At the very outset, you need to define what type of collector you are going to be and how deep you are going to get. In a short time you will discover that collecting Beatle albums for fun or profit can be complicated.

You need to determine how into it you are gonna get.

I developed some arbitrary levels to help me determine where I was at. You may think you are a collector and are really just scratching the surface. See if you agree with me.

Level 0: Beatles? Never heard of them. Are they on Spotify?   EXIT HERE.

Level 1: I have some Beatles on my I-Pod or on CD or I have Beatle records in the basement, but I have no record player and no plans to get one.    EXIT HERE.

Level 2: I have some Beatle records and I still have a record player. I might get some more some day. If not… EXIT HERE

Level 3: I don’t care about Apple vs Capitol labels.   EXIT HERE

Level 4: You answer yes to any of the following: A. I only buy original pressings.  B. I only buy official studio releases, or live releases. No compilations!  C. I have registered my White albums.

Level 5: You answer yes to any of the following: A. I buy stereo AND mono versions.  B. I collect cover variations.   C. I buy bootlegs.

Beyond Level 5: Beyond level 5 is a zone that I cannot comprehend though I am sure there are people who are there.

I am going after the studio albums, I like Apple, but will buy on Capitol if the opportunity presents. I am not collecting to store them into eternity and never play them. I want to listen to them. There is a good deal of nostalgia involved, I admit that.

I had “Abbey Road” reissue still unopened and “Beatles 65” from Josh and a still unopened reissue of “Sgt. Peppers Lonely Hearts Club Band”. I had also come across and purchased “Hey Jude” and “Magical Mystery Tour” from Frugal Muse in Madison.

Having sold some obscure 45’s from Dalton’s collection I was poised to dive into a journey into getting the rest. I started with an album that I owned in the past, “The Beatles” otherwise known as The White Album.

I got a little too lucky…