970 when he was just 18.
During his tenure at Apple, he collaborated with various musicians, including Bobby Irwin (Van Morrison’s session drummer), Joe Partridge (from the Kiki Dee band), and Elton John’s nephew, Paul.
Macauley’s responsibilities varied. He did simple errands like shopping for Ringo Starr at Harrods, purchasing George Harrison’s guitar strings and jeans, and buying Pattie Harrison’s tights from Miss Selfridge. But, he also had more exciting moments, like delivering cigarettes and whiskey to Ringo Starr’s office.
“My first Apple Christmas party in December 1970 was amazing. I was placed on a table for three with George Harrison.” he shares.
“I asked him if the Beatles would ever get back together and he said ‘no way’. He was happy doing his own stuff. Such a nice guy.”
Macauley also met John Lennon while delivering legal papers to him. During this visit, he saw Lennon’s impressive collection of guitars and a white grand piano in the studio where Lennon had just finished recording.
“I was totally blown away. His collection of guitars looked so impressive on the studio walls.” Macauley recalls.
The AKG K60 headphones were given to him by the studio’s record engineer and tape operator.
But other than that, Macauley also collected other Beatles memorabilia during his time at Apple.
For instance, while cleaning out Apple Electronics, he discovered a copy of Mal Evans‘ handwritten ‘She Came In Through The Bathroom Window‘ lyrics from the Beatles’ Abbey Road recording sessions. He also got a Bob Dylan Highway 61 songbook with notes written by Paul McCartney in red ink.
Another significant find is a legal document he retrieved from a trash bin. This relates to Paul McCartney suing Apple Corps Ltd in 1970 because he felt his financial interests were not being looked after, shedding light on the band’s breakup in 1974.
Macauley’s decision to sell these items after 50 years presents a rare chance for Beatles collectors and fans to own a piece of the band’s history.
Other Beatles Memorabilia Up for Auction
The AKG K60 headphones are not the only piece of Beatles history going up for auction this year.
In May, John Lennon’s Framus 12-string Hootenanny acoustic guitar, used in “Help!” and “You’ve Got to Hide Your Love Away,” will be auctioned off in New York City.
The guitar was lost for over 50 years before being discovered in an attic. So, it’s expected to break records for the highest-selling Beatles guitar, with a predicted price of more than $800,000.
Interestingly, when Julien’s Auctions executives found the guitar, they also found its original Australian Maton case in the garbage and saved it.
“Finding this remarkable instrument is like finding a lost Rembrandt or Picasso. And it still looks and plays like a dream after having been preserved in an attic for more than 50 years.” said the Director of Julien’s Auctions.
“To awaken this sleeping beauty is a sacred honor and is a great moment for Music, Julien’s, Beatles and Auction history.”