I will declare a lower amount on the customs form for all countries so as to avoid/decrease high import charges.  However, in the case of the EU all purchases are subject to VAT which eBay collect at point of sale. No shipping to Russia currently.

Black Sabbath : Black Sabbath 1Y1 / 2Y1 2nd Vertigo Press

This very collectable Vertigo pressing plays with STUNNING audio with essentially no interference.  The clarity of sound is incredible and I only detected 3/4 mega light ticks in total.  There are no clicks or pops and no static either - I cannot impress enough just how clean and powerful the audio is here, it really is sonic quality of the highest standard.  The depth and resonance of the audio is second to none and you can turn it up to max without fear of any distortion.  In all my years selling on eBay this is without doubt one of the finest examples of this classic album that I have ever listened to and it easily qualifies as a FINAL UPGRADE archive pressing.  How many of these 50+ year old albums are left that play with no interference?!

The vinyl is visually stunning with only a small number of very faint hairlines and it clearly has not been played very much based on the audio and the minimal spindle wear.

The cover is in excellent condition with only very minimal wear and has retained its original shape and structure so well.  The front and back cover are so clean and the inside is also in excellent order for once!  The original Swirl inner is also in great shape with no side splits.

This is known as the second pressing and it has the large Swirl logo on the S2 label and BLACK SABBATH is just off centre from VERTIGO below it as can be seen in the photos.  This cover is more commonly seen with the third pressings but as we all know there was no strict 'matching' process in place in the 'packaging factory' during the early 70s!  The credits on the inside are all in lower case and Ozzy Osbourne is still incorrectly spelt as Ossie Osborne.

VO 6   1Y * 1   420   1 3  2 1

VO 6   2Y * 1   420   1 2  1 3

The audio on S1 is Mint(-)

The audio on S2 is Mint(-)

The gatefold is a very strong Ex

The labels are Near Mint

The original swirl inner is Ex+

Visual description

This vinyl is in superb condition and still has a lovely glossy sheen with no marks or scratches.  Under a strong light I can only see a small number of very faint sleeve removal hairlines and there is nothing that stands out.  There is no groove wear and the run out grooves are also very clean.  The Vertigo labels are super clean with no marking and have only minimal spindle wear.  This is a stunning looking vinyl!

Play grading  

The 'thunderstorm' / tolling bells intro on 'Black Sabbath' has to be most perfect I have ever heard.  The clarity of sound is absolutely STUNNING and there is not even a single dust tick.  Iommi's introduction is of the same standard and the following quiet section and Osbourne's first vocal are just as impressive.  So far the sonic quality cannot be faulted and 'as new' is an honest appraisal of the audio.  It continues in the same - the quieter sections play with sublime clarity and the more powerful sections play with a phenomenal depth and resonance.  There are no ticks, clicks, pops or static - just pure Mint audio at its finest!  It has the familiar deep, menacing Sabbath sound and it plays as well it would have done back in 1970!  The up-tempo section then plays with exceptional power and definition and has no distortion on the top end.  Right to the final note the playback is 100% perfect.  This has to be the most 'complete' version I have listened to and Mint is the only grade I can give.

There is complete silence in the dead wax and then the harmonica intro on 'The Wizard' plays with wonderful clarity.  All I 'picked up' were a couple of mega quiet static ticks, more like dust ticks really.  As Ward and company come in the audio is flawless and the opening vocal section has no intrusion either.  It continues in the same precise way and by now it is patently obvious this vinyl that has been so well cared for and only infrequently played down the years.  Every vocal and instrumental section play with stunning precision and I cannot emphasise overstate just how clean and strong the audio is.  I believe Mint is still a fair assessment of the audio.

This time there is one light click in the dead wax but then the entire intro on 'Behind The Wall Of Sleep' plays perfectly.  Osbourne's opening vocal is just as strong and this high end standard is kept up throughout.  Once again you cannot help but admire the sonic quality on offer here and the only intrusion is one static tick type on Ward's final percussive section.  Aside from that the playback is faultless and Mint- is deserved.

