Beatles records were pressed in Canada from 1963 up until the late 1980s. Although the band's core catalogue was distributed by Capitol Records, the company did not always press its own records; they often subcontracted other companies to press their records from imported metal parts (pressing plates) sent directly, and almost exclusively, from Capitol USA's Scranton facility. When parts were not sent to Canada, RCA Victor Studios in Toronto would prepare the master themselves--a lacquer master, a matrix, a mother and a stamper--this last part being sent to pressing plants. The three early unique Canadian albums were designed and prepared in Toronto from UK master tapes, after which either master tapes or metal parts were sent from the USA instead.
As a rule of thumb, when matrix numbers are stamped, these were made from US metal parts sent from Scranton, while hand-written matrix numbers refer to Canadian-made masters from USA tapes. Beatles '65 is a good example since early copies are made from Scranton parts (stamped numbers as well as the Scranton triangle "International Association of Machinists" logo), while later copies were prepared by Graham Newton in Toronto (hand-written matrices with GN initials). Please note that Compo has also prepared some masters (for the Help! album, for example), and although these have stamped numbers, the master is Canadian-made; notice the typeface differences between Compo and Scranton discs.
Each pressing plant had its own equipment that left different "tool marks" on the pressed disc, namely by its gripper that left a pressing ring, like a signature that is unique to every plant. These markers are the main identifier of where a particular record was pressed (along with matrix information). Below is a list of the different pressing plants used, with photo examples to allow proper identification of Canadian pressed discs.
For more details on RCA Victor and pressing information, please visit
Capitol6000.com, and read Piers Hemmingsen's
The Beatles in Canada, The Origins of Beatlemania.
1. RCA Victor
RCA in Smiths Falls has pressed Beatles records between 1963 and mid 1976 (their involvement ended when Capitol opened up its own pressing plant in Mississauga). RCA pressed both albums and singles for Capitol. RCA discs are recognized by their 70 mm deep groove (for LPs - left image) and by the closed "L" loop in the Capitol logo on the singles (right image).
Some LPs feature what looks like a single 70 mm ring (a recessed center instead of a deep groove) (center image), but although these have been raising questions amongst collectors regarding their origin, they are considered by the authors as a "pressing default" or inconsistencies where pressure probably affected the shape of the groove, rather than an official different version. There is no indication that these originated from different machines at a different time - some records have single rings on one side and a deep groove on the other.
In the early 1970s, RCA was experimenting with a new vinyl compound called "DYNAFLEX" that was meant to be more flexible, resulting in really floppy records that were at times much thinner. These had a different pressing ring that was considerably smaller and almost identical to Compo pressing rings (24 mm instead of 25 mm). Unless a specific album was originally pressed by both factories (Rubber Soul or Apple albums, for example), masters were usually not sent back and forth between companies; smaller ring reissue pressings are therefore usually either "still Compo" for "traditionally Compo albums" (like Revolver or Pepper), or Dynaflex pressings for "traditionally RCA albums" (like Beatles '65 who has a Dynaflex reissue on the orange label).
2. Compo
Compo has pressed Beatles records between 1962 and 1974, after which Columbia (CBS) took over and in turn, was replaced by Capitol in-house pressings in 1976. Compo pressed both albums and singles for Capitol.Compo discs are recognized by their small 25 mm pressing ring (for LPs - left image), and by the open "L" loop in the Capitol logo on the singles (right image). Compo was mostly used in support to RCA with high demand orders (like the Beatles), but seem to have become the main subcontractor for Apple albums between 1968 and 1975 (where RCA would have come in support during high demand periods).
Compo's pressing plant in Lachine, Québec (near Montreal) pressed the rare My Bonnie single on Decca in 1962, but operations quickly moved to their new Cornwall, Ontario plant in 1963. It is not known if the change was complete by 1963, but it seems that all copies of A Hard Day's Night (and later albums) were pressed exclusively at the new Cornwall facility, although the back cover of all copies up until the tan label state the Lachine plant. Finally, Compo also pressed Beatles records for Polydor and ATCO.
