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Brazilian Compact 33 Releases

Identification and Price Guide

Every Beatles EP on this list should have its cover contained in a plastic bag. Odeon of Brazil normally packaged its LPs, EP's, and compact 33 singles that way.

In Brazil (and several other countries in South America), 33 1/3 RPM was the only speed of record manufactured during most of the 1960's. Therefore, the Beatles' single releases in Brazil came out as compact 33's and not as 45's.

Yellow Odeon Label

Of all the labels that officially issued Beatles records during the 1960's, Brazilian Odeon probably experienced the most number of label changes. When the Beatles were first introduced to Brazil on singles in 1963, Odeon was using a yellow label. Many collectors consider all yellow labels to be "original" pressings, but this is not the case. For records pressed during 1963-4, the yellow label featured a box containing the words "ALTA FIDELIDADE," which translate to "high fidelity."

NOTE: These were all reissued onto the "yellow label without high fidelity," which follows. Also in 1965, copyright statements were added. The back covers of the earlier singles had not mentioned any Beatles records; the back covers to later copies DO mention other Beatles records.

The transition period in 1965 was short, but the "I Feel Fine" single (released late, in April) came out on an unusual transitory label style: a yellow label with two dots. It was also reissued onto the later yellow label without "high fidelity."

In the middle of 1965, Odeon removed the "high fidelity" box from their records. This label continued through the year.

NOTE: The second pressings of the Beatles' first four singles are somewhat more common than the first pressings. "I Feel Fine" is easier to find in its original pressing.

NOTE 2: Copies of the "yellow label" series exist on a tan and mauve "wave" label. Allegedly, these were promotional copies, although they were not marked as promos. Later promotional copies featured a white label.

White Label "Odeon Top" Label

At the beginning of 1966, Odeon changed label styles again, this time switching to a white label without a star but with the new Odeon "boxed letters" logo at the top. Copies can be found without and with (above) an additional statement below the Odeon logo. That statement that emerged sometime in 1967.

Also for the first time, Brazilian single (and LP) releases began to resemble those issued in England, although the Brazilian copies were often issued late.

NOTE: With the new label style came a new numbering system. While the "7" probably stood for "7 inch record" and "B" stood for "Brazil," the "T" appears to have represented the "Beatles," or at least non-Brazilian music. The singles and LP's also switched to catalog numbers with "BT" in them. This new numbering system was used at least through 1974.

The latter two singles, "Penny Lane" and "All You Need Is Love" were first released on the white label with additional writing; first pressings of the other singles (above) do not have this writing.

White/Red/Black Odeon Star Label

From Fall of 1967, Odeon began using a white, red, and black label with a star outline. This label was transitional, lasting only until approximately the end of 1968.

Only one EP, the Magical Mystery Tour EP, was issued in Brazil on the white/red/black "star" label originally.

NOTE: Reissues also exist of the earlier singles on this label style.

White/Blue Odeon Star Label

From some time in 1968 or 1969 until 1974 came two still newer label styles. First came a white label with a blue star and the boxed "Odeon" logo. This was followed in 1971 by an almost identical label having the older-looking Odeon logo. One subtle difference with the new logo, however, is that the word "ODEON" is fully capitalized; on pressings prior to 1968/9, only the first letter was capitalized. No new Beatles singles were issued on either of the above label styles. However, every one of the earlier records is about as common on the "blue star" labels than on the original 1960's styles. They sell for approximately $15 to $20 each on either of the "blue star" label styles.

Many dealers propose that the label style dates to the mid-1960's; however, non-Beatles releases on Odeon occur on this label style from about 1968 until about 1974, when an orange label replaced the "star" label.

Apple Label

In 1969, the Apple logo came into use on all new Beatles releases. EP's were now somewhat passe, and so most new releases appeared on the Apple label. The 7BT prefix was retained until about 1975, when it was replaced by a 45BT prefix. Stereo singles were not pressed until 1972; stereo singles on the Apple label would have the prefix S7BT until 1975 and 45BT thereafter.

NOTE: Original Apple singles do not list the EEC catalog number alongside the Brazilian number. Later copies of the singles (c. 1972-1975) feature the EEC number, which has prefix 31C.

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.

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.

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.

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.