1982 Beatles Mono LP's

Today I've purchased complete set (10 albums) of mint condition Beatles mono LP's - the 1982 reissues - from a reputable UK Beatles dealer. These are the same LP's that were found in the Beatles Mono Collection box set. I'm really pleased about this purchase as, despite being a Beatles fan for over 20 years, I've NEVER heard any mono UK album that was released after Beatles For Sale.

I am so looking forward to hearing, for the very first time, mono mixes of albums such as Rubber Soul, Revolver, Sgt Pepper & The White Album. I will hopefully understand what the fuss is all about with some of these mono mixes (especially Sgt Pepper). Also, I'll at last get to see black & yellow Parlophone Beatles LP's on my turntable! As well as giving my turntable a good workout, the CD-recorder will no doubt see some action in the forthcoming weeks!

I CAN HARDLY WAIT FOR THESE TO ARRIVE!!!!






I'm also please because the mono reissues have eluded me for a long time. It seemed my only options were to buy the rare and hard-to-find box set (very expensive) or seek out decent originals (even harder to find and even more expensive) so to find a complete set in mint condition is a result for me! It's cost me a LOT less than buying originals or the '82 box set.

I understand these mono re-pressings were made from the original stampers, is that correct? I'm sure there's a few of you out there who have these pressings, would like to know your opinions on these pressings.


Cheers


Kipper

 

I have a few of them and they sound wonderful. Yes, they are made from the original stampers. The only drawback (slight) is that the vinyl is rather thin (80's diet). I think you'll really enjoy these! Did you get a good price??

Todd

 

I have this set also that I picked up piece by piece when they were in stores. They sound great. You're going to love 'em.

 

Also, I think they should just release this fine vinyl box again! Obviously, there's a demand...

Todd

 

I got the black box in nm condition about a year ago. I'm very happy with it and now have no desire to track down the original pressings. Even though the vinyl is thinner than 60's pressings, I found mine to be better than my UK blue box. A lot quieter. I'm sure you'll enjoy yours!

 

Thanks Todd. I was aware that the vinyl is of the lighweight variety as was standard for EMI Beatles LP's in the early 80s. The dealer I bought them from (and I've bought from him regularly over the last 4-5 years) tells me they look absolutely pristine, the best set of these he's seen for many years. I got them for a good price, considering the box set he also had for sale was a LOT more money (nearly double!!!)

I just HAD to have them so out came the credit card


Kipper

 

Congrats, Kipper!! I bet you'll really be surprised by some titles like 'A Hard Days Night'. It's a wonderful mix and the tube mastering is silk!

Todd

 

I do have mono versions of the first four LP's on vinyl but of course these are the 1990s UK pressings mastered from the same digital source used for the CD's. I wonder how much different they are going to sound - presumably the mix is the same but the mastering on these '82 issues is vastly superior!

 

Nice find! I have the mono reissue of "Rubber Soul" and it's fantastic. If you haven't heard it in mono, then you really haven't heard it. As others have said, the vinyl on these reissues is rather thin, but it still sounds very nice. My copy is NM and especially quiet.

 

I'm sure I will too! Cheers Jeff.

Kipper

 

Rubber Soul will probably be the first one of the set that I'll play - I've heard the mono mixes from some songs (Nowhere Man EP) but none of the others!

 

I sure hope so

 

Oh boy, you're in for a treat. The digital masters do an injustice to these albums. You're going to love the tube cut 'And I love Her'...

Todd

 

I can't see it happening myself and even if they did, would use the original metal parts like they did for the '82 repressings? I doubt it, although I suppose anything is possible.

I do fear that, sadly, these mono albums (at least on vinyl) are now consigned to history forever. There's more chance of getting all the mono mixes officially released by Apple on CD - and that's saying something!

Incidentally Todd, how many posts before I become a Forum Icon?! I didn't realise until today that I'm now a senior member - I presume that's when you get to 500 posts?

 

Yeah, I agree. I think the ole' mono pressings are going to collect more & more dust as the years dwindle by...

I think you become an Icon after 2,000 posts.

 

Good choice! Next you should check Sgt Pepper. Great, of course, but also check to see if its all mono. There were a few pressed with one mono & one stereo side. I've heard that those have appeared in both red & black box sets. No idea how many are that way.

 

Thanks for the advice Jeff. I'll make sure Pepper is one of the first I check out. I remember hearing about the the mono/stereo mis-press some years ago.

 

Kipper,

You are going to love the sound and the mono mix of the "White Album". The mono mix of the "White Album" has a completely different *feel* to it. It almost sounds like a different record. Except "Revolution #9" which is a fold down. Congrats and enjoy!!!

Joe

 

Thanks Joe, I will be receiving the set in a few days and the White Album will definitely among the first ones I play

 

Kevin - A good suggestion but a) NO money left after buying the '82 set! and b) I daren't buy even one original mono because I know that once I buy one, I'll say to myself "Now have to buy them all"

 

Hmmm? I thought I was the only one who is mad in this way...

 

Unfortunately (or fortunately) you're not the only one.