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Brian Epstein's personally-owned 12˝ US Capitol Records two-sided acetate for the mono release of The Beatles' Second Album (Capitol Records, T-2080, 1964). The acetate disc bears purple-and-white Capitol labels, filled out in type: "Time 15:16, Project No. T-2080, Side 1, Artist Beatles, Proof 3-17-64" and "Time 11:24, Project No. T-2080, Side 2, Artist Beatles, Proof 3-17-64."
What sets this example apart is its extraordinary provenance—it originates from the personal collection of Brian Epstein, who managed the Beatles from 1961 to 1967. Epstein was instrumental in securing the group’s first recording contract with EMI/Parlophone in 1962 and played a pivotal role in shaping their early success. Tragically, he passed away just months after the release of their groundbreaking Sgt. Pepper’s Lonely Hearts Club Band in 1967.
During a 1978 trip to England, Beatles historian Gareth Pawlowski acquired 59 original Beatles acetates directly from Brian’s brother, Clive Epstein. Following Pawlowski’s death in 1995, his collection was sold through his estate to various collectors. This specific acetate was first publicly offered at a major auction in 1997. It is prominently featured in Pawlowski’s acclaimed book How They Became the Beatles, illustrated on page 180.
The acetate was originally cut by famed mastering engineer Maurice Long at the Capitol Records Tower on March 17, 1964. Upon completion, it was shipped to England, where it was reviewed by Epstein and the Beatles for approval. The group often voiced dissatisfaction with Capitol’s mastering and remixing of the original EMI tapes, finding the US mixes inferior to those produced in the UK.
Condition (VG-): The lacquer displays light surface marks to both sides, with no major scratches or issues that affect play. Audio playback is very nice with little overall background noise and fantastic mono acoustic range, as is often present with most acetates. The labels on both sides are in beautiful overall condition. Accompanied by a high-fidelity digital transfer (.wav file) of the acetate's contents on a USB stick.
Released in April 1964, The Beatles’ Second Album holds a special place in Beatles history in the United States. Compiled exclusively for the U.S. market, it showcased the band’s explosive early sound with tracks like 'She Loves You,' 'Roll Over Beethoven,' and 'Long Tall Sally.' The record captured the raw energy of Beatlemania at its height and became the group’s second number-one album in America within just three months, solidifying their dominance on both sides of the Atlantic. A tremendous, top-quality acetate from the height of the band's American fame, originating from the personal collection of their legendary manager.
From the Mark Erbach Collection.