3. Columbia / CBS
Columbia (or CBS) has pressed Beatles records between 1974 and 1976, and was used again later between 1984 (when Capitol's Mississauga plant was decommissioned) and 1987 (when Capitol of Canada stopped producing Beatles vinyl records). Columbia pressed both LPs and singles. Columbia discs are recognized by a very thin 68 mm pressing ring (for LPs), and by their etched matrix numbers that follow typical Columbia numbering. Both subcontracting periods display similar characteristics, but 1970s records on the orange label (left image) are usually much thicker than their later retro rainbow counterparts (center image). Columbia also took over pressing Apple records between 1973 and 1975 (right image).
4. Keel
Keel was used briefly during the early 1970s. Keel was pressing records for budget labels like Pickwick, which had in turn been distributed by Capitol starting in 1967. It is no surprise that Capitol explored its options with one of its close subcontractors. Keel pressed only albums (when it comes to Beatles) for Capitol, and Keel discs are recognized by their 70 mm thin pressing ring (similar in size to RCA, but similar in style to Columbia). Another tell, is the overall quality of Keel pressings that usually appears to be substandard (the ring and labels are not as cleanly pressed). Keel pressings can be found with green target labels (left image), orange labels (center image) and purple labels (right image). Orange labels Keel pressings often have a small "K" stamped on the label (see center image).
5. Capitol
Capitol of Canada opened its own pressing facility in 1976. While singles were pressed early on that year, the first albums produced at the new plant appeared only in October. Capitol pressed both LPs and singles at the Mississauga plant. Capitol discs are recognized by their 39 mm pressing ring (for LPs - left and center images), and by their bumpy ridge and smaller labels on the singles (right image). The last Bealtes discs produced at the plant were on the retro rainbow label in 1983, after which operations were transferred to Columbia (CBS).
6. Cinram
Cinram was another subcontractor used by Capitol. Cinram pressed LPs during the late 1970s (1977-1983) and then later around 1987 at the very end of Beatles LP production in Canada, where CDs became the standards. Unlike Keel, Cinram pressings were of very good quality and their last retro rainbow pressings are amongst the best sounding of all Beatles Canadian pressings. Cinram discs are recognized by their smaller 29 mm pressing ring (for early LPs - left images), and by their added 70 mm recessed plate on their later pressings (right image). Cinram pressing can also often be identified by trail off markings (stamped CR in a circle, or cursive hand etched stylized CR), although some Cinram discs were pressed from Capitol-made masters and bear only Capitol markings.
7. Quality
Some non Capitol albums and singles were not distributed by Capitol and were therefore commissioned by other companies who also subcontracted external pressing plants. One of these "other players" was Quality, who pressed records for Metro, MGM. Quality discs are recognized by their 70 mm pressing ring similar to RCA, (deep groove not as sharp as RCA pressings for early LPs - left images) and a thin 70 mm ring for later pressings (center image). Singles, on the other hand, are quite similar to RCA or Compo discs, but are overall thicker and sturdier (right image) and possibly not made from the same vinyl compound. Quality usually identifies records that they pressed ("Manufactured by Quality Records Limited").
Beatles records were pressed in Canada from 1963 up until the late 1980s. These albums were reissued many times during this period, after which albums were imported from the USA or the EU once Canada stopped pressing its own vinyl records. Beatles LPs on Capitol Records saw seven label designs through the years, most of which have different subvariants of their own, making twelve label subvariants in total (each one is numbered accordingly across this website). Understanding these differences can allow precise dating of any specific pressing. Here below is a detailed account of the different Capitol label variations found with Canadian Beatles records:
1. Rainbow "no brackets" label
These were used on Beatles records between 1963 and June 1966 (this is identified as number "1" across this website). This variant is identified by the perimeter text around the label that states "MFD IN CANADA BY CAPITOL RECORDS OF CANADA"
2. Rainbow "brackets" label
These were used on Beatles records between July 1966 and 1969 (this is numbered as number "2" in this website). This variant is identified by the perimeter text around the label that states "MFD IN CANADA BY CAPITOL RECORDS (CANADA)", adding brackets around the word "Canada".
