Ex-Beatle's guitar up for auction

George Harrison

Rock'n'roll fans with deep pockets can buy a Beatles guitar at what auction house Christie's says is its biggest auction of showbusiness memorabilia.

The Gibson SG electric guitar, played by George Harrison from 1966-1969, is the star attraction among more than 400 lots, ranging from a book report by Britney Spears to a handwritten letter from Kurt Cobain to Courtney Love.

The guitar, expected to fetch about US$500,000 ($711,946) was used in recording the Revolver album and singles Paperback Writer and Rain. John Lennon also played it on The Beatles, better known as the White Album.

Another big draw at the December 17 sale is a Keith Richards guitar from around 1964-1965, which he played when the Rolling Stones appeared on The Ed Sullivan Show.

Madonna fans can bid for the veil she wore in her Like a Virgin video.