Is The New 2023 The Rolling Stones Mono Box Set Better Than The 2016 Box? A Review.

[@SG-ym1dm]

Cheaping out on 2 $ sleeves on a 400 $ box set, that pretty much sums up the vinyl market these days.

[@SG-ym1dm]

@user-gi8cw8pq2k The record companies are trying to squeeze every last bit of $ out of the "vinyl boom", resulting in shittier products at ever higher prices.

[@mattmcgourty7971]

Still far cheaper than an after market 2016 version

[@TheCranberrySource]

It’s one of those things that’s unacceptable. Not everyone has an expensive cleaning machine and a few bucks by the record companies for an already pricey product can save the customer from noise and building up gunk on their stylus.

[@jasonf3128]

Yep, the new Gn'R box set had cheap white paper sleeves on all 12 records...ridiculous!

[@powerslave0606]

So not having the Beatles Mono set repressed should be actually a good thing?

[@geoffhartley4515]

Mike thank you for doing this video and all your videos. You are a straight shooter and us vinyl enthusiasts appreciate your unbiased opinions.

[@ragnarkoric]

I received my colored vinyl set today box #00001. I think the ones I’ve listened to so far sound fantastic. I clean all my records and resleeve anyways so I wasn’t bothered by the cheap inners. I’am very happy I picked this up. Had a house fire last year and lost most of my record collection, including all my Stones, so this fills that hole. Great review

[@timkimware3537]

Great overview, Mike. I believe it was Keith playing bass on Sympathy for the Devil.

[@kjellwre2240]

Yes,its Keith on the bass🎸

[@lamper2]

@@kjellwre2240 He, by this time, was used to Brian laying on the floor (until he was laying on the bottom of his pool)

[@voodooinblue3450]

@@lamper2Brian didn’t come into this given Wyman was the bass player not Jones and to correct your hilarious quip, Jones was floating at the top of the water, not the bottom of the pool but keep at it, aside from being wrong about everything, you’re doing great.

[@denims1965]

Keith played bass on Sympathy for the Devil, not Bill.

[@Matasky2010]

Personally I don't mind the thick paper inners, they are perfect for inserting a round-bottom poly inner, and add extra rigidity to the covers. It will only cost a few dollars to replace all the inners, small price to pay to own this box at a reasonable price!

[@danielbigna5469]

Your videos are always enjoyable and informative. The real gem is the mono version of 'Let it Bleed', which is hard hitting and sounds fantastic. I'm a CD person and have the originally released box set in that format. I understand that the original 'Let it Bleed' LP was released in very small quantities as stereo had taken over by 1969. All the albums in this box sound great but 'Let it Bleed' comes out the winner.

[@onsenkuma1979]

Thanks for the detailed review Mike. You can aways be relied on for the straight goods. I have the 2016 set, which I got at a significantly lower price than what they want for the new box, so I'm good...

[@elvispresleycollectorsgroup]

Great review - and t-shirt debut😊

[@AngeloKellyOfficial]

Always enjoy your videos 👍

[@Lucas_Reartes]

Mike thank you very much for making this videos. To be honest, I really enjoyed it!

[@giantorangerecords]

Great video, thanks Mike! I thought about maybe getting all the Stones Decca mono albums, but those are way harder to find than the Beatles mono Parlophone records, which are out there, as you so wisely said. I'd never given it much thought. For this box set it's about $25 per record, so that's not bad. And it seems like here in mid-2024 they're still available from Amazon. Too bad they're in paper inner sleeves.

[@onderov]

The 2023 set was also cut by Sean Magee. He's got it written on Abbey Road studios page in his discography section.

[@Beatlesjohn1960]

Thanks mike watch your videos every week and thanks can’t wait to get mine

[@MelindaMurphy]

I loved hearing your review Mike! It is an excellent box set. Take care.

[@MelindaMurphy]

@The Sixth Beatle haha! I think it's a keeper. I'm sorry. 😀

[@CarlC9898]

@@MelindaMurphy I enjoyed his review and your review too melinda :)

[@56dinosaur]

Keith Richards played the bass on "Sympathy for The Devil;". Bill Wyman played percussion.

[@muldoon67]

Mike, that shirt looks way better than the thumbnail used in the online poll.

