Chilean LP Releases

Identification and Price Guide

Odeon Label With Odeon logo at Top

From the beginning of the Beatle period through 1967, Odeon Records of Chile was pressing LP's on a label style that featured the "Odeon" logo at the top. A circle around the label is split with a horizontal bar running across it. Most Beatles releases were issued on the Star Line label (SERIE ESTELAR), which labels were a burgundy color (or, later, red). Other releases exist on the "normal" black label. Finally, stereo albums from Chile were issued on a gold label.

NOTE: The stampers for each of the albums were obtained directly from England, or (in the case of Beatles Story) from Capitol-USA's Scranton plant.

NOTE 2: With the Beatles can be found with the title in italics and the label lacking "(p) 1964", or with the title in normal print and the copyright on the label. Apparently the true first pressing is the one with the italicized title.

NOTE 3: The Sgt. Pepper album features a single-pocket cover that has the lyrics on the back.

Albums on the Apple Label

Shortly after the release of "Hey Jude," new Beatles releases in Chile began appearing on the Apple label. Instead of remaining in the Odeon numbering series, Apple albums received their own numbers, beginning with 2001. These numbers were unique, not corresponding to American or British numbering. Eventually, some of the albums were reissued onto the Apple label.

NOTE: The labels to Let It Be may be found showing "MONO/STEREO COMPATIBLE" or "M-S-COMPATIBLE." Both appear to be 1970 pressings.

Later reissues of the Chilean LP's appeared on a black EMI label, followed by a red EMI label, followed by a yellow (or light green) EMI label. After that time (c. 1977), the catalog numbers were all changed. Tan/red (70's) EMI labels, cream/blue EMI labels, and a tan/dark brown label are known after that time.

A Word About Condition

The condition of a record is all-important as to determining its value. The values shown are drastically reduced for lesser condition copies, as shown below:

Near Mint, or NM, condition records are unscratched. If the label has stickers or tape, this must be noted. Essentially, they look like they just came from the store.

Very Good Plus, or VG+, condition records will have very few scratches. Without close inspection, they might pass for Near Mint copies. A VG+ record normally sells for half what a NM copy goes for.

Very Good, or VG, condition records have a fair amount of scratches, but they by no means appear "beat up". A VG condition record normally sells for one fourth of the NM price.

Very Good Minus, or VG-, condition records are starting to appear quite scratched. Still, when played, they play through, although the surface noise is becoming distracting. Many singles are commonly found in this condition. A VG- condition record normally sells for one sixth of the NM price.

Good, or G, condition records look scratched--basically all over, but they'll play through well enough to enjoy the song. A G condition record sells for one tenth of the NM price. [Some dealers also use a grade of G+, which sells for one eighth of the NM price.]

Fair, or fr, condition records are generally worthless unless the record is rare. They're scratched up and have distracting surface noise, but they're not completely ruined. No chips missing, and not cracked. They sell for one twentieth of the NM price or less.

Poor, or pr, condition records are basically ruined. They may be warped, cracked, chipped, or otherwise unsuitable for collecting. Most collectors only accept poor condition copies of something really rare until a better one comes along. They're virtually worthless.

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