3. Apple label
These were used on Beatles (and other Apple artists) records between November 1968 and 1975 (this is numbered as number "3" in this website). This variant is easily identified by the apple on the label. It is important to note that in Canada, only Apple releases were released on this label, while, unlike it was the case in the USA, reissues of Capitol albums were NOT released on the Apple label, but rather on the Capitol target and early orange labels.
4. Green Target label
These were used on Capitol Beatles albums in late 1969 on some albums, and more widely in 1970 (this is numbered as number "4" in this website). This variant is identified by the lime-green label that features the new target logo as a backdrop.
5. Red Target label
These were used on Capitol Beatles albums in 1971 (this is numbered as number "5" in this website). This variant is identified by the cherry-red label that features the same target logo as a backdrop. While the USA reissued Capitol albums on the Apple label, during this period Canada reissued them on this label instead.
6. Orange label 1st generation
These were used on Capitol Beatles albums in 1972 and 1973 (this is numbered as number "6" in this website). This variant is identified by the GOLD perimeter text around the label. While the USA reissued Capitol albums on the Apple label, during this period Canada reissued them on this label instead.
7. Orange label 2nd generation
These were used on Beatles records in 1974 and 1975 (this is numbered as number "7" in this website). This variant is identified by the BLACK perimeter text around the label. Early labels from 1974 feature the ™ logo on the bottom right of the label (by the "L" of Capitol), while later copies from around 1975 switched to the ® logo. While the USA reissued Capitol albums on the Apple label, during this priod Canada reissued them on this label instead.
8. Orange label 3rd generation
These were used on Beatles records starting in October 1976 (this is numbered as number "8" in this website). This variant is identified by the Capitol pressing ring, symbolic of pressing operations moving to Capitol's new in-house pressing plant with their 17 new record presses. (Note that singles were being pressed at the new plant as early as June, but albums started only in October).
9. Purple label 1st generation
These were used on Beatles records in 1977 (this is numbered as number "9" in this website). This variant is identified by the Capitol dome logo found in the perimeter text around the new retro dark purple label. This variant also features a different pressing ring that is believed to be Cinram pressings (it features Cinram trail off markings); this pressing plant was used a few times in the following years, possibly when the machines were under maintenance or being adjusted at the new plant. It is also important to note that Cinram was a subcontractor so some of these pressings were made from Cinram prepared masters (featuring the Cirnam trail off markings, like stamped or cursive "CR"), while others are made from Capitol prepared masters (featuring only the Capitol markings, but have the Cinram pressing ring).
10. Purple label 2nd generation
These were used on Beatles records between 1978 and 1980 (this is numbered as number "10" in this website). This variant is identified by the perimeter text around the label design that states "Manufactured in Canada by Capitol Records-EMI".
11. Purple label 3rd generation
These were used on Beatles records between 1980 and 1983 (this is numbered as number "11" in this website). This variant is identified by the perimeter text around the label design that states "Manufactured in Canada UNDER LICENSE by Capitol Records--EMI".
12. Retro Rainbow label
These were used on Beatles records between 1983 and 1987 (this is numbered as number "12" in this website). This variant is identified by the new retro rainbow label design. This label was first used in 1983 on the last of the Capitol pressings pushed out of the Mississauga plant, and then by Columbia for the reissue catalog, and finally Cinram (from the Columbia masters, therefore featuring only Columbia trail off markings) around 1987, who was hired to press Beatles records and CDs as the Beatles catalog was standardized.
Other Labels : United Artists, Metro, MGM, ATCO, Polydor
Although the core of the Beatles' Canadian catalog features releases by Capitol, some titles were released and reissued on other record labels, and therefore feature different label designs, some even having many subvariations, like United Artists who repressed A Hard Day's Night through the late 1970s. These are detailed and pictured in each individual album title sections.
