What keyboard did the Beatles use on I Am the Walrus?

The Beatles used a Mellotron to create the pad sounds on "I Am the Walrus." The Mellotron was a tape-based keyboard instrument that could reproduce orchestral sounds and became a key element in their psychedelic recordings.

How to get the Beatles Mellotron sound from I Am the Walrus?

Start with Mellotron string or choir sounds, layer multiple tracks for thickness, and apply tube-style compression like a Fairchild 660. The key is the Mellotron's distinctive tape-based attack and the warm compression that evens out dynamics while adding sustain.

What amp did the Beatles use for keyboards on I Am the Walrus?

The Beatles used a Vox AC30 amplifier for the Mellotron parts on "I Am the Walrus." The AC30's EL84 tubes provided the warm, musical distortion and midrange character that became part of their signature keyboard sound during this period.

Who produced I Am the Walrus by the Beatles?

"I Am the Walrus" was produced by George Martin with engineer Geoff Emerick at Abbey Road Studios. This production team was responsible for many of the Beatles' most innovative recordings during their psychedelic period.

What effects were used on the Mellotron in I Am the Walrus?

The primary effect was compression from a Fairchild 660, which smoothed the dynamics and added sustain to the Mellotron pads. The Beatles also layered multiple Mellotron tracks to create the rich, complex texture heard in the final recording.

pads from "i am the walrus" by the beatles

i am the walrus

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Tone Profile

Dreamy and psychedelic, these pads have a soft attack with a shimmering, slightly detuned quality that fills the sonic space. They evoke a sense of wonder and otherworldly beauty.

Shop This Rig

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Mellotron(instrument)
Vox AC30(amp)
Neumann U67(mic)
Fairchild 660(compressor)

The Story

The Beatles used a Mellotron to create the psychedelic pad textures on "I Am the Walrus," capturing the instrument's characteristic tape-based orchestral sounds through the studio's Vox AC30 and Neumann U67 microphones. The production team of George Martin and engineer Geoff Emerick at Abbey Road Studios employed Fairchild 660 compression to control dynamics and enhance sustain. Multiple Mellotron layers were likely overdubbed to create the rich, complex texture that became a signature element of the Beatles' psychedelic period.

Production Credits

Producer: George Martin

Engineer: Geoff Emerick

Recorded at: Abbey Road Studios, London

Signal Chain

Instrument: MellotronShop on Reverb

Recreation Tips

Start with a Mellotron VST or sample library, focusing on string or choir sounds.
Experiment with layering multiple Mellotron tracks to create a fuller sound.
Add a touch of chorus or flanger to create a shimmering effect.
Use a compressor to even out the dynamics and add sustain.
Consider adding a subtle tape emulation plugin to add warmth and vintage character.

Original Gear

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Substitutions & Recommendations

IK Multimedia SampleTron 2Plugin Boutique$99-$149

Alternative to: Mellotron

Authentic Mellotron samples including the exact string and choir sounds used by the Beatles, with tape flutter and mechanical noise modeling

Mellotron M4000DShop on Reverb$4000-$5000

Alternative to: Mellotron

Official modern Mellotron with the original tape sounds digitally sampled, providing the authentic attack and decay characteristics

Waves PuigChild 660/670Plugin Boutique$29-$79

Alternative to: Fairchild 660 compressor

Faithful emulation of the Fairchild's tube compression that smooths dynamics and adds harmonic saturation to recreate the Beatles' compressed pad sound

Vox AC30C2Shop on Reverb$1200-$1500

Alternative to: Vox AC30 amplifier

Modern reissue of the classic AC30 with the same EL84 tube warmth and midrange character used on Beatles recordings

Audio-Technica AT4050Shop on Reverb$400-$500

Alternative to: Neumann U67 microphone

Large diaphragm tube condenser that captures similar warmth and presence to the U67 for recording keyboard amplifiers

Sources

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pads from “i am the walrus” by the beatles | ToneDB