[@BigSky1]

Bass player on ‘Sympathy For The Devil’ is Keith and not Bill.

[@reddsrecords7167]

Thanks for the review. I was slightly on fence but you say they sound good so I’m going with it. Thanks for sharing!

[@FlipSideCT]

Glad we get options, BUT WHO CAN AFFORD THIS and the consistent barrage of vinyl assortment?? Also, I would never buy a record because it is a different color.

[@michaelribas6192]

I’m assuming that most people are buying this because the black version has gotten so expensive. This one will too.

[@FlipSideCT]

@@michaelribas6192 very true.

[@rixvspinner]

I like the new company logo Mike. I had the original Stones box set, the printing quality was not great in the 2016 set. The vinyl of the 2016 set was quite good I remember and it sounded pretty good. The colour vinyl I don't care about and actually prefer black since you see any non fill, scratches etc more easily. Made in the EU appeals to me. The mastering work on the 2016 set was great actually. Between The Buttons is my fav early Stones record and it sounded quite good compared to my London USA first press. Re the Beatles- Yes, get the Parlophone UK first or early reissue pressings, or get the BC13 (blue box) vinyl set. I heard that at a friends place, sounds great as many know.

[@jessesmith555]

I agree, the printing on the 2016 covers wasn't great. Almost thought mine were bootlegs the printing was so fuzzy.

[@mumbles215]

It’s funny. Mick Jagger said between the buttons was bounced so many times (4 track tape) that’s it sounded washed out to him. Lost it hi fi a bit. I would love to hear the diff as you said. Great album too

[@BlueSky...]

Great video Mike. You've always called it as you see it.

[@jmad627]

I ordered one a few days ago. Looking forward to listening to them.

[@claybowler751]

Great video. I just ordered it on Amazon and noticed it was coming from Asia. I then started reading the reviews and began to worry it was counterfeit. It appears they cut costs, which parallels the complaints from those who bought it and describe it as dirty vinyl.

[@john-lamarca]

I have every 1st UK and US mono and stereo pressing of the Stones catalogue and I still bought this one. While I normally prefer all analogue, the Stones aren’t an audiophile band, and so in this case the DSD actually improves many of these tracks. With that said, there is a rawness to the originals that I also quite like. Anyhow, thanks for another great, comprehensive video, Mike.

[@dariuszsalamon9441]

it is not dsd that improves it, they probably used the best tapes available to convert them to dsd

[@john-lamarca]

@@dariuszsalamon9441 Yes, perhaps that was poorly worded. I meant that the DSD transfers from the original tapes were an improvement over what I hear on the original pressings. The guitar in Around and Around for example is much clearer and more forward on the DSD version.

[@tvc515]

Like you, I treasure my original copies which sound so much better to me.

[@dariuszsalamon9441]

@@tvc515 many ogs back in a day were cut from copies so when they do transfer original master tape to dsd and cut vinyl it may sound better... but the ame vinyl cut from original analog master tape will sound better than digital one, simple example AP analog cut of Muddy Waters vs one step from mofi and more titles

[@mister_bojangles]

I am late to this party and bought the coloued vinyl box in January 2024. I can assure you that Abkco must have heard the complainst about the unlined inner sleeves. Because my coloured records all nestle inside lovely lined inner sleeves.

[@vinyljoe8861]

Love that shirt!

[@BabarKhan-oh6zq]

Fantastic video, thank you for doing this Mike!

[@davidjurney]

Thanks for the review and the comparison.

[@SublimMedia]

I have had this on preorder since November I think, Got it for 320 dollars and then the price shoot up to 430. Cant wait to get it! Thanks so much for the review. I think ill have one up on my channel too when it arrives.

[@Brian-qg8dg]

Since it is a recut and on color vinyl, then it makes sense that its not etically wrong agaisnt the 2016 limited run. Would of been nice or not nice, if they changed up or added a few extras on this run. Good reason to collwct both, right? Hahah

[@mikejeffries8630]

Re the dead wax info., I believe Sean Magee no longer puts his paw print on his cuts, so that could be a reason for the difference here between the two presses.

[@mikehill8113]

Sadly I ordered mine when first announced but due to HMV in UK not honouring my order after 50 years of being a customer. So no Stones boxset for me. I'm sure all the touts got theirs to sell on Ebay.

