John Lennon Tribute in Melville

Imagine playing the same white Steinway piano John Lennon did. With a little help from your friends at in Melville, you can.

Until Aug. 6, Beatles fans are invited to “Come Together” over three models of the white Steinway piano Lennon famously gave Yoko Ono on her 38th birthday. Inscribed on it, Lennon simply wrote, “For Yoko, Happy Birthday, love John.” The original Steinway piano is still inside the apartment they shared together in New York City, where Yoko still lives.

To commemorate what would be Lennon’s 70th birthday, Steinway & Sons built 100 exact replicas of the piano and four of them are on display now at the Melville store. Each of the pianos took one year to build and incorporates Lennon’s signature and inscriptions of his own original artwork.

“It’s a thrill to have the pianos here,” owner Barry Tognoli said. “It’s exciting to have a collection of something as special as John Lennon. To have them on Long Island is great.”

The music desk of each piano incorporates one of four different John Lennon original drawings. “Come Together,” the title of the opening track on the Beatles' historic album Abbey Road reflects John Lennon's desire to bring people together. “Grand Piano” is a drawing that captures the songwriting process — as musician and piano become one. “Freda People” exemplifies John Lennon's passion for using music for the benefit of mankind. “Self Portrait” is perhaps John Lennon's most famous drawing — despite the simplicity, it's unmistakably John.

The soundboard of every Imagine piano is graced by a full color decal, also based on a drawing from John Lennon.

Beatles fans and musicians are invited to come down and play the pianos all week. Participants will receive a special certificate from the Steinway company. Call ahead to make an appointment.

A portion of the proceeds from every Imagine piano sold by Steinway & Sons will be donated to The John Lennon Educational Tour Bus. However, you’ll have to cough up $126,000 to own one.