The iconic bass intro from Butler on 'N.I.B.' is nigh on perfect with only a couple of minor statics and as Iommi comes in the audio is 'as new'.  The opening vocal is equally as strong and from then on it plays with unrivalled quality.  For a final track the clarity and definition of sound is so impressive - indeed it is so good that for once there is no inner groove distortion - another sign this vinyl has not been played very much.  The mid instrumental is faultless as is the next vocal passage.  Iommi's end sequence then plays with incredible power and clarity and this also grades as Mint- at the very least, what a STUNNING side of music!

--------------------------------------------------------------------------

'Evil Woman...' on S2 plays with genuine quality from the get go.  The intro and opening verse have no intrusion and the first chorus is just as strong.  From then on it plays with superb audio and again shows why the first / early Vertigo pressings are so collectable.  The sonic quality is on another level compared to any later pressings / reissues.  It plays with phenomenal power and depth and 'as new' pretty much sums it up.  Ok one mega quiet tick at the end of the fade out but Mint is still fair.

The acoustic intro on 'Sleeping Village' is stunning!  The clarity of sound is comparable to an un-played record and the opening vocal is equal to that.  Not even a solitary dust tick so far.  Iommi's first 'piece' is flawless and that applies to the entire instrumental section, the sonic quality is unbelievable!  Each note is so clean and precise and the power is just off the scale.  Every note is 'enhanced' you could say because the vinyl is just so clean and Iommi's final drawn out has no intrusion either.  A stunning Mint version in every way. 

The heavy bass / guitar intro on 'Warning' is 'as new' and Osbourne's opening vocal keeps up the good work.  Butler's deep bass of course adds so much to the true Sabbath sound but even more on this classic track and especially, I repeat, on a vinyl as impressive as this one.  The following instrumental section is perfect as is the next vocal and the percussive section is 'as new' with no interference.  The brief 'silent' section is exactly that, totally silent with no background and this instrumental passage continues to play with a sonic quality that is second to none.  This truly is audio at its very best!  There is literally nothing 'getting in the way' not even during the quieter moments.  Iommi's stand alone section is 'as new' I cannot compliment it high enough and again the next brief interlude of silence is... 100% silent.  Every section plays with imperious quality and as the volume increases there is no distortion on the top end.  Osbourne's end vocal has no background as is the final instrumental piece.  I often find this 10 minute plus classic has some interference somewhere, maybe a static tick or click but not here!  I cannot fault it in any way and Mint is richly deserved.  I do not over-grade my listings as my feedback testifies and this has to be the most 'complete' version I have ever listened to.  What. A Version!

In summary this very early Vertigo pressing plays with STUNNING quality across both sides with basically no interference.  As always I have cleaned the record but it has to have been 'clean' and well preserved before that to play this well.  There are no clicks or pops, no background static, and I have only 'downgraded' a couple of tracks on S1 to Mint- because of a couple of minor static ticks i.e. very very minor!  And they are obviously not intrusive.  The clarity, depth and separation of the audio is spectacular and it easily qualifies as a FINAL UPGRADE time-warp classic.  In other words you could not improve on the 'sound quality' here, it really is of the highest calibre.  In hand with a fine cover and superb Vertigo inner this would add to any top level collection.

The Gatefold & 'Swirl' Inner Sleeve

This iconic matt textured cover is in excellent condition with only minimal wear.  The top edges are super clean and the bottom edges have only a couple of minor rubs and a little wear in the right hand corners.  The wide spine is in superb condition with barely any wear on the corners and the opening edge has minimal handling wear.  The front cover is unmarked apart from a couple of minor specks near the right edge and the back cover is just as impressive with only a couple of minor indents that you only see when you hold it at a certain angle.  Neither side have any creases which is a rarity.  The inside of the gatefold for once is very clean with only a handful of minor white 'specks' on the left and right edge and minimal 'spotting' along the bottom edge.  A fine example overall and 'cleaner' than so many you see today.

The original poly-lined swirl inner (dated 0171) is in great condition with no side splits or tears and only a little age related fading around the edges.

Play tested on my Rega P2 with Rega Carbon Cart / Denon PMA-520AE Amp / B&W 684 Speakers

This record has been cleaned on a Pro-Ject VC-S machine

VO 6   1Y * 1   420   1 3  2 1

VO 6   2Y * 1   420   1 2  1 3

I grade according to "Record Collector" guidelines.

Any questions please feel free to ask

Please pay within 4 days of auction end

Recent Feedback

Very happy with this item, and special thanks for perfect packing!

