Frequently Asked Questions

The concept for beatlesaustralia.com originated with Drummond Grieve of Perth, Western Australia in 2011. In May 2021, Drummond handed responsibility for the site to Beatles researcher and collector Jaesen Jones.

The facts and figures published on this site are researched, compiled and regularly updated by respected Beatles researcher and audiophile Jaesen Jones, with valuable information also supplied by collectors and former record-industry personnel.

The historical and technical information published on this site is as accurate as the available verifiable evidence allows. Australian record-company documentation is often incomplete, however, and new discoveries may occasionally require existing information to be revised. With that qualification, beatlesaustralia.com represents the most comprehensive resource known for Australian Beatles vinyl.

Many of the label images have been contributed by fellow record collectors. Scans of sleeves, advertisements and other ephemera come predominantly from the private collection of Jaesen Jones, together with material generously supplied by contributors.

Preparing images for publication is a time-consuming, multistage process. Watermarks acknowledge the collectors who supplied the original scans and help prevent those images from being reproduced elsewhere without appropriate credit.

Although it would be terrific to display a pristine example of every label variation, some are simply too scarce to allow such luxury. Any clear example of a previously undocumented variation is better than no example at all. That said, I am always looking for improved scans to replace some of the more feral specimens currently residing in the archive!

Certainly! New discoveries and improved examples are always welcome. For technical reasons, label submissions must be scans rather than photographs, produced at a minimum resolution of 300 dpi and at the label’s original physical size. Please scan the entire label, keeping it flat and ensuring that no part of its outer edge is cropped.

Unlike many UK Beatles records, which contain mother and stamper codes within their runout information, most Australian pressings carry only a matrix number. The absence of stamper codes or other reliable dating information makes it nearly impossible to assign precise dates to individual pressings or label variations. At best, they can usually be placed within an approximate period based on changes in label design or the introduction of a new lacquer cut.

The problem is compounded by typesetters informally changing the font size, typeface, spacing and layout of non-permanent label text. Consequently, a particular feature—such as an italicised track listing—may have no chronological relationship whatsoever to a similar feature appearing on another title.

Record values vary considerably according to pressing, condition, completeness and current collector demand. Websites such as Popsike, eBay’s sold-item listings and Discogs can provide an indication of recent selling prices. Please note, however, that beatlesaustralia.com does not provide valuations.