“There’s a strange magnetism to this machine”: A rare piece of Beatles history is up for auctionA two-track reel-to-reel mastering machine once owned by Ringo Starr is currently up for auction on Catawiki. The Studer A80-VU II Audio Recorder was originally commissioned by The Beatles drummer and used at his personal recording studio, Startling Studios, in Tittenhurst Park.
The mastering machine is accompanied 4 original Dolby 360-1 units modules, as well as a Certificate of Authenticity from its designer, sound engineer Eddie Veale.

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Veale originally modified the machine per Starr’s request in the early 1970s. He commissioned it following his purchase of his Tittenhurst Park estate in 1973, where he used the Studer A80-VU II in Startling Studios. When Ringo sold Tittenhurst Park in 1988, the mastering machine was included in the sale.
The Studer A80-VU II currently sits in the studio of Dutch DJ Lex van Coeverden. Though he is auctioning the machine off, he insists this unique piece of Beatles history is fully functional. Experts value it between €39,000 and €46,000.
“There’s a strange magnetism to this machine – it’s like it carried its history with it, quietly waiting to tell its story again,” he says. “When I saw it, I didn’t just find a recorder; I snagged a piece of music’s soul.”
Credit: Catawiki
In Coeverden’s eyes, the machine serves as a reflection of The Beatles’ forward thinking musical experimentation. He’s utilised it for a decade, and now hopes another artist can take advantage of this uniquely creative tool.
Ariel Cabello, music expert and department lead at Catawiki, has also emphasised the rarity of this piece. “This recorder is a rare piece of musical evolution, a tool that has both witnessed and shaped the creative process of legends,” she says.
“Its analog complexity doesn’t just capture sound, it translates emotion–qualities that digital technology still strives to replicate,” she adds. “We’re beyond excited to be a part of this historic sale!”
The auction runs until February 2nd on Catawiki. The site also has a selection of other Beatles-related memorabilia up for auction, from watches to Zippo lighters.
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