BLACK SABBATH 1st ALBUM, 1970 UK VERTIGO SWIRL SPIRAL

	£		64
	$		85

Here for auction is a superb example of the self-titled 1st album by BLACK SABBATH, Catalogue Number Vertigo VO 6. This is an ORIGINAL 1970 UK STEREO PRESSING on the VERTIGO SWIRL RECORD LABEL, with 1Y*1, 2Y*2 Matrix Numbers. Complete with black gatefold sleeve with lyrics printed on the cross, and the correct Vertigo Swirl inner sleeve.   

The un-laminated gatefold sleeve, with lyrics printed on the cross and Dunbar credits for 'Warning', is in EX condition (strictly graded) with only the lightest signs of wear. The front and back covers and opening gatefold spread are unmarked. The spine is square and solid with all text clearly legible. You can see from the photos that this is a beautiful sleeve which should please most collectors.

The record is solidly pressed with a thick square-cut rim edge. It retains a deep mirror-like shine and sits flat and true on the turntable. Visually I would grade both sides as close to EX, as there are a few light surface marks visible under bright light (mostly caused by taking the record in and out of the inner sleeve). The beautiful Vertigo Swirl labels are unmarked apart from some spindle traces near the centres. There is barely any wear around the spindle hole.

PLAYGRADE ASSESSMENT:

This is a particularly vibrant and loud-cut pressing with stunning sound quality and amazing bass. All frequencies are crystal clear. There is no discernable deterioration in sound quality and barely any unwanted noise at all. Apart from a few soft ticks (6 or 7) during ‘Black Sabbath’ playback is near perfect with nothing to fault. A significantly better playing original copy of this seminal album may be difficult to find.

Complete with the correct poly-lined Swirl inner sleeve which is in EX condition, with no splits or tears.

GRADINGS

The records that I offer for sale have been critically play-graded, at loud volume, on a Rega Planar 3 turntable fitted with an Elys 2 cartridge. I will only sell records that play to a high standard. My gradings are strict and in accordance with the following descriptions:

·         MINT- Record is superb, almost like new, with just a few sleeve removal type surface marks and no deterioration in sound quality. Sleeve is near perfect in all respects

·         EX Record is a top quality example, with just a few very light surface marks which do not sound, and barely any discernable deterioration in sound quality. Sleeve has slight wear and/or creasing

·         VG Record has some visual surface marks, but still plays to a high standard without any major deterioration in sound quality – just a few clicks or light surface sound in places. Sleeve has normal wear and tear without any major defects. Still a very presentable sleeve

PACKAGING & POSTAGE

Records are sent out in new “Wrapro” record mailers. These are rectangular and strong, providing excellent protection to the edges and corners. Records are removed from both inner and outer sleeves in order to prevent seam-splits in transit.

INTERNATIONAL POSTAGE

Due to PayPal’s Buyer Protection Policy, LPs posted outside of the UK (paid for by PayPal) will only be sent International Signed-For with insurance   

Europe up to £36 value - £8.95

Europe over £36 value - £11.15

Worldwide up to £36 value - £11.45

Worldwide over £36 value - £13.65

Multiple LPs will be charged at an extra £1.50 per LP (up to 4 in total)

The UK postage cost includes insurance up to a value of £36. If the final sale price is more than this, your invoice will include a Special Delivery Next Day insurance option.