Black Sabbath : Black Sabbath (Vertigo Swirl 3rd Press 1Y1 / 2Y2)

This early pressing on the Vertigo label plays with stunning clarity and definition and the vast majority is of a Mint standard.  I listen to every track in full so as to provide a comprehensive grading and the only interference is on the final track on S2 which lasts for just five seconds.  Apart from that the audio is spectacular!

The gatefold is super clean with only very minor shelf wear.  Being a later Vertigo pressing it has the composition and publishing credits but 'Ozzy' is still incorrectly spelt as 'Ossie'.

 The original swirl inner has some wear but no side splits.

VO 6   1Y * 1   420  1 2 2 4

VO 6   2Y // 2   420  1 1 2

The audio on S1 is Mint- (Track 1 Near Mint)

The audio on S2 is Mint- (Track 3 VG- for 5 seconds)

The gatefold is Ex+

The labels are Near Mint-

The original swirl inner is VG+

Visual grading

The vinyl is in excellent order and retains a very healthy glossy sheen.  There are a few hairlines of which 2/3 are a little more obvious.  There is also a very small scratch on S2 which causes the interference as described below.  I do not wish to overstate the imperfections because visually it is still a very impressive looking vinyl and with not too much spindle wear I do not think it has been over-played.  The stunning quality of 98% of the audio confirms that!  The run out grooves and labels are in superb condition with no marking.

Play grading  

The 'thunder / bell toll' intro on 'Black Sabbath' is so 'clean' and you would not think you were listening to a record!  It has no 'background' and is 'as new' in my opinion, never heard better.  As Iommi comes in the audio is of the same standard and the first quiet section also plays with sublime quality and barely any static.  Osbourne's first vocal is again so impressive and there is only the lightest of background static, hardly audible and totally non-intrusive.  It continues to play with wonderful quality and as the volume increases all I heard was one faint click.  Apart from that the audio is so strong and has a depth and power that you only find on the first/early Vertigo pressings.  The 'high octane' end section is just stunning!  Overall this classic grades as Near Mint but the majority is even better than that!

The harmonica intro on 'The Wizard' plays beautifully with no 'background' and from then onwards plays as well as it did when first released.  I can give it no higher compliment!  There is nothing to fault as there is just no interference of any kind, not even a dust tick.  It is Mint from start to finish.  Wow!

'Behind The Wall Of Sleep' is of the same immaculate standard.  The intro, every verse and instrumental section play with incredibly clarity and definition and there is barely any static on the quiet bass section right at the end.  Static is an exaggeration really as it is so faint and totally non-intrusive.  Another 'high end' track and I am confident in grading this as Mint- it is absolutely stunning!

'N.I.B.' impresses with amazing audio once more.  It can be turned up to maximum without fear of any distortion which is a rarity for any final track but especially one from the early 70s.  The power and depth from start to finish is so strong and to the end it plays without fault.  No clicks, pops, static or crackle - Mint in every sense of the word.

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

'Evil Woman...' plays with immense quality from the word go.  There is no interference, not one single click or pop, and the clarity is exceptional.  The fade out does not even have a solitary dust tick!  This is audio at its very best and qualifies as Mint...again.

This may be getting repetitive now (sorry!) but the quiet intro on 'Sleeping Village' is just stunning!  It has no 'background' and the first 'quiet' verse is of the same quality.  The following instrumental section is 'as new' the power and depth is fantastic!  This entire section is 'as new' the sonic quality is phenomenal!  Wow!  I cannot over-state how incredibly well it plays and it is clear this vinyl has not been overplayed during its 'lifetime'.  plays!  There is no 'muddiness' to the sound and the long final guitar note has no obvious static whatsoever.  This is Mint from start to finish.

The bass/guitar intro on 'Warning' is equally as good and then the first two verses then play with stunning precision.  There is no 'background' and it continues to play with sublime quality and the third verse is again 'as new'.  From that point on the audio is just breathtaking.  The quiet, almost silent section before it gets going again is perfect and provides another example of the immaculate clarity on offer here.  The only downside is a handful of light clicks towards on one section near the end but fortunately it is brief and the final instrumental section is faultless as is the final vocal.  So there is that one short passage that grades as VG- but the remainder grades as Mint having listened to it twice now.

