The recording console used to produce Pink Floyd’s seminal Dark Side of the Moon is selling at Bonhams New York.
The 1971 EMI TG12345 MK IV console is expected to achieve a six figure sum in the Rock and Roll through the Lens sale, hosted in collaboration with TCM on March 27.
The TG12345 was designed by sound engineers at Abbey Road Studios and constructed by EMI.
The console was designed by engineers at Abbey Road
No expense was spared on the build.
It’s since been described as the best sounding console in the world.
The lot was one of two main consoles in the famous Abbey Road Studios in London.
While other artists ranging from Kate Bush, the Cure and former members of the Beatles have used it over the years, Dark Side of the Moon is the perfect illustration of the desk’s capabilities.
The album introduced a plethora of innovative production techniques, with the desk essentially acting as another instrument.
Bonhams comments: “In 1983 the TG MK IV console was deemed out-dated and an upgrade was necessary to meet current recording requirements.
“The vendor of this lot, Producer Mike Hedges, was working at Abbey Road at the time and purchased the console directly from the studios.”
Jimi Hendrix’s recorder (yes, recorder) is offered with an estimate of $150,000-200,000.
Hendrix played it on “If 6 was 9” on Axis: Bold as Love (1967).
After he died, his manager gave it to art director Melinda Merryweather, who appeared alongside Hendrix in cult hippy movie Rainbow Bridge (1971).
We have a very special piece of Hendrix memorabilia connected to Rainbow Bridge. Click here to discover.
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