Beatles’ Historic Abbey Road Console to Hit the Auction Block

The EMI TG12345 Mk I recording console used by The Beatles at Abbey Road Studios to Record their groundbreaking album *‘Abbey Road’* © Bonhams

In a historic auction set to take place at Bonhams Knightsbridge in London on Thursday, December 14, the iconic EMI TG12345 Mk I console used by The Beatles to record their legendary album, Abbey Road, will be offered for the first time. The console, the first solid-state transistorized desk built by EMI, played a pivotal role in shaping the distinctive sound of Abbey Road, which has since become one of the most groundbreaking albums of all time.

Abbey Road, named after the world-famous London road where the recording studios are located, marked a departure from The Beatles’ previous albums, allowing them to realize their creative ambitions. With over 19 million copies sold since its release, the album is considered a masterpiece of the Twentieth Century, and its name and iconic cover have become synonymous with the studios where it was recorded.

Claire Tole-Moir, Head of Bonhams Popular Culture department, emphasized the console’s significance in Beatles and music history. She expressed Bonhams’ honor in bringing this piece of Beatles history to auction, noting the console’s role in the recording of Abbey Road and its continued use by each of the Fab Four on their solo projects.

The EMI TG12345 prototype, known as the Mk I, introduced technological innovations that were previously impossible. Installed in Abbey Road’s Studio 2 in 1968, the console played a crucial role in recording not only Abbey Road but also solo projects such as John Lennon’s Plastic Ono Band, George Harrison’s All Things Must Pass, tracks from Paul McCartney’s self-titled album, and Ringo’s Sentimental Journey.

The EMI TG12345 MI Recording Console used by the Beatles in Studio 2 at EMI’s Abbey Road Studios to record, ‘Abbey Road’ album 1968-1971. Credit: Brian Gibson

After being retired in 1971 due to the introduction of the latest TG MK II console, the desk was dismantled, with parts donated to a school in North London. The current owner meticulously reunited the surviving original parts, undertaking a comprehensive restoration over four years. The console is now back in working order, comprising the majority of original parts from the historic Abbey Road recording sessions.

In addition to the console, the auction will feature a curated selection of artifacts related to The Beatles and Abbey Road, including a Psychedelic Abbey Road Logo Illuminated Sign and two prints of The Beatles on Abbey Road by Iain Macmillan. The sale will also include an EMT 140 Echo Plate Reverb Unit owned by John Lennon and used for the recording of Imagine, circa 1970, with an estimated value of £15,000-20,000.

Iain Macmillan (British, 1938-2006) One of Two prints of The Beatles on Abbey Road, 1969. Estimate: £18,000 – 20,000

Bonhams, founded in 1793, is one of the world’s largest and most renowned auctioneers, offering fine art and collectables, collectors’ cars and a luxury division, which includes jewellery, designer fashion, watches, wine, and whisky. In 2021 and 2022, Bonhams made a number of important acquisitions which form the wider Bonhams network. These include: Bukowskis, Bruun Rasmussen, Bonhams Skinner and Bonhams Cornette de Saint Cyr.

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