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synth from “strawberry fields forever” by the beatles | ToneDB

strawberry fields forever

the beatles

synth

95% ai confidence

Tone Profile

A haunting, slightly wavering, and ethereal flute melody, achieved through the innovative use of a Mellotron MkII and tape speed manipulation. It sets a dreamlike, psychedelic mood characteristic of the song.

Signal Chain

Instrument: Mellotron MkII (using the 'Flute' tape set)

Amp: EMI REDD.51 console input (Direct Input)

Processing: Studer J37 four-track tape machine (for recording and varispeed effects), Abbey Road RS124 Compressor (likely used subtly), Abbey Road EMT 140 Plate Reverb (or echo chamber), Console EQ (from REDD.51)

Other: Played by John Lennon. The recording was part of 'Take 7', which was then sped up from its original key of A major to the final key of approximately B♭ major. This varispeed process significantly brightened the timbre and quickened the attack/decay of the Mellotron notes.

Recording Notes

  • Recorded at EMI Studios (now Abbey Road Studios), Studio Two, primarily in November and December 1966.
  • Engineered by Geoff Emerick and produced by George Martin.
  • The iconic Mellotron flute intro was played by John Lennon on a Mellotron MkII.
  • The sound originates from 'Take 7' of the song, which was recorded at a slower tempo (around 92 BPM in the key of A major).
  • This take was then sped up by approximately 12-13% (a whole step in pitch) to match 'Take 26' (which was slowed down from B♭ major), resulting in the final composite master.
  • This varispeeding not only raised the pitch of the Mellotron but also altered its formant structure and attack/decay characteristics, contributing to its unique, slightly otherworldly quality.
  • Abbey Road's echo chambers and EMT 140 plate reverbs were used for ambience, along with RS124 compressors for dynamic control.

Recreation Tips

  • Use a high-quality Mellotron VST or sample library, specifically the 'MkII Flutes' sound (e.g., GForce M-Tron Pro, Arturia Mellotron V).
  • To authentically replicate the varispeed effect on the Mellotron intro: 1. Compose/play the melody in the key of A major. 2. Render this performance to audio. 3. Speed up this audio file by approximately 12.2% (which transposes it up by a whole step to B♭ major). If possible, do this without formant correction, or use a tape speed plugin that can achieve this. This will brighten the tone and make any inherent vibrato/flutter slightly faster.
  • Alternatively, play the part in the final key (around B♭) and use a tape emulation plugin to increase the 'tape speed' parameter, which often raises pitch and brightens the tone. This is less authentic to the original process but can yield similar timbral results.
  • Add subtle, slow pitch modulation (LFO around 0.5-2Hz, very shallow depth) to simulate the natural wow and flutter inherent in vintage Mellotrons.
  • Apply a high-quality plate reverb emulation (e.g., EMT 140) with a moderate decay time (around 2-3 seconds) and a noticeable wet/dry mix to create the spacious, ethereal feel.
  • Use gentle tape saturation (via a plugin like Waves J37 or UAD Studer A800) to add warmth, subtle compression, and harmonic richness.
  • Consider a touch of vintage-style compression (emulating an Abbey Road RS124 or Fairchild 660) to smooth dynamics and add character, but use sparingly.

Sources