The Beatles’ iconic recording console used to create their final studio album, ‘Abbey Road’, in 1969 is up for auction with a starting bid of £2 million. The EMI TG12345 console was custom-built in 1968 and was used by the band to perfect their revolutionary sound on the album. After The Beatles split in 1970, all four members used the console for their solo work, including John Lennon’s ‘Instant Karma’, Paul McCartney’s ‘McCartney’, George Harrison’s ‘All Things Must Pass’ and Ringo Starr’s ‘Sentimental Journey’. Dave Harries, who took part in Beatles recording sessions in the 1960s with the console, praised the unique sound quality of ‘Abbey Road’, calling it one of the best albums ever made.
The console, the first of only 17 made by EMI worldwide, was disassembled and unused for over 50 years until it was restored by former EMI engineer Brian Gibson and his team over the past five years. The restoration process involved using 70% of the original parts and reproducing replacement parts with the help of British companies. The console has been restored to its original form at EMI Studios, now Abbey Road Studios. Despite not being used since the 1970s, a group of musicians assembled by Reverb tested the console before listing it for auction. Harries emphasized the uniqueness of the console, stating that it cannot be replaced and holds up against modern consoles, possibly even surpassing them in quality due to the high standard it was originally built to by EMI.
Following the restoration, the console is now available for purchase on Reverb with a current price of just over £2 million. The auction offers a rare opportunity to own a piece of music history that played a significant role in shaping the sound of The Beatles and their solo work. The console’s rich history and unique sound quality make it a valuable and sought-after item for collectors and music enthusiasts alike. Don’t miss the chance to own a piece of legendary music equipment that continues to hold its own against modern technology.
