A unique console that played a crucial role in recording the Beatles' iconic Abbey Road album and was later found discarded in a skip is set to be auctioned after undergoing a four-year restoration. Malcolm Jackson and his son Hamish, hailing from Hertfordshire, collaborated with a broader team to restore the distinctive EMI TG12345 console.
This console was instrumental in capturing the sounds of the Beatles' celebrated album at studios in north London, which debuted on September 26, 1969. After its initial use, the console was given to a school, but it was later deemed unusable and thrown away. It remained untouched for several years until it caught the attention of a passerby who recognized its value.
The Jacksons operate their business, Malcolm Jackson Quipment, from Rickmansworth, where they focus on selling studio equipment and assisting clients with studio rentals. Over the past four years, they worked alongside Brian Gibson, a former EMI engineer who had previously collaborated with the Beatles in the 1960s, to restore this rare piece of music history.
The EMI TG12345 console is one of only 17 made by EMI globally and was used for recording the band’s final album before their breakup in 1970. After being donated to a school in London, it was carelessly discarded when staff were unsure of how to operate it. A musician happened upon it almost by chance, attracted by the appearance of its switches and knobs.
Malcolm Jackson Jr. recalled how this guitarist spotted the console outside a school in St John’s Wood and thought it would make an appealing addition to his musical gear. During the restoration process, Mr. Jackson Sr. noted that collaboration from 31 British companies was essential for reviving parts of the console.
He emphasized its uniqueness by stating that its sound quality is exceptional. Owning this console means having access to outstanding studio capabilities. His son highlighted that using it reveals an incredible sound difference that is hard to fully articulate until experienced firsthand.
The restored console represents not only a functional music-making tool but also serves as a significant collector’s item. The story behind it adds to its allure—combining impeccable engineering with rich historical significance makes it particularly special for potential buyers. The auction will take place on October 29 through Reverb’s online platform.
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