Lot 241 email save

Beatles The 'Hey Jude' Bechstein Grand

Sign In to see what this sold for

Beatles The legendary Trident studio Bechstein Grand Piano. This Grand piano was much sought-after during the trident studio hey-days ,its unique sound was perfectly suited to many of the recording bands and artist of the time . The historic Beatles white album was recorded on it after live rehearsals at EMI because the piano's crystal clear definitive sound was the preferred instrument that suited this recording .The Beatles also recorded the top selling track of all time on this piano "Hey Jude" Elton John, David Bowie and Freddie Mercury also played on the instrument. Bechstein Grand Piano no. 44064 Bracing No. 11870 'Ebonized' metal frame, seven octaves with ivory naturals and ebony accidentals. Trident studios purchased the Piano in 1986. They had previously rented it from Samuels from the mid 1960s. The Piano which sat in Trident Studio gradually got a name for itself for having a rather good sound and this naturally attracted the top musicians of the period to record using the instrument. The piano is credited with, amongst many others, the following famous compositions:- The Beatles White Album – including 'Hey Jude'. David Bowie's albums, 'Space Oddity' 'Hunky Dory' 'Ziggy Stardust' and 'Aladdin Sane'. George Harrison's 'All things Must Pass' Elton John's 'Goodbye Yellow Brick Road' 'Blue Moves' ' and 'Single Man' albums Queen's 'Queen' 'Queen II' 'Sheer Heart Attack'. Supertramp's 'Crime of the Century' Carly Simon's 'You're so Vain'. ' Mary Hopkins 'Those Were the Days' and Harry Nilsson's masterpiece 'Without You'. The sheer quantity,quality and diversity of the hit songs that the piano has been used on, must qualify it as being the most historical instrument of modern times. With a catalogue description from Sotheby's sale of Rock n Roll Memorabilia, held in London on 1993 2) a letter from A. E. Mandel, director of Jaques Samuel Pianos in London confirming the provenance as stated in the Sotheby's catalog . 3) An email received from Gerry Salisbury, who worked at Trident Studios for 9 years in which he confirms that the Bechstein was the only piano used at Trident It's important to note that one of his jobs at Trident was to mic. the piano for recording. 4) A Letter from Gerry Salisbury confirming the Bechstein was the piano used during the famous "Hey Jude" sessions. 5) A photo of the piano (in current owners house), annotated by Gerry Salisbury 6) A photo from the Trident Studios promotional brochure showing the Bechstein in the studio (note the cropping of the image). Estimate GBP300,000-£400,000 **Note Shipping: This item is in the United States of America.

View The Fame Bureau next auction.

Similar lots up for auction