Video: 'Not A Second Time (Remastered 2009)'
(Wednesday, September 11, 1963, 7:00 p.m.-10:15 p.m. British Summer Time) — After a dinner break, The Beatles returned to EMI Studios in London tonight to record another John Lennon song, “Not a Second Time,” for their second album With The Beatles.
After “take five” was deemed the best rhythm track recording of “Not A Second Time,” overdubs were determined to be needed.
While the two-track tape of “take five” was re-recorded onto another two-track machine, John double-tracked his vocal part, two attempts possibly being made, these being designated as “take six” and “take seven.”
Afterward, while this new two-track tape was being re-recorded onto yet another two-track machine, George Martin simultaneously overdubbed a piano part, complete with solo, two attempts apparently being made.
In the end, “take nine” was the keeper, which completed the recording of “Not A Second Time” in one day. All of this took place between the estimated time of 7:00 and 8:30 p.m. BST.
George Harrison’s “Don’t Bother Me” was the final song to be attempted (starting at approximately 9:00 p.m.). Seven takes were recorded, three of which were overdubs, but The Beatles decided to remake the song on the following day.