Expert: James Michael Anderson - 4/1/2008

Question
I am 48 and never had a record copy of the white album.
As I look at e-bay they are all over the place. Naturally I want photos and poster in good shape. How do you tell if 1st press?  ANy comments on best to buy and what to look for?

Answer
This is a great album to collect and there are many differences and variations.  First, you would need to determine if you wanted Mono or Stereo.  Mono mixes are actually different than the stereo mixes in that for several tracks there are extra sound effects, takes used etc.  A Mono White Album is generally worth more than a Stereo because there were fewer of them made.  All originals will come with a dark-pressed Apple logo record.
UK versions of the White album have a raised (not ink) "The Beatles" in the lower right of the cover while the US original versions have "The Beatles" in black ink.  First pressings also have a # "No. 1234567" stamped on the cover.  The lower the number, the more collectable the album.
If the copy has "The Beatles" in gray ink, it's definitely not original.  It is dificult to find a completely intact original that includes both the poster and the pictures, for most it's one or the other or none.  There were also 25th anniversary reproductions made in the 90s which included the poster and photos but on flimsy stock and cheap vinyl.
Your best bet is to ask the sellers the condition of the 4 photographs and the fold out double-sided poster.  Many albums don't have them anymore and this may not be stated in a listing.