Beatles - Abbey Road - 8-track tape - 1970

1. General Information

Artist: The Beatles
Album: Abbey Road
Format: 8-Track Stereo Tape Cartridge
Catalog Number: 8XT-383
Label: Apple Records (Cartridge) / Capitol Records (Slipcase)
Release Year: 1970 (Second state of the original US issue)
Condition: Factory Sealed / New Old Stock (NOS)

2. Description

Abbey Road stands as a masterpiece of production and was the final album the Beatles recorded together. Historically, it is significant as one of the few albums of its time recorded almost entirely on 8-track tape machines (the 3M M23).

This 8-track cartridge features the unique program reordering required for the format, placing the "Abbey Road Medley" across different programs to ensure continuous play without long silences. It is housed in the classic black Capitol slipcase, which was introduced around late 1969 as a more durable alternative to the earlier white shells. This is a true artifact from the peak of the 8-track era.

3. Condition

Seal: Factory Sealed. The original shrink wrap is remarkably tight and intact. There are no significant rips or tears visible.
Slipcase: The black cardboard slipcase remains in excellent condition under the seal. Colors are sharp, and the "Abbey Road" cover art is vivid.
Cartridge: As the item is sealed, the cartridge is in Mint (M) / New Old Stock condition. The green Apple labels are perfectly preserved.

4. Notes for Collectors

Edition Status: This is the original 1970 second state of the 8XT-383 release. It is distinguished by the listing of "Her Majesty" as a separate track on the label (found on Program 1 and Program 4).
Rarity: While Abbey Road 8-tracks are available, finding a sealed copy in such well-preserved condition is an outlier. This is a high-grade investment piece for serious Beatles completists or media historians.
Provenance: Features the original 1970-era Capitol manufacturing markings on the reverse, citing the Jacksonville, Winchester, and Los Angeles factories.

5. Matrix / Labels

Catalog Number: 8XT-383
Labels: Green Apple logo on the cartridge; Capitol Records "C" logo on the slipcase.
Tracklist Variation: "Her Majesty" is explicitly listed as track 4 on Program 1 and track 8 on Program 4.
Back Cover: Includes the full tracklist and Capitol Records Inc. manufacturing credits.