The Steinway Vertegrand or 'Model K' is one of the oldest instruments in the building. This 1905 model has lived and worked in the studios for the past 69 years.

Abbey Road engineers Stuart Eltham and Ken Townsend had the piano modified in the late ‘50s, lacquering the original felt hammers and keeping it purposefully out of tune to give the piano its signature "honky tonk" sound - helping to define the careers of the legendary Russ Conway and Mrs. Mills. It has since been affectionately known as the Mrs. Mills piano.

The Beatles used it on recordings for Sgt. Pepper and The White Album, heard on Penny Lane and Ob-La-Di, Ob-La-Da.

Some say Lady Madonna was written on this piano, others say it was used for the recording, but all we know for certain is that McCartney played the song on it during his Under the Staircase performance in 2018, as well as an impromptu performance one night when he saw it in the corridor when recording Egypt Station.

Originals Mrs Mills Piano - Spitfire Audio

You can now have access to the Mrs Mills Piano sound wherever you are in the world thanks to the Originals Mrs Mills Piano - Spitfire Audio. The legendary piano has been expertly recorded by Spitfire Audio, full of character and nostalgic charm, with a bright, metallic tone owing to its lacquered hammers.

Discover now.