Fabulous - like new. Fast dispatch, well packaged. 5* seller. Thank you

100% reliable seller. Fast shipping and great communication. A++++

Everything perfect as usual!! Item in pristine condition and quick delivery!

Top seller! Well packed record and great condition of item.

Fast, safe post, packing & comms. Ebay needs more sellers like this. Thank you.

Fantastic shipping, killer service, amazing seller, buy from him !!

Best seller! A++++ always great collectible items in perfect condition!

Postage & Packaging

I NOW ONLY SEND ITEMS WORLDWIDE VIA TRACKED SHIPPING. THIS PROVIDES 'PEACE OF MIND' IN CASE OF LOSS OR DAMAGE. ALL COSTS ARE SHOWN BELOW AND COMBINED POSTAGE IS ALWAYS OFFERED. ANY OVER-PAYMENT WILL ALWAYS BE REFUNDED BACK TO THE BUYER.

THE ROYAL MAIL ONLY INSURE ITEMS UP TO THE VALUE OF £250 SO IF AN ITEM SELLS FOR MORE A COURIER SERVICE MAY BE USED (e.g. Parcelforce, DPD).  AN EXTRA INSURANCE PREMIUM WILL BE REQUIRED BUT I WILL NOT KNOW THE EXACT AMOUNT UNTIL THE FINAL SALE PRICE IS KNOWN.  HOWEVER, SOMETIMES I WILL ESTIMATE A COST AND THIS WILL BE STATED IN THE LISTING.  PLEASE WAIT FOR THE INVOICE BEFORE MAKING ANY PAYMENT BUT IF YOU HAVE ANY QUESTIONS PLEASE FEEL FREE TO GET IN TOUCH.  MANY THANKS.

ALL VINYLS ARE PACKAGED IN STRONG CUSTOM MADE OVER-SIZED MAILERS WITH EXTRA CARDBOARD PROTECTION. THEY ARE PUT IN SEPARATE POLY-LINED INNERS OUTSIDE OF THE COVER SO AS TO AVOID SEAM SPLITS. THEY ARE ALSO PLACED INSIDE A PVC SLEEVE TO PROVIDE EXTRA PROTECTION. I PRIDE MYSELF ON MY HIGH QUALITY PACKAGING AS MY FEEDBACK TESTIFIES AND IF ANY CUSTOMER HAS ANY SPECIFIC REQUIREMENTS I WILL ALWAYS ENDEAVOUR TO HELP.

I ONLY USE HIGH QUALITY MAILERS AND THESE COST ME £1.00 EACH. I WILL OFTEN USE 3 OR 4 CARDBOARD STIFFENERS AND THESE COST AT LEAST £0.15 EACH AND THEN THERE IS THE COST OF THE POLY-LINED INNER AND PVC SLEEVE TO TAKE INTO ACCOUNT. IT ALL ADDS UP! NOT FORGETTING EBAY TAKING 10% OF THE SHIPPING FEE ALSO!!

UK Postage Rates (First Class Recorded - Max 2kg)

LPs/12" singles : £5.95 up to 1kg then £1.00 per extra item 

EUROPE (Tracked - Max 2kg)

LPs/12" singles : £15.95 then £2.00 per extra

USA (Tracked - Max 2kg)

LPs/12" singles : £24.95 then £2.50 per extra 

REST OF WORLD (Tracked - Max 2kg)  

LPs/12" singles : £21.95 then £2.50 per extra

I AM MORE THAN HAPPY TO LEAVE FEEDBACK AFTER PAYMENT HAS BEEN MADE, NONE OF THIS WAITING BEFORE I RECEIVE FEEDBACK FROM YOU - I HAVE CONFIDENCE IN MY LISTINGS!  IF YOU ARE NOT ENTIRELY HAPPY WITH YOUR PURCHASE PLEASE CONTACT ME BEFORE LEAVING FEEDBACK AND I WILL ALWAYS RESOLVE ANY PROBLEM, 100% GUARANTEED.  IF YOU WOULD PREFER TO SEND THE ITEM BACK I WILL OF COURSE OF COURSE PAY THE RETURN SHIPPING COST IF I AM AT FAULT.  I AM ONLY HUMAN AFTER ALL!