George Harrison's 1963 Maton Mastersound electric guitar is estimated at $600,000-800,000 ahead of a May 16 sale at Julien's Auctions.

Harrison used it for a short period in 1963 while his regular guitar was being repaired.

George Harrison used the Mastersound while his guitar was being repaired

The auction house explains: "Harrison's Country Gent [guitar] was experiencing problems and was brought to Barratt's in Manchester to be repaired.

"The Maton was given to Neil Aspinall [the Beatles' road manager] for Harrison to use while repairs were made. The Country Gent was returned the same day, but Harrison retained the Maton and played it in concert at Margate (July 8 to 13), in Liverpool (August 2), at a photocall at the Cavern (August 3) and when the Beatles played Guernsey, Channel Island (August 6-10)."

A Gibson SG Les Paul standard electric guitar formerly belonging to Eric Clapton is likely to prove another highlight, with a $30,000-40,000 valuation.

He bought it in an attempt to replicate the heavy psychedelic rhythm and blues he'd played with Cream, but found he had grown used to the Fender tremolo arm and was not prepared to switch.

A guitar from KISS guitarist Vinnie Vincent will also feature, with an estimate of $10,000-20,000.

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