Rotosound Strings Found in George Harrison's Guitar Case – A Beatles Legacy

George Harrison, a Hofner President, and a Pack of Rotosound Strings

In 2019, a remarkable piece of music history surfaced at Sotheby's Auction House — a vintage Hofner President guitar once belonging to George Harrison of The Beatles, complete with a pack of Rotosound strings tucked inside the case. The story behind the guitar is as extraordinary as the instrument itself.

The guitar's owner shared this incredible account:

"…George gave me this Hofner President… in the summer of 1969, before the release of 'Here Comes the Sun'. I'd gone to George to ask him to show me the chord I was missing from the song 'Here Comes the Sun' which I was trying to teach myself to play. George told me to go and get a guitar from his guitar room, which I did. He described this guitar as 'Blondie' and remarked that a Hofner President was his first good guitar. George showed me the chord then took the guitar from me, and told me, whilst smiling, 'Play it up here at the seventh fret'. He then handed the guitar back to me telling me it was mine. He said it needed some work doing on it and gave me a set of Rotosound strings for it that he thought would be better for me than the ones on the guitar."

Why Rotosound? The UK's Most Iconic String Brand

It's no coincidence that George Harrison reached for Rotosound strings. By the late 1960s, Rotosound had already established itself as the go-to choice for serious musicians across the UK and beyond. Founded in 1958 and manufactured entirely in Britain, Rotosound pioneered the roundwound bass string — a revolution in tone that changed popular music forever.

Half a century on, Rotosound continues to innovate and manufacture high-quality instrument strings right here in the UK. Their roster of endorsed artists spans rock, jazz, folk, and classical genres, and the long line of famous names associated with this highly respected British brand continues to grow.

Shop Rotosound Strings at Music Bits

Whether you're restringing a vintage archtop or a modern electric, we stock the full Rotosound range. Here are some of our most popular options:

• Rotosound Pure Nickel Electric Guitar Strings 9-42 PN9 – warm, vintage tone ideal for blues and classic rock
• Rotosound Stainless Steel Electric Guitar Strings 9-42 BS9 – bright, cutting tone with long life
• Rotosound Yellows Electric Guitar Strings 10-46 (3 Pack) – great value multipack for regular players
• Rotosound Acoustic Guitar Strings 11-52 Phosphor Bronze JK11 – rich, balanced tone for acoustic players
• Rotosound Tru Bronze Acoustic Guitar Strings 11-52 TB11 – 80/20 bronze for a bright, open sound
• Rotosound Classical Guitar Strings Medium Tension CL2 – smooth nylon strings for classical and fingerstyle

Browse our full range of electric guitar strings, acoustic guitar strings, and classical guitar strings — all available with fast UK delivery.

Inspired by the Beatles? Explore Hofner Guitars

If this story has sparked your inner Beatle, you might also want to explore our range of Hofner guitars. We stock exclusive UK models including the Hofner Verythin in Pearl Blue Gloss and the Hofner Verythin Semi-Electric in Pearl Gold — both stunning instruments with that classic British character.

A Legacy Built on Quality British Strings

From George Harrison's guitar room in 1969 to your hands today, Rotosound's commitment to quality British string manufacturing has never wavered. When you choose Rotosound, you're choosing the same brand trusted by some of the greatest guitarists in history.

Ready to restring? Shop all Rotosound strings at Music Bits and find the perfect set for your playing style.