[@irasthei2014]

Brilliant review!

[@wolfybaby911]

Mike .. any thoughts on the 1980 Decca box set from Germany? ( THE ROLLING STONES STORY ) ?

[@michaelribas6192]

It’s got some fake stereo.

[@dannygromfin4102]

Received mine today and the bottom of the box arrived separated from the box. In other words, the weight of the LPs blew through the bottom panel of the admittedly thin cardboard box. Anyone else have this issue?

[@iHomerx360a]

They explicitly state in the press release that Bob Ludwig mastered it and that Sean Magee cut the lacquers. If this isn’t the case, then we have a problem.

[@TheInGroove]

In the solicitation to stores the only name that is mentioned is "essay by David Fricke"

[@iHomerx360a]

@@TheInGroove Fair enough, but again the official website states "The Rolling Stones in Mono (Limited Color Edition) was mastered by GRAMMY® award-winning engineer Bob Ludwig at Gateway Mastering. For the project he utilized Direct Stream Digital (DSD) transfers from the original master recordings, with a sampling rate of 2,822,400. Lacquer cutting for vinyl was performed at Abbey Road Studios by Sean Magee."

[@chessnord7934]

Nice shirt!

[@jameswilson7084]

I thought the UK "Aftermath" and "Their Satanic Majesties Request" album covers were supposed to look better in this 2023 set. I wish those two LP covers were compared side by side and not just "Beggars Banquet".

[@sgtpepper7041]

I heard (don't know how true it is) that many tracks in the original mono box were stereo fold downs.

[@guitarplayer4127]

Thanks it is a really interesting point, what is the correct way to listen to an album, the original version or new pressing which has changes like more bass as you highlight.

[@LifelongMusicJunkie]

I am interested in this Stones boxset but I have never been a big mono fan. That is what is holding me back. I was thinking the Abraxas statement at the same time you brought it up in the video! That would be a Tesla moment, some guy buys one from you for 2 grand, then Mofi puts it out at a lower price a week later! lol. Also funny was that you could not remember the guys name at Mofi when it was Mike!! a laugh out loud moment! Hard to remember that name from your pov! Cheers

[@analoguecity3454]

Some people prefer "Matt finishes", I do not! I like the "laminated" (gloss) versions!

[@djjoeykmusic]

Good morning Everybody! Awesome video!!! I have my coffee and ready to go. Great job Michael

[@Rockstaralan]

Great video! That said, I remember when the OG black vinyl box was on its way. Being in a financial position at the time to afford it, I was just about to pull the trigger at one point. Heck, it didn't even bother me that the box contained the overlapping U.K. Decca and U.S. London variants of all their albums up to a certain point. But what made it an IMMEDIATE deal breaker for me (now as with then) was what I felt to be a GLARING omission of the U.S. Mono "Between The Buttons". In fact, If you'll indulge me for a moment on the sub-topic of BTB, I must say I've always ironically preferred the U.S. version over its unabridged/unaltered U.K. counterpart. Perhaps maybe because "Let's Spend The Night Together" (a WAY BETTER album opener than "Yesterday's Papers", IMO), and "Ruby Tuesday" fit so well within the running order and make for a much better overall listening experience. Whereas, for me, the U.K. version seems lacking without those two songs (keeping in mind most UK labels' policy of the time to keep albums and singles as separate releases). I used to have a fairly clean OG U.S. London mono of BTB, which I bought for $8 back in the early 2010's, but which now is sure to command many times more that even in fair/poor condition. I made the mistake of getting rid of it sometime ago. And as you can imagine, I regret it still to this day!

[@harrysmusicroom]

Looking forward to receiving my box.....I like that shirt Mike!

[@patriciablyler6484]

I love the new T-shirt!

[@theheepster]

Great news for those who couldn't get the original box set at a reasonable price. Only the owners of the original will howl if the value should drop. I don't care, I buy something because of the music not because of the increase in value.

[@SamWesting]

Who cares if the flippers are butt hurt over this new set?

[@Geoduck.]

Thanks Mike. I may be ordering a box.

[@bilguana11]

Are these sourced from the 2002 DSD files?

