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Mexican Extended Play Releases

Identification and Price Guide

Musart Extended Play Releases

Since Mexico is part of North America, Capitol Records USA (whose role it was to oversee Beatles releases in North America) was able to dictate how their records were marketed in Mexico. However, prior to 1965, Capitol had no record company offices in Mexico and therefore licensed its releases to the Musart label, a prominent Mexican record label. All Mexican EP's on the Musart label are somewhat scarce; consequently, this list may be incomplete. Additionally, the Musart EP covers were printed first as "templates." When it was known which EP would be housed in the cover, the catalog number, song titles, and "DOBLE DURACION" logo were added to the cover. An individual EP title might appear in one of several different cover styles.
The Beatles' Musart EP's are particularly hard to find in VG+ or better condition.

The Beatles! Cover	Plain White Cover	Portrait Cover
Concert Cover	US HDN Sleeve Cover	For Sale Cover

Capitol Extended Play Releases

Capitol Records established a factory and offices in Mexico in May, 1965. They repressed the Musart EP's onto their own label and began to issue new Beatles EP's (below) on the same Capitol rainbow label that was used on LP's in the United States. Capitol also used cover templates as Musart had done and appears to have attempted to copy the Musart label style to an extent, using the English words "EXTENDED PLAY" instead of the Spanish, "DOBLE DURACION". Copies pressed during 1965 and 1966 have the English word "RECORDS" under the Capitol logo.

NOTE 2: Although numbered as an EP and identified with the words "Extended Play," the all-white label promo of "Got to Get You Into My Life" is a single. Apparently it was considered to be promoting the two EP's on which the songs appear (EPEM-10142 and EPEM-10189). Therefore, the single is listed in the article on Mexican singles.

In late 1966, Capitol began to use the Spanish word "DISCOS" instead of the English word "records" in the Capitol logo on the swirl label singles. This label variety was used until 1969, when it was replaced by the "lime green" label (as in the USA).

NOTE: EP's were much more popular in Mexico than in the United States during the 1960's. Even so, obtaining a complete set of Mexican Beatles EP's is no easy task.

Apple EP's:

In 1968, the Beatles switched to the Apple label. The EP's on Capitol did not switch to Apple but remained on Capitol.

The Apple "reissue" EP's from the 1970-2 were allegedly assembled with the assistance of John Lennon, who asked that tracks sung by the individual Beatles be gathered together to form EP's. These EP's were first issued at the 45 RPM speed with large (45) holes. Copies made later during the 70's and during the 80's were made at the slower 33 1/3 RPM speed and had small spindle holes.

Non-EMI EP's:

At least two EP's were released in Mexico on the Polydor label (as in other countries). It is listed below.

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.