The Beatles – The Beatles

Do I see KTJ embrosed on the last record here? but not mentioned.

My UK copy is No; 0216602, sounds great,...and I need two more words.

Regarding this pressing (and other WA pressings) ... The “An E.M.I. Recording” text to the left on the White Album labels has NOTHING to do with priority of pressing.

My copy #0343877, with "An E.M.I. Recording" on all four labels, has very early stampers on sides 1 and 2:

Side 1: YEX 709-1 O 2; Side 2: YEX 710-1 RL 3; Side 3: YEX 711-1 PA 3; Side 4: YEX 712-1 LT 0

which translates to:

Side 1: 1st lacquer (matrix/master), 5th stamper, 2nd mother (“An E.M.I….)
Side 2: 1st lacquer (matrix/master), 28th stamper, 3rd mother (“An E.M.I….)
Side 3: 1st lacquer (matrix/master), 63rd stamper, 3rd mother (“An E.M.I….)
Side 4: 1st lacquer (matrix/master), 89th stamper, 10th (?) mother (“An E.M.I….)

And my higher-numbered pressing (#0551407) has "An E.M.I. Recording" on sides 1 & 2 only, and has later stampers on sides 3 and 4 with no “An E.M.I. Recording” on the labels:

Side 1: YEX 709-1 MO 6; Side 2: YEX 710-1 PD 4; Side 3: YEX 711-1 HD 5; Side 4: YEX 712-1 RT 6

which translates to:

Side 1: 1st lacquer (matrix/master), 45th stamper, 6th mother (“An E.M.I….)
Side 2: 1st lacquer (matrix/master), 60th stamper, 4th mother (“An E.M.I….)
Side 3: 1st lacquer (matrix/master), 70th stamper, 5th mother
Side 4: 1st lacquer (matrix/master), 29th stamper, 6th mother

So my #0343877 — Side 1 with 5th stamper, 2nd mother and Side 2 with 28th stamper, 3rd mother — HAS the “An E.M.I. Recording” on the first two sides, while my #0551407 — Side 3 with 70th stamper, 5th mother; Side 4 29th stamper, 6th mother — DOES NOT HAVE “An E.M.I. Recording” !

Thus, obsessed collectors need not wonder about the presence on the labels of “An E.M.I. Recording” having much, if anything, to do with the priority of YEX-xxx-1 discs.

More about decoding Beatles vinyl here: https://thebeatles-collection.com/wordpress/2011/07/16/parlophone-decoding/

31 comments, none of them are about the sound quality! I have a -1/-1/-1/-1 pressing, without “An EMI Recording” on 3 out of the 4 labels. The -1 sounds awesome. There is a serious punch going on and a really crisp sound. McCartney’s bass sounds absolutely wonderful here, I have a -1 Pepper and the bass on it is nowhere near as smooth as it is on here. Why is this not really worth the price? Because they all came in crappy black sleeves that scuffed and covered the records in dirt. I have a copy that was barely ever played according to the original owner, but is in VG condition because of those rough sleeves. I tried an ultrasonic and it helped but not too much. The cover, inners, and the inserts/poster are all In fabulous condition, but the vinyl is ruined thanks to those rough sleeves. If you truly want to hear a great pressing, grab a 1978 White Vinyl edition. Slightly brighter mastering, which actually gives more detail to the instruments. Second choice goes to a 70s pressing, as they usually use -1 lacquers and are not mottled with matte black paper fibers

Mine has “An E.M.I. Recording” on sides A, B, C but not D.

Hi!

Are there any records of how many copies of the first UK pressing that was made?

Hi, I recently bought the white album on eBay and I would like to know if it is a pressing from 1968, repressing from 1969, or manufactured during some other year? It doesn't have the serial number in the front but it does have capitol records on the record labels. Since the seller is from the west coast it is most likely a west coast pressing.
Thanks, nota2ndtime
P.S. Here is the link to the sale with photos.
https://www.ebay.com/itm/The-Beatles-White-Album-Capitol-Records-SWBO-101-4-Pictures-Inserts-/113001980901?_trksid=p2047675.l2557&ssPageName=STRK%3AMEBIDX%3AIT&nma=true&si=64UwWWACvP%252FwYkcDD9RWH0GXiOM%253D&orig_cvip=true&rt=nc

1 of 10 albums I would take on a deserted island some of the best Beatles stuff ever!

Which is the true first press of the White Album? Mono or Stereo?

Serious question - i just came across a sealed version and am unsure how to tell which issue it is."Stereo SWBO 101" on lower spine in light-colored writing. Small word "Stereo" on top right of back cover. Any ideas how to determine which pressing/release? Thank you in advance.