[@revelationsoundstudio]

The Mono box set has so many cover tunes the Rolling Stones performed. It was not until Aftermath that I really enjoy their music. For now I will listen to the songs I want from this box selection on Spotify.

[@lamper2]

If you were a young white small town teenager in 1964 you wouldn't know all those songs you refer to to as covers, They were ALL Rolling Stones songs until I and millions of my same age peer group did our deep dive into WHERE IT ALL CAME FROM!

[@revelationsoundstudio]

@lee shafer Perhaps but the songs are not Stone songs and I don't like their cover tunes as much as the songs they wrote. Especially by the time 1966 arrived with Aftermath.

[@NicksLiveEvents]

Rad new shirt!

[@leon9021]

WOW, they really should sort out the recut info as we all assumed it would be the Sean McGee cut, but at least you found them sonically similar.

[@TheTigersfan20]

I love the shirt, but why does it look like you’re giving me the universal peace sign? Lol 😂

[@djjoeykmusic]

Love the shirt! Cool Michael

[@Daddo1]

The 2027 box sounds so much better - and the box is a medium gloss!

[@akosalbertoszabo]

That guy on your tshirt looks really familiar :)

[@ben4ssi430]

I don't understand... better 2023 or 2016?

[@OwlsRNotWhatTheySeem]

That shirt is great. You like?

[@MrJasonMeans]

Hey… nice shirt ;-)

[@Daddo1]

THE SHIRT!!!!! hooray!

[@christophercowles2553]

I am not unsure about whether I want this. I am only unsure about whether I will be able to come up with the money before it’s gone.

[@DarkSideOfThePepper]

What kind of packaging did it arrive in Mike? Was it well packed?

[@JimmyV1530]

How can a majority of these expensive box sets not include poly vinyl sleeves?? What a Joke !!

[@analoguecity3454]

I know, really!

[@robertratliff2834]

Thanks for the candid review Mike. I have been on the fence regarding this one. Love the new shirt, will they be available to purchase? Best regards, Bob Ratliff.

[@TheInGroove]

Yes - www.theingroove.com/products/copy-of-the-in-groove-record-store-black-mens-t-shirt

[@tonyfafoglia2927]

Keith Richards played bass on Sympathy for the Devil not Bill Wyman

[@roscoejones4515]

Nice review Mike, finally getting a comparison review. Maybe because you didn't get the box for free.😏

[@ginntonic123]

Everything good Mike , just think Keith played the bass on sympathy for the devil

[@bigsgunnnarsson5423]

That’s Keith allright. 👌🏻

[@therevrockinrollin]

Great review, Mike

[@dimebagdave77]

THNX! Mike🔥 Edit: Nice shirt! I saw several designs I liked out of the choices you showed.lots of talent somewhere

[@sabinianomaia4844]

THIS BAND IS VERY COOL, AWESOME, AND "I CAN'T GET NO-SATISFACTION"... "ANGRY" from HACKNEY DIAMONDS IS THE TOP OF THE TOPS. Since 1962 'till 2024 (62 years in activity) ??? Amazing and incredible... at last. Am i wrong?? I'm in love for T.R.S. ✌😎

[@jackneidinger9544]

Do paper sleeves really make a record dirty?

[@nickcarroll5034]

it depends but not really

[@peterpousard9033]

Terrible pressing quality these days. Got my Bill Evans box set. 10 of the 22 discs is warped. Not the best hit rate. How’s this one?

[@goldwax]

Some people have had some minor complaints about dishing on the second album and maybe another thing here or there, but my copy was as close to perfect as records can be.

[@Paalry1]

Its Keith on bass on symphathy.

[@carrion_man3700]

My color set sounds great, but the packaging was pretty disappointing. The back matter (hype page on back of box) was shrink wrapped crooked and creased, the records are in dirty paper sleeves (my copies were particularly filthy, even for paper), and the plastic sleeves the records are in were 'pushed' into place, meaning they, too, were creased. Just a basically care and quality issue. Otherwise, a fantastic collection for any fan. Just disappointing that you pay upwards of $500 for a set and it's not pristine- all factory packing care issues. Customers deserve better attention to detail at this price point.

[@orilliaphil6430]

Bill Wyman did not play bass on "Sympathy For the Devil". Keith did.

