South African LP Releases

Identification and Price Guide

Old Style Odeon with "Pressed in S.A."

The Beatles began to become popular in South Africa in Spring, 1963. Therefore, their albums in SA were released at approximately the same times as their releases in England. The first few albums were released on a black-and-silver old-style label, with a three-dimensional Parlophone logo at the top. The first line of the rim print at the bottom is "Pressed in S.A. under directions of the Parlophone Co. Ltd."

NOTE: The earliest copies of Please Please Me have a visible pressing ring near the edge of the label and another near the spindle hole. On later copies, there is a single pressing ring about 1" in diameter.

NOTE 2: The Big Beat album is unique to Africa. It contains:
Side 1: Can't Buy Me Love; She Loves You; Love Me Do; This Boy; You Can't Do That; I Wanna Be Your Man
Side 2: I Want to Hold Your Hand; From Me to You; Ask Me Why; I'll Get You; Thank You, Girl
This LP was never reissued onto any of the label styles that follow.

Blue Old Style Label With "All Rights"

In late 1964 and early 1965, Parlphone-SA was in transition. The new label color was blue, and the rim print begins "All rights of the manufacturer...."

NOTE: This album was quickly reissued onto the new label style, below.

Blue Old Style Label With "Pressed for..."

In 1965, Parlphone-SA was still transitioning label styles. This label was available in both mono and stereo for the first time. The label color was still blue, and the first line of the rim print reads "Pressed for or by a registered user".

NOTE: The two transitory labels do not appear to have been around long enough for the first three regular-issue LP's to be reissued onto them, but Beatles For Sale can be found on this label style.

Black and Silver Label With "Pressed for..."

Later in 1965, Parlphone-SA switched to a label style resembling the one used in Scandinavia -- a black label with "PARLOPHONE" in silver. Naturally, the three-dimensional logo unique to South Africa was retained. This label was available in both mono and stereo, and the earlier LP's were reissued onto it. The bottom line of the rim print reads "Pressed for or by a registered user".

NOTE: All of the earlier LP's were released onto this label style and sell for about $50 each in NM condition.

NOTE 2: The first issue of Sgt. Pepper has a single-pocket cover.

Green EMI Label

As countries began using the EEC numbering in 1969, Parlophone-SA changed to a label backdrop that promoted their participation in EMI, but they retained their three-dimensional logo. Copies released in 1969 have a greenish tint to them. None of the earlier LP's appear with this label tint, so the reason for its usage remains unknown.

Black EMI Label

Also in 1969, a more familiar black EMI label with silver print was used. The Beatles was still appearing in numbered form when Parlophone switched to this label style.

NOTE: The entire catalog was reissued onto this label and is generally not collected.

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. In Europe, this condition is known as Excellent, EX.

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. In Europe, this condition is known as Very Good Plus.

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. In Europe, this condition is known as Very Good.

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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This page © 2006 Frank Daniels