It is quite possibly the amp find of the century. An AC15 Twin believed to be John Lennon’s first has been located and recovered for the first time in over 60 years, after an eagle-eyed Beatles fan and guitarist discovered it – disguised under a coat of black paint – in an online auction. Lennon’s 1962 AC15 Twin, carrying the serial number ‘4583’, was purchased by the songwriter from Liverpool store Hessy’s Music in July 1962 for £123 and saw use in the Beatles’ shows at the Cavern Club and on early EMI sessions, including .
It also features in some of the only footage of the Beatles performing at the Cavern Club. The amp still requires expert verification but is off to a very promising start – with a matching serial number, correctly dated internal components, photographic evidence and the fact that only 30 or so AC15 Twins were produced in the era, all running in its favor. was invited for an exclusive look at the rediscovered amp, which was temporarily back in situ at the Cavern for a photoshoot – likely its first visit to Liverpool’s Matthew Street since Lennon parted ways with the in early 1963.
The owner has asked to remain anonymous, but is represented by Nathan Hodgson (who brought to light last year). “The owner is recently retired and has been collecting for quite some time," explained Hodgson. “He keeps it all low-key but he’s got quite a collection behind him.
He spotted the amp a while back [in December 2023], on Gardiner Houlgate, an.