Magical film imagery illustrates range of colourful guitars, ukuleles and accessories

JHS – one of the largest independent trade distributors of musical instruments and accessories, instrument amplification and pro audio equipment – is to launch a range of Yellow Submarine instruments and accessories for young children. The deal was inked by Caroline Mickler on behalf of Apple Corps.

The range, for children from three years up, includes a ukulele and a junior half-size guitar outfit (including nylon strung guitar, carry bag, guitar strap, pitch pipe, spare set of strings and plectrum), along with two-inch-wide polyester webbing straps from 39" to 58" and a variety of picks.

The guitars are available in two designs, the ukulele in four, and the straps in three. All are illustrated with colourful scenes from the film. There will be no fewer than 18 picks, each featuring a different character, logo or scene from the film set against a yellow, white or multi-coloured background.

The picks and straps are available now. The instruments will be launched this month, with an eye to the Christmas market. All the items in the range will be available at music shops and toy shops.

The market for these delightful, fully functioning instruments and accessories, designed to promote the power of music, just like the film itself, is expected to be parents of little musicians – and potential musicians – across the UK.

Yellow Submarine is a much-loved and fun property that is also rich in extraordinary imagery, which, like the classic film that inspired it, still resonates powerfully 50 years after the release of the film. That’s why Yellow Submarine has today inspired a varied selection of licensed products ranging from games, toys, footwear, artwork prints and homeware to luggage, bags, apparel and babywear and Yellow Submarine figurines. More recent licenses have included t-shirts and gifts from Truffle Shuffle, a graphic novel from Titan books, a picture book and panorama pop-up book from Walker Books, an apparel collection from Pretty Green, tents and camping accessories from Field Candy, board games from Winning Moves and of course, kids’ musical instruments from JHS.

Yellow Submarine returned to cinemas across the UK and Ireland for a special fiftieth anniversary showing in July.

Established in 1965, JHS today represents over 70 industry-leading distributed brands in the UK/ROI, the countries of the European Union, the USA and beyond, and is a true full-line distributor, stocking just about anything and everything a musician or reseller of musical products could need.

Ben Chapman, JHS Media and Artist Coordinator, says: “The fantastic Yellow Submarine designs, the wonderful songs and the positive message the film sends out about music make it an ideal inspiration for a range of colourful, fun and totally fab instruments. We’re delighted to be working with Apple Corps to help budding Beatles to learn, play and make happy music on instruments specially designed for them.”

Caroline Mickler says: “These delightful instruments and accessories are not just the right size for young musicians, but they are also very high quality and look fantastic. I’m certain they will be a marvellous inspiration for any young kids who love music and want to play on their very own instruments.”