
Claire Tole-Moir
Head of Department
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Head of Department
'Yellow Submarine' was recorded in Studio Two at Abbey Road after five takes on the 26th May 1966, overseen by engineer Geoff Emerick (George Martin being absent due to illness). The special effects were added a week later with George Martin using his experience as a producer of comic recordings to provide unusual sound effects on a nautical theme. The studio store cupboard supplied the necessary props including a ship's bell, whistles and hooter together with an old fashioned cash register that was also used later on the Pink Floyd recording 'Money'.
The letter from Ken Townsend confirms the bell was used on 'Yellow Submarine' and that in 1983 it was given to the vendor following a refurbishment of Studio 2. The 'Special Effects Cupboard' became redundant, as the space was needed for further power amplifiers.