Beatles 7" records were pressed in Canada from 1963 up until the late 1980s. (The Decca My Bonnie 45 from 1962 was not a "Beatles" record per se). Like it was the case with the LPs, these 45s were reissued many times during this period (although not as much as LPs), after which records were imported from the USA or the EU once Canada stopped pressing its own vinyl records. Beatles 45s on Capitol Records also saw seven label designs through the years, most of which have different subvariants of their own, making thirteen label subvariants, plus Starline variants (each one is numbered accordingly across this website). Understanding these differences can allow precise dating of any specific pressing. Here below is a detailed account of the different Capitol label variations found with Canadian Beatles 45s:
1. Yellow / Orange Swirl no Brackets
These were used on Beatles records between 1963 and June 1966 (this is identified as number "1" across this website). This variant is identified by the perimeter text around the label that states "MFD IN CANADA BY CAPITOL RECORDS OF CANADA"
2. Yellow / Orange Swirl with Brackets
These were used on Beatles records between July 1966 and 1969 (this is numbered as number "2" in this website). This variant is identified by the perimeter text around the label that states "MFD IN CANADA BY CAPITOL RECORDS (CANADA)", adding brackets around the word "Canada".
3. Apple
These were used on Beatles records between November 1968 and 1975 (this is numbered as number "3" in this website). This variant is easily identified by the apple on the label. It is important to note that in Canada, only Apple releases were released on this label, while, unlike it was the case in the USA, reissues of Capitol titles were NOT released on the Apple label, but rather on the Capitol target and early orange labels.
4. Target with Oval Logo
These were used on Beatles records in late 1969 on some rare titles before using the target logo (see label 5), this is numbered as number "4" in this website. This variant is identified by the orange / red target label that features the old style oval logo. While the USA reissued Capitol albums on the Apple label, Canada reissued them on this label instead during this period.
5. Target with Target Logo
These were used on Beatles records in 1970 and 1971 (this is numbered as number "5" in this website). This variant is identified by the orange / red target label that features the new target style logo. While the USA reissued Capitol albums on the Apple label, Canada reissued them on this label instead during this period.
6. Orange 1st Generation
These were used on a handful of Beatles titles in 1972 and 1973 (this is numbered as number "6" in this website). This variant is identified by the GOLD perimeter text around the label. While the USA reissued Capitol albums on the Apple label, Canada reissued them on this label instead during this period. This is one of the scarcest variations for Beatles singles.
7. Orange 2nd Generation
These were used on Beatles records in 1974 and 1975 (this is numbered as number "7" in this website). This variant is identified by the BLACK perimeter text around the label. This variation also features only a handful of reissued titles, but remains slightly more common than the previous variation. While the USA reissued Capitol albums on the Apple label, Canada reissued them on this label instead during this period.
8. Orange 3rd Generation
These were used on Beatles records as early as June of 1976 (this is numbered as number "8" in this website). This variant is identified by the bumpy ridge around the label, symbolic of pressing operations moving to Capitol's new in-house pressing plant. Almost all Beatles singles (Capitol and Apple) were reissued on this variation; only a few early titles from the 72000 series were not reissued. This was also the variation that was featured in the Beatles Forever series. (See section on Beatles singles for the complete list).
10. Purple 2nd Generation
These were used on Beatles records between 1978 and 1980 (this is numbered as number "10" in this website). This variant is identified by the perimeter text around the label design that states "Manufactured in Canada by Capitol Records-EMI".
11. Purple 3rd Generation
These were used on Beatles records between 1980 and 1983 (this is numbered as number "11" in this website). This variant is identified by the perimeter text around the label design that states "Manufactured in Canada UNDER LICENSE by Capitol Records--EMI".
12. Retro Rainbow
These were used on Beatles records between 1983 and 1986 (this is numbered as number "12" in this website). This variant is identified by the new retro rainbow label design. A handful of early releases on this label was pressed by Capitol in 1983 (these are very scarce) and feature a bumpy ridge, but most copies on this label variation are Columbia pressings made between 1984 and 1986, and feature no bumpy ridge.
13. New Purple
These were used on Beatles records around 1986 (this is numbered as number "13" in this website). This variant is identified by the new retro rainbow label design with no bumpy ridge.
Starline Series : Green Swirl and Beige Variants
These were used on Beatles records between 1965 and 1986 (this is numbered as number "12" in this website). Starline releases from 1965 feature a green swirl design (and are made from US masters), while later Starline issues are identified by their beige label design (see Beatles singles section for a detailed list of subvariants).