[@kguy2know]

Great review. I was lucky enough to get the 2016 box for not too much more than reg price- though gently used with box damage ( no big deal) but do not feel that i need to have this just because color vinyl- but if I did not have the 2016 I would have picked this up after your review. I have gotten great vinyl from your store based on your review!! Thanks for these; very worthwhile with the end result of being introduced to really awesome music. Others have mentioned ur unbiased opinions and have to agree!!

[@JimMorrisonslizard]

Love the Dickie-designed new t shirt!

[@TheInGroove]

Dickie did not do this shirt.

[@JimMorrisonslizard]

@@TheInGroove who did?

[@davidmacku5502]

Czech Republic Is in Europe... ;-)

[@socialmeaslesinpartnership1252]

Dunno. The last remix I heard was of "Gimme Shelter" and "Midnight Rambler" few months ago and both were terrible.

[@williamr3840]

Flat? You're lucky! Hsre in Great Britain we're getting the Rolling Stones half-speed "Highest quality pressings" in glorious dish-warped format. :0/

[@kaarefestvog6540]

The burying of Keef's guitar riffs at the end of Monkey Man on the recent Stereo pressing is an abomination.

[@slanderbob415]

It's a shame that they cant release the BLACK BOX stuff on Vinyl.

[@middleman9183]

I think it's about time The Rolling Stones should stop fleecing their fans of cash considering the limited quality in their back catalogue.

[@RAFchurchlawford4469]

How to mug the record collector, part 33: use coloured vinyl

[@Matasky2010]

How to re-release a sold-out box set at a reasonable price, part 1: use coloured vinyl!

[@markh.9822]

Instead of paying $1,500 for a box set, you only pay $400. If that's what getting mugged is I implore more people to mug me

[@fortyAVFC]

10,000 picture discs 😮

[@onderov]

Not a picture discs. Coloured vinyl. Two different manufacturing processes.

[@about.the.music...]

Which box is laminated? 2016 or the new one?

[@TheInGroove]

2016

[@goldwax]

Neither one is “laminated.” The 2016 is full-gloss, the 2023 is semi-gloss. Personally, i prefer the latter.

[@about.the.music...]

@@goldwax yes, thanks for that clarification. I think I had the word "laminated" in my head from having just watched 45 RPM Audiophile's review of the box, and coming away confused--M45 must've mixed it up as to which edition had what kind of gloss. I have the 2016 and wanted to know as much detail in difference to the original release as possible. Decided in the end to not fork over more cash. Straight now, thanks.

[@captainkirk70]

Ummmm. Keith played bass on Sympathy.

[@mr.george7687]

Would like to see them released as mono singles.

[@jackfalco5351]

Plenty of original mono copies floating around. I guess if you have nothing else to do with your money…..

[@saltzine]

Then?

[@Theactivepsychos]

Poly liners are the worst!

[@robertwoodward9231]

Not to worry. The 2024 600.00 box set will be even better!

[@akosalbertoszabo]

🤣😂

[@if6was929]

The Czech Republic is part of Europe.

[@jackneidinger9544]

Mono records sound worse than stereo. I don't care what everybody says. The one exception that I know of is Surrealistic Pillow.

[@murkrow2316]

Own both. The mono version is far superior. Gave the stereo version to my daughter

[@festersuncle6298]

Rolling Stones box......cool. But at the end of the day I don't care.

[@thomasdearment3214]

ahh mono. go to a record store. back in the day and most if not, all records came in two versions. the mono at $2:50 or the stereo at $3:50 most sale in the mono were because. it was cheaper and being played on cheap single speaker record players. The smooth each component stereo taking up whole walls craze had not hit yet.

[@robertpannullo5687]

I’ve been listening to these albums for nearly 50 years .. no need for me to buy these again.. I’ll pass

[@TheHSIHP]

Who knows. What I am sure of is in a year he will sell it for 10 times its value on a whatnot auction without shame.

[@life5161]

Why these companies are still using paper sleeves is beyond me!! 😐 Especially at the insane prices. Definitely have gotten less vinyl since the prices went bonkers. With freaking eggs costing 8 dollars there's NO MORE FUN. The Great Depression 2.0 is here.