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Lot 173

The Beatles/Abbey Road Studios: A Ship's Bell from Abbey Road Studios used in the Beatles recording of 'Yellow Submarine'

28 June 2017, 12:00 BST
London, Knightsbridge

Sold for £8,750 inc. premium

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The Beatles/Abbey Road Studios: A Ship's Bell from Abbey Road Studios used in the Beatles recording of 'Yellow Submarine'

the cast brass bell complete with suspension loop and clapper, accompanied by a letter of provenance from Ken Townsend, former Abbey Road Chairman, 10in (25.5cm) diam; 9in (23cm) high

Footnotes

'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.

Additional information

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