Other Labels : Decca, United Artists, MGM, ATCO
Although the core of the Beatles' Canadian catalog features releases by Capitol, some titles were released and reissued on other record labels, and therefore feature different label designs. These are detailed and pictured in each individual album title sections.
Open Reel Tape releases were niche products aimed at the audiophile market of the time (people dedicated to high-quality audio), who used high-end playback systems. Audiophiles generally leaned towards classical and jazz music rather than pop music in this format, so these Beatles tapes are extremely scarce in any condition today.
As a general rule, Beatles reels are divided in two main series:
1. Capitol white box series, 7" reel (1960s)
Both the tapes and boxes were manufactured in Canada, but we often printed our slicks using US artwork. The best way to distinguish the Canadian pressings from the US issues is the color of the box: Canada always used WHITE cardboard boxes, while the USA used either BROWN or BLUE boxes.
It is not known if Apple albums were ever produced in the reel format in Canada (with a white box) - All examples found to date are US brown box tapes, which might have been imported to Canada instead of being manufactured here. Another consideration is that the Gold Box series (see next entry) was released in 1970, so Hey Jude and Let It Be might have only been considered for the Gold Box series.
2. Gold box series, 5" reel (1970)
In 1970, Capitol created the Gold Box Series of reel tapes (5" reels) featuring hit albums of the time. Most Beatles albums were produced in this series of open reels.
Capitol Records of Canada started to offer the 8-Track tape format in the fall of 1968. Early tapes (until 1971) were manufactured by Ampex (under their Datapack format), after which Capitol switched to other manufacturers. Early tapes had white shells, and between November 1968 and mid-1969, they were issued in a sideways red and black cardboard slip case that featured the tracklisting of the album; these are extremely hard to find today and are very collectable. Later 1970s and 1980s shells were black, but changed manufacturers a few times (Ampex Datapack, Lear Jet, Capitol). Hybrids or transition tapes can also be found, where older white slicks are used on a newer black Datapack shell, or the other way around (a black slick on a white Datapack shell).
Also of note, some tapes (mostly later mid-70s tapes) were found with US artwork on a Canadian shell. It is not known if all titles have been released in all variations, but it is assumed that most have been. The current archive pictures all confirmed variations, and will be updated over time, as new titles are discovered.
Finally, some rare two-album tapes exist in the USA (like the two-titles reels), but Canadian "twofer 8-Tracks" have yet to be confirmed.
All in all, there appears to be five main series of 8-Track tapes produced in Canada, many of which have their "sub-variations":
1. White Datapack Shell
These first 8-Track tapes from November 1968-1970 features a white Ampex Datapack shell with a white Canadian paper slick (unlike the separate pink US slicks of the time). White shell tapes were housed with a unique red and black generic cardboard slip case onto which was glued a paper title sheet. These slip cases were dropped around the end of 1970 when black shell / black slick tapes were introduced.
2. Transitional Datapack (series A and B)
Around 1970, white shells were replaced by black Ampex Datapack shells with a black slick (see next entry), but early on, transitional copies can be found with a shell / slick mismatch (e.g., white shell / black slick or black shell / white slick). White slick tapes were still housed with a unique red and black generic cardboard slip case.
3. Black Datapack Shell
Around late 1970, white shells were replaced by black shells with a black slick. These used the same shell format (Ampex Datapack) but featured a different black slick design. These were used until late 1973 when Capitol changed manufacturers. Black slick tapes were now issued in a generic black Capitol / Apple slip case that features information in both French and English. The new slip cases were never used on white slick tapes. These new pressings were the first to use the new Capitol Target logo around 1970-1971.
4. Lear Jet Shell
Around 1973, Capitol decided to subcontract Lear Jet to produce their 8-Track tape shells instead of Ampex, these have a slightly different grip angle, shorter lines on the top of the shell, and are marked "LearJet" in a larger recessed area on the back of the shell. These can be found with Canadian or US artwork slicks and were used until around 1976. US artwork slicks featured the old-style dome logo instead of the target logo from that period.
