While the stereo discs are of course marvelous, and the packaging is superb, the mono set is a thing of genius.  For those of you not entirely familiar with it, each disc is an exact replica of it's UK original, down to the tiniest detail (like the paper inner sleeves which advertise Emitex cleaning cloths and the index numbers in tiny print on the back cover foldovers).

Every disc comes with a plastic sleeve which fits perfectly inside the original paper replica and each album comes in a resealable record bag.

If ...]]> Fri, 26 Oct 2012 21:52:21 +0100 http://www.beatlesbible.com/forum/albums/the-beatles-in-mono/page-2/#p59618 The albums http://www.beatlesbible.com/forum/albums/the-beatles-in-mono/page-2/#p59618 If you buy the mono set from a legitimate retailer, you'll be safe.  If you buy it as a great deal on eBay, expect to get a fake.  That's the very basic rule of thumb.

There are telltale signs while it's still in the plastic wrap and huge indicators inside open the wrap comes off.  If you do buy it online from a retailer that you're not 100% sure of, pay for it with a credit card or with Paypal, so your purchase is insured.

Unfortunately, there's a difference between a place like Best Buy -- where the ...]]> Fri, 26 Oct 2012 14:16:44 +0100 http://www.beatlesbible.com/forum/albums/the-beatles-in-mono/#p59613 The albums http://www.beatlesbible.com/forum/albums/the-beatles-in-mono/#p59613 This is a combination 'Beatley Moment' and Mono Collection story:

I've had two of the LP 'box sets' since the 80's; got the 'EP collection' records box set; and my Mom totally blew me away one Christmas when she got me the 'singles collection' CD set, which I didn't even know was out there! I figured I was blessed enough as it was, and had no intention of buying either the stereo or mono CD album sets. I had never seen the mono CD set sell for less than $199.95 anywhere, which was the one I would have preferred.

Since record stores ...]]> Fri, 26 Oct 2012 04:49:30 +0100 http://www.beatlesbible.com/forum/albums/the-beatles-in-mono/#p59568 The albums http://www.beatlesbible.com/forum/albums/the-beatles-in-mono/#p59568 ...There's a happy ending here!

The seller got back to me and was aghast that I suggested that his stock was counterfeit.  He insisted that I at least open it up and inspect everything to be sure.

I opened it up...  And everything is totally legit.  Every tiny marking that should be on the packaging is there, all the proper sleeves are intact, all the inserts are there, the booklet is perfect and all the label glue is clean and perfect with no ink smell.

I don't know if my copy doesn't have an FBI warning because it wan't American-made, or if it's ...]]> Wed, 24 Oct 2012 18:14:19 +0100 http://www.beatlesbible.com/forum/albums/the-beatles-in-mono/#p59559 The albums http://www.beatlesbible.com/forum/albums/the-beatles-in-mono/#p59559 I ordered a "cheap" mono box on Ebay - but when I opened it and put it in the CD player - it turned out to be the stereo-remasters, with documentary and all!

Luckily the dealer lived close to me, so I went to his place and got a "real" (while still cheap) mono box - PLUS the Capitol album box vol. I!

So that turned out fine. But, obviously, the amount of fake stuff is surreal.

There is something ironic tho in Satan being scammed and ripped off.

...  But something seemed "wrong".

I heard that there were counterfeit mono boxes on eBay, so I ordered one through a reputable dealer on Amazon.  The price was a bit lower than usual ($145), but didn't really set off any alarms.

When I looked at it, all seemed legit.  But upon closer examination I noticed two things:  

1. The apple on the front cover sort of looks like it was cut out from a picture with a black background.  It's very subtle, but the right side of the apple seems to have a black shadow and ...]]> Wed, 24 Oct 2012 02:26:58 +0100 http://www.beatlesbible.com/forum/albums/the-beatles-in-mono/#p59164 The albums http://www.beatlesbible.com/forum/albums/the-beatles-in-mono/#p59164

meanmistermustard said
If you can get it then definately yes. As Paulbass said the mono pepper and white album are fantastic but there are enough differences in enough of the other songs to make it an excellent worthwhile purchase.

Indeed, when the reissues came out, I bought the mono box and my (now-former) roommate bought the stereo box.  I did a track-by-track comparison of both the mono and stereo versions of each song.  Everything prior to 1967 sounded undeniably better in mono... except "Thank You Girl" (mostly because John's harmonica parts during the bridge do not exist in the mono ...]]> Sat, 13 Oct 2012 05:40:35 +0100 http://www.beatlesbible.com/forum/albums/the-beatles-in-mono/#p58993 The albums http://www.beatlesbible.com/forum/albums/the-beatles-in-mono/#p58993

goodbyehello said

That made me literally laugh out loud. I have had many "surprise" purchases after nights out. You know where you don't even remember buying it but get the ebay or Amazon email! Unfortunately for me, a few times this included clothing or shoes in the completely wrong size! At least you are getting something good!

goodbyehello with a buzz on: "Man, I will look awesome in those 1970's style platform shoes!"

goodbyehello the next morning: "I ordered what?!?!"

Been there, done that, got the T-shirt...literally. I hope my niece is enjoying that ...]]> Mon, 08 Oct 2012 17:14:46 +0100 http://www.beatlesbible.com/forum/albums/the-beatles-in-mono/#p58948 The albums http://www.beatlesbible.com/forum/albums/the-beatles-in-mono/#p58948

SatanHimself said
I had a party last night and this morning I discovered an email receipt for my Amazon purchase of the Mono box set.  I guess it was a good party.  I got an insanely good price, too.  Even totally wasted I'm a good shopper.

That made me literally laugh out loud. I have had many "surprise" purchases after nights out. You know where you don't even remember buying it but get the ebay or Amazon email! Unfortunately for me, a few times this included clothing or shoes in the completely wrong size! At least you are getting something ...]]> Sat, 06 Oct 2012 21:39:02 +0100