Bartell (guitars)
Bartell was a Riverside, California-based maker of guitars and basses, founded by Paul Barth and Ted Peckels. The company was active from 1964 to 1969. According to Peckels, approximately 2,000 instruments were made during this period. The company also made instruments for Hohner, St. George, and Lancer.
In March 2020, a prototype fretless electric guitar made by Bartell was shown on the BBC Television programme Antiques Roadshow. It was given to its current owner, session musician Ray Russell, by George Harrison, having originally been given by Barth to John Lennon. Its value as estimated at £300,000 to £400,000 by Jon Baddeley. The programme included a picture of Harrison with his guitars, in which the Bartell is clearly visible.
Another Bartell guitar, a twelve-string electric, 'St. George XK12', was owned by John Frusciante. The company also made guitars for Jimi Hendrix.