5. Capitol Shell
In mid 1976, Capitol of Canada was to become "self-sufficient" with their new manufacturing plant in Mississauga, and they also started to produce their own in-house shells. These black shells can be found with the Capitol target logo pressed into the plastic, and have a shorter grip than previous models.
Again, it is not known if all titles have been released in all these variations, but it is assumed that most have been. This archive pictures all confirmed variations, with expected titles being marked as "To Be Confirmed", but be aware that dating these might prove to be difficult, so most dates here are estimates. If you have information that can help detail, clarify or rectify this archive, please do contact us, as we would like to make this reference website as accurate as possible.
Information on dates and manufacturing information of early 8-Tracks presented above was developed by Piers Hemmingsen; for a detailed account of the 8-track story in Canada, please refer to Piers' book: The Beatles' Canadian Discography part 1.
Cassette tapes were introduced in Canada as late as the fall of 1968 or early 1969. Cassettes could/would have been imported from the USA prior to this. The timeline for cassettes is still quite confusing since although a general consensus can be made for dating the different variations, some titles were offered much longer on some variation types than others, and some were only issued on specific designs throughout the decades. For example, some Apple titles remained on the early blue spine design until the early 80s, while, generally speaking, the blue spine design made way for the black spine sometimes in the 70s. Some titles were simultaneously released on both designs, whiles others were only found on either design. The criteria defining which title was released on what design remains pretty mysterious. If you have information that can help detail, clarify or rectify this archive, please do contact us through the CONTACT page, as we would like to make this reference website as accurate as possible.
Overall, there appears to be eight main series of cassettes tapes, all of which have their (many!) "sub-variations":
1. Blue Spine
Early cassettes had a blue spine and paper labels on a white plastic shell, but were used until the mid 1970s. These are found with yellow paper labels as well as black shells with silver print. This first series most likely overlapped with the black spine series as some tapes from 1978 were found on this variation.
2. Black Spine
Black spine tapes were found quite early as well and overlap with blue spine issues. (It is not known what made a release blue or black spine). They too had paper labels on a white plastic shell. White paper labels were used until the mid 1970s, when yellow paper labels were used instead. Black spines were used quite extensively, until at least 1981 where they were found housing black shells tapes with silver prints.
3. Light Blue Spine
Light Blue spine tapes with black bars seem to have been found around 1978 and would seem to have been used for tapes sold at a lower mid-price point. They are similar in design to black spine tapes and have been available simultaneously. Tapes from the late 1970s up until 1982 often featured a beige shell.
4. Black and Yellow
Black and Yellow spine tapes were found for a short while before 1982, and seem to be a transitional design before SDR tapes appeared the following year. Most have the period-correct "Capitol-EMI" legal text, while some (later?) copies have an MPL / Under License text.
5. Black and Yellow SDR
Black and yellow SDR tapes (a unique Canadian format) were found between 1982-1985 and featured a new technology that was soon standardized to the American XDR version of the format. These are found with beige or black shells with printed text.
6. Light Blue SDR
Light Blue SDR tapes appeared at the same time as the regular black and yellow SDR tapes, and seem to have been used for tapes sold at a lower mid-price point, focusing for example on some solo releases as well as compilation albums (the black SDR tend to focus more on the core catalogue).
7. Color Inlay
The colored inlay design introduced around 1986 was unique to Canada and is the series that was produced for the longest period, between 1986 and 2000. It is also the series that has seen the most variations (4X number, C4 number, XDR, Apple logo and gold UK formats). Early tapes feature the "80s computer font", after which the typeset changed to a more traditional "Times New Roman font" in the late 1980s. The C4 numbering appeared around 1991, while bar codes were introduced shortly after. Tapes that mention "EMI Music Canada" would be from after 1993, and most likely between 1995 and 2000. White shells were also used in 1994-1995, after which clear shells were introduced in 1995.
8. Apple 2.0
When Apple was reborn and started to produce a series of new releases, the color inlay design was dropped, and EMI adopted a more standardized (and custom) design approach. These are found in Canada between 1993 and 2001 when EMI stopped producing cassettes domestically and started importing them instead (cassette sales were becoming marginal at this point).
