EMI TG 12345 ‘Abbey Road’ Console

This is a one-of-a-kind EMI TG 12345 console, refurbished by MJQ Ltd. and used in legendary sessions for artists like The Beatles, Cliff Richard, and George Harrison. It is the first and only prototype console out of 17 TG models, with unique features such as 24 mic inputs, compressors on every channel, and 8 outputs. Initially built in 1967, this console was integral to Abbey Road Studio's iconic sound. It has undergone extensive restoration, with many original parts and letters of provenance included, ensuring its authenticity and excellent working conditions even after 54 years.

This item is being sold by way of closed bidding. The price is variable according to the highest bid. The highest bid will win the sale at the seller's discretion, and buyer is subject to screening to ensure the sale is made in accordance with applicable laws. If you are interested in making a bid on the console, send your offer using the “Make an offer” button. Shipping costs to be negotiated with the seller.

Ongoing support: MJQ Ltd. will offer the buyer all the necessary support in terms of maintenance, repair, and expertise when required. MJQ Ltd. will charge these services directly to the buyer.

Refurbished by: MJQ Ltd.
Model: The Prototype (Mk.I)
Out of the 17 TG consoles made by EMI, most were Mk.II and Mk.III. Two were Mk.IV. This is the only Mk.I.

Key features

• 24 Mic Inputs
• 12x Dual Microphone Cassettes
• 4x Echo & 2 Cue Sends
• Limiter/Compressors on every channel (world's first)
• 4 Dual Main Mix
• 8 Outputs
• 2-Band EQs
• 4 Track Routing
• 4 Echo Sends
• 2 Cue Sends
• Remote Patchbay (disconnected)
• Power Supply & associated cabling (220VAC)

Condition
According to a technical report from November 2023 by Peter Higgs (Mode Engineering):

• The console is in good working condition, commensurate with its age of approximately 54 years.
• EMI Research built these consoles with the highest quality military-standard components, which is evident in their durability and performance.
• Similar to the TG console used for “Dark Side of the Moon,” this Mk.I console likely contributed significantly to the distinctive sounds of the iconic album Abbey Road.

Discography
The console was used in recording sessions for several iconic artists and albums, including:

• Cliff Richard and The Shadows
• The Hollies
• Mary Hopkin
• Doris Troy
• Billy Preston - That’s The Way God Planned It (produced by George Harrison, May 1969)
• The Beatles - Abbey Road sessions (July-August 1969)
• John Lennon - Plastic Ono Band
• Ringo Starr - Sentimental Journey
• Paul McCartney - McCartney
• George Harrison - All Things Must Pass

Timeline

• 1967: EMI Abbey Road engineers provide the EMI Central Research Team with specifications for a new mixing desk to replace the REDD consoles.
• Mid-1968: The prototype console is taken to Paris for trials, where it records three operas at La Salle Wagram (engineered by Dave Harries).
• June 1968: Installed in the Experimental Room (Room 65) at Abbey Road Studios for testing against the REDD consoles.
• 24th November 1968: Installed in the Studio 2 control room at Abbey Road Studios.
• 1st July - 20th August 1969: Used by The Beatles to record Abbey Road, including their final session together on 20th August.
• 1968-1971: Extensively used at Abbey Road Studios for sessions by numerous artists.
• 6th September 1971: Replaced in Studio 2 by the TG Mk.II console. The Mk.I was stored briefly before being installed in Studio 1’s Control Room (the classical studio).
• 1972: Decommissioned from Studio 1 and moved to the basement of No. 5 Abbey Road.
• Mid-1970s: The console was dismantled, with parts moved to the attic of No. 3 Abbey Road. Some parts were donated to a language school in North London but later discarded. A tape machine maintenance engineer rescued the parts from a skip and took them home, attracted by the look of the knobs.
• 1988-2018: Mike Hedges painstakingly reunited the original parts with the console frame.
• 2018-2023: The console underwent restoration.

Originality

• Many of the original components are still boxed and accompany the console.
• Nine of the microphone cassettes required new parts, which were manufactured by UK specialists to exact EMI specifications.
• Each reproduction part was made using the same materials and processes as the originals, meeting the high standards set by former EMI technician and TG expert Brian Gibson.

Authenticity
The console's sound remains identical to how it was over 50 years ago. Frequency response readouts are available upon request, showing consistent signal performance across the mic cassettes.

Included in the sale are letters of provenance from:

Brian Gibson: Renowned EMI TG expert and former Studio Technician at EMI Studios London (Abbey Road) 1967-1998.

Ken Townsend: Former Abbey Road Chairman and Studio Manager, EMI/Abbey Road employee 1950-1995, present during The Beatles’ Abbey Road sessions.

Phil Hancock: Technical Engineer at EMI/Abbey Road 1970-2002.

Dave Harries: Recording Engineer at EMI/Abbey Road from 1964, later at Air Studios and Decca Studios.

Mike Hedges: Producer, Engineer, principal client at Abbey Road Studios 1979-1989, and current owner of the console.

Terry Britten: Singer-songwriter and Record Producer, former owner of ‘State of the Ark’ Studios (who owned an EMI TG console for some years and had some original cassettes reunited with the Mk.I).

Restoration (2018-2023)

• Project Manager: Malcolm Jackson
• Technical Supervisor: Brian Gibson
• Technical Team: Barney Herbert, Malc Atkin, Pete Kyriacou, Joe Shaw, Grace Banks, Peter Higgs, Asa Freeman, Ben Ward