In summary this early Vertigo pressing plays to a 'high end' standard that rarely found today.  It is a shame about the few seconds of light interference on S2 but apart from that the clarity and sonic quality is second to none, 'as new' in fact.  In essence the audio is Mint apart from that five seconds and the one light click on S1 and it's not often you can so that about one of the early Vertigo pressings!  They were heavily played and quite rightly so!  A very impressive vinyl overall.

The Gatefold

This is a superb example of this iconic cover and it has very little wear and also remains very strong and robust as if it hasn't been handled too much.  The top edges are super clean with no rubbing, the bottom edge of the front cover has only a minimal amount and the bottom edge on the back cover just a little more.  That's about it really, the rest of the cover is in superb shape.  The corners have very little wear, just a little on the bottom right ones and the spine is in perfect condition.  The opening edge has hardly any handling wear and the front and back covers are incredibly clean with no marking or scratching.  The inside of the gatefold is as close to perfect as you will find and has none of the fading/marking that you so often see, just a small number of insignificant white 'spots'.  This is a fine example of this debut cover.

Inner 'Swirl' Sleeve

The original poly-lined 'swirl' inner has no side splits but does have some light 'spotting' and creasing.  There are also a couple of minor tears on the central window.

The Labels

The Vertigo labels are in superb order with only minimal spindle wear and no marking, writing or 'spotting' which is a rarity.

Play tested on my Pro-Ject Essential III Turntable / B&W 684 Speakers

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

VO 6   1Y * 1   420  1 2 2 4

VO 6   2Y // 2   420  1 1 2

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 SHIP WORLDWIDE BUT WHEN SENDING ITEMS TO ITALY, RUSSIA/UKRAINE AND SOUTH AMERICA I WILL ONLY SEND THEM VIA TRACKED SHIPPING AND THIS COSTS AN ADDITIONAL £5.00.

WHEN ITEMS SELL BETWEEN £50.00 AND £250.00 AND ARE TO BE SENT TO ANY INTERNATIONAL DESTINATION TRACKED SHIPPING IS AGAIN NECESSARY AND COSTS AN ADDITIONAL £7.50 AS EXTRA INSURANCE IS REQUIRED.

FOR ITEMS OVER £250.00 PLEASE CONTACT ME AS THERE WILL BE A HIGHER INSURANCE PREMIUM AND WILL HAVE TO BE SENT VIA A COURIER SERVICE AND THE COSTS CAN VARY.  THE ROYAL MAIL ONLY INSURE UP TO £250.00 HENCE THE NEED FOR ANOTHER SERVICE.  PLEASE CONTACT ME FOR THE EXACT AMOUNT AND THEN WAIT FOR THE INVOICE.  PLEASE ONLY BID IF YOU AGREE WITH THESE TERMS AND CONDITIONS, MANY THANKS.

COMBINED POSTAGE IS ALWAYS OFFERED WHEN MORE THAN ONE ITEM IS WON.

ALL VINYLS ARE PACKAGED IN STRONG CUSTOM MADE OVER-SIZED MAILERS WITH EXTRA CARDBOARD PROTECTION. THEY ARE PLACED IN SEPARATE POLY-LINED INNERS OUTSIDE THE COVER IN ORDER TO AVOID SEAM SPLITS IN THE POST. EVERYTHING IS THEN 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.

UK Postage Rates (First Class)

LPs/12" singles : £5.45 (recorded) up to 1kg then £0.95 per extra item 

7" singles / CDs : £1.95 then £0.35 per extra

EUROPE (Standard)

LPs/12" singles : £8.95 then £1.75 per extra 

7" singles / CDs : £5.45 then £0.95 per extra 

REST OF WORLD (Standard)  

LPs/12" singles : £12.45 then £2.50 per extra

7" singles / CDs : £6.95 then £1.45 per extra

I WILL LEAVE FEEDBACK ONCE I HAVE RECEIVED IT.  THIS IS SO I KNOW THE ITEM HAS BEEN RECEIVED SAFELY AND THAT YOU ARE HAPPY WITH IT. IF YOU ARE NOT ENTIRELY HAPPY WITH YOUR PURCHASE PLEASE CONTACT ME BEFORE LEAVING FEEDBACK AND I WILL ALWAYS RESOLVE ANY PROBLEM, 100% GUARANTEED.  I WILL ALSO PAY THE RETURN POSTAGE COST IF I AM AT FAULT - yes this can happen as I am only human!!