Spike's guitar goes under the hammer

A guitar that George Harrison gave to Spike Milligan is expected to raise up to £25,000 at auction next week.

George, who was good friends with Spike was at Spike's house one day and
noticied that he was having trouble playing his guitars because the action
was too high. George then had apparently two custom guitars made for Spike
with low action, to make it easier for Spike to play.

A letter of authentication from Jamie Crompton of Fender Musical Instruments Europe says: "This guitar was delivered from Fender Europe to legendary Beatles guitarist George Harrison, he personalised the instrument and had it set up to his specification.

"Harrison gave the guitar to the genius comedian, poet, author and musician Spike Milligan who passed the instrument on to session guitarist Troy Tempest."

The guitar, right, is being auctioned by Cooper Owen at the Hard Rock Café, London, on November 20.

You can also leave a bid online here.

Published: 12 Nov 2003