Expert: Pattie - 11/23/2008

Question
QUESTION: I believe I have an authentic Introducing the Beatles album. I went thru the checklist and it seems to meet the criteria. Who can I bring it to so I can be sure and what is its potential value. The album cover is in so-so condition but the LP is in very good condition.

Thank You

ANSWER: Hi MaryAnn!

Well, you've got a great LP. It's certainly one of the rarer ones and also the most bootlegged album in history. For that reason alone, you need to take it to someone who specializes in Beatles collectibles and they need to see the physical record and jacket to determine if it's authentic. As far as WHO to take it to to grade and appraise it, it really depends on where you are geographically. Are you in the States? The UK? Wherever you live, start by finding a shop that specializes in rare records, like a second-hand record store. Call them and ask if they have a Beatles specialist available. There's also a magazine that you can get called "Goldmine" (usually available at Borders or Barnes & Nobles) which is specifically for dealers and buyers of collectible records. You may find places in your area that way. If you can give me an idea of where you live, I may be able to point you in the right direction. As far as the current value of your LP, even if it's authentic, I'd need to know which release you have, I'd need to see the label and the cover, to grade it. Sorry I'm being so vague, but it's almost impossible to grade that particular album via the net. There is a guy over in the UK who may be able to help you though. His name is Peter Nash at http://www.britishbeatlesfanclub.co.uk/about.html. Pete works as the editor and also the memorabilia expert for the British Beatles Fan Club. He's also a Beatles dealer on eBay with a great reputation. He knows more about that album than anyone in the world probably. If you need any further help, let me know....or give me your location and I'll try and find someone for you. In the meantime, thanks for the question!

Peace,
Pattie
8^)

---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: Hi Pattie,
Thanks for your help. I live in Massachusetts, about 15 miles west of Boston.
Thanks,
Mary Ann

Answer
Hi again, MaryAnn!

Boston is a great area to look for Beatle people. There used to be an annual Beatlefest there. WZLX radio (100.7 FM) has a weekly show called "Breakfast With The Beatles" hosted by Cha-Chi Loprete (http://wzlx.com/pages/3157394). Cha-Chi would be a great place to start. He's been in the Beatle business a long time. I've spoken to him before and he's always very kind and helpful. I also noticed that an area library will be having a Beatles presentation on Tuesday, December 2 about recording the Beatles. The two authors doing the presentation may very well be able to grade that record for you. I've done library presentations myself and people do bring things to be appraised. The link to that presentation is http://www.bostonaes.org/archives/2008/Dec/index.html.

In looking for a person in your area, I'm going to advise you to stay away from a place called "In Your Ear" records. The man I spoke to on the phone was basically an idiot and had no idea what I was talking about. However, if you contact "Nugget Records" at 617-536-0679, they should be able to help you right over the phone. Make sure you have the record in your hand when you call because they'll ask you some specific questions regarding condition, numbers etc. Their website address is http://www.nuggetsrecords.com/. Any employee should be able to help you. I sure hope this helps!

Peace,
Pattie
8^)