More about: The Beatles

A custom made Beatles guitar played by both John Lennon and George Harrison is going up for auction in May.

The custom-built VOX guitar is going under the hammer at Julien's Auctions, and is expected to sell for between $200,000 and $300,000. It was played by both Lennon and Harrison in 1967 - Lennon used it during a video taping for 'Hello, Goodbye', while Harrison used it to practice 'I Am the Walrus'.

The guitar is part of the upcoming Music Icons auction, which will take place in New York on 18 March. According to Julien's Auctions, it was given to Apple Records engineer Yanni 'Magic Alex' Mardas in 1967.

Martin Nolan, the executive director of Julien's, referred to the guitar as "one of the most historical pieces of music memorabilia" ever offered by the house.

As well as the guitar, the auction will include other pieces of Beatles memorabilia, including a signed copy of their 1963 debut Please Please Me and a signed copy of Lennon's 1964 illustrated story book In His Own Write.

The custom guitar is from the Beatles' 1967 Magical Mystery era

Both are signed by the entire band - the former is estimated at between $30,000 and $50,000 and the latter is thought to be worth up to $30,000.

The auction will also include memorabilia and items from Elvis Presley, Michael Jackson, the Grateful Dead, David Bowie and David Cassidy.

Photos: unseen Beatles Magical Mystery Tour shots

More about: The Beatles