As is the case for other formats, it is not known if all titles have been released in all variations, but it is assumed that most have been. This archive pictures all confirmed variations, with new titles being added as they are discovered and confirmed.
Be mindful that dating these might prove to be difficult, so most dates here are educated estimates. If you have information that can help detail, clarify or rectify this archive, please do contact us through the CONTACT page, as we would like to make this reference website as accurate as possible.
For a detailed account of early cassettes in Canada, please also refer to Piers Hemmingsen's book: The Beatles' Canadian Discography part 1.
Along with other countries around the world, in 1987, EMI Canada released for the first time the Beatles complete catalogue on all known active format at the time (LPs and cassettes), both as box sets and individual albums. Furthermore, EMI released the Beatles entire catalogue for the first time on "the new format of the future": the Compact Disc. The CD release coincided with (or was a good opportunity) the official worldwide standardization of the Beatles' catalogue, now having the UK formats + Past Masters as the "only official complete picture" (at this point, North American releases became a thing of the past, besides occasional collectors box sets).
As it was for all the other formats, EMI Canada was still producing domestic releases, and all in all, there appears to be five main series of CDs produced in Canada (note that Canadian CDs were numbered C2, while USA pressings used the CDP prefix instead, many of which were imported to Canada at the time):
1. Disque Americ pressings
Early CDs from 1987 were manufactured in Canada by Discque Americ or Cinram. These early Disque Americ CDs were soon replaced with EMI domestic pressings. Some titles (Help! and Rubber Soul) are quite sought after by collectors worldwide today because these two early pressings featured the (wrong) original LP mix, while they were supposed to use the George Martin 1987 remix like the rest of the world.
2. Cinram pressings
Early CDs from 1987 were manufactured in Canada by Disque Americ or Cinram. Some titles (Help! and Rubber Soul) are quite sought after by collectors worldwide today because these two early pressings featured the (wrong) original LP mix, while they were supposed to use the George Martin 1987 remix like the rest of the world. Cinram continued to press Beatles CDs as late as 2009, and these newer pressings do not feature the mistake mix.
3. EMI pressings
A few years later, production moved in-house, and are marked as Manufactured by EMI near the spindle hole. This is a common variation and it was produced until the remaster series, released in 2009. The EMI CDs were often made from a glass master produced in Jacksonville (JAX) that was sent to Canada for production.
4. Modern Apple releases
1993 marked the "return" of Apple, with a new remastered release of the red and blue compilation albums. The following years saw a series of new Beatles album, Live at the BBC, the Anthology series, Yellow Submarine Songtrack, Beatles 1, Let It be... Naked and Love, all produced in Canada. After this, CDs were imported to Canada from either the USA or the EU.
5. 2009 Remasters
2009 marked the remastering of the Beatles Catalog. Every album was available either as a box set or as individual albums. The box set featured a CD of all mini documentaries found on original CDs. These CDs have US artwork, but CDs are made in Canada.
Entries in this archive are numbered so you can easily refer to them when trying to organize your collection. A typical variation number would be presented in an Alpha Decimal format that sequentially identifies:
As an example, the Columbia pressing of the White Album featured on the 2nd generation orange label would be numbered LP.24.7.1 : in other words, the LP version of the 24th title (the White Album), on the 7th label type (the orange 2nd gen. label), and this is the first variation of this category.
Or, the Gold Box Series Reel to Reel release of Sgt Pepper's would be numbered RE.21.2.1: in other words, the reel version of the 21st title (Pepper), from the second series of reels (Gold Box), and this is the first variation of this category.
Finally, the last clear shell cassette issue of Abbey Road would be numbered K7.26.7.4: in other words, the cassette version of the 26th title (Abbey Road), from the seventh series of tapes (Color Inlay), and this is the fourth variation of this category.
...and so on.
This allows anyone who has learned the numbering system to identify with precision any variation, just from its ID number. This system does not replicate other numbering systems (e.g., Spizer, or Valiquette), but has been tailored to the structural logic of this archive.