"Many other reviewers here on Amazon have done a sufficient job of telling you about the contents of this set, but the ultimate question that needs answering is: Do you really need to own this set?

If you're a casual or mildy fanatic fan, the answer is probably a "no." It's an expensive set to say the least. You are paying for 22 CDs containing 2 songs each. Depending on where you buy this set, you are paying (on average) $7-10 per disc...or $3.50-$5.00 per song! Also, all of these tracks can be found on the 13 original albums and the two compilation discs (Past Masters 1 and 2). You can actually buy the 13 original albums and two compilation discs as a package deal for just a little more than what this singles box set will cost...and will end up with all of the officially released songs, not just the 48 songs that were released on singles in the UK.

If you are an obsessed fan or a raving lunatic (like myself), you'll want to own this set, however. While it's nice to have the box and the 22 individual sleeves recreating the artwork in the singles, the real strength of the set is the sound quality. All of the singles (with the exception of the last couple of singles, which were stereo only) are presented in their original mono mixes, just as released in UK. While some people view "mono" as a dirty word, it really is the best way to hear these singles...as the Beatles and George Martin invested most of their time on the mono mixes, with stereo mixes made later (almost as an after thought). As others have pointed out, songs like "I Wanna Hold Your Hand" which sound full and bright in mono, sound rather thin and weak in the stereo mixes presented on the Past Masters compilations (and on the "1" CD, unfortunately).

In summary, casual Beatles fans can steer clear of this box. Diehards and fanatics, however, may find this box set will be a valuable addition to their collection. If you can find a slightly used copy on the second-hand market for much cheaper, even better."