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 generally collect at point of sale.  No shipping to Russia currently.

Black Sabbath : Vol. 4 1Y1 / 2Y1 1st Press Vertigo 1972

This first pressing plays to an incredible standard with barely any intrusion, in fact you could argue there isn't any!  The clarity, depth, warmth and power of the audio is outstanding.  As always a track by track grading is given below.  The only background is 2/3 minor ticks on the 'FX' intro and a handful of light statics on the 'Laguna Sunrise' intro but they are hardly intrusive.  This is sonically one of the best first press Vol. 4s that I have ever played and I have listened to a fair number!  I cannot emphasise enough just how clear and precise the audio is, it is stunning.  For example, 'Changes' is so often affected by static etc but not here!  The playback is phenomenal, it is so so clean.  The audio could hardly be any stronger and the vinyl has clearly not been played very much.

The gatefold is easily the most impressive one I have ever seen!  It has been preserved so well and has retained its original shape and structure perfectly, hopefully the photos do it justice.  I very nearly graded it as Near Mint- but in the end I went for Ex++ just to play it safe but regardless it is in lovely condition with barely any marking which is a genuine rarity.  As per this release it either came with a Vertigo inner or a Plastic Bags... one and this has the latter although it is not date coded so maybe isn't the original one.  It is excellent condition.

The first pressing has a 1Y1 / 2Y1 matrix, no Made in England on the Side B label, the gatefold is matt textured and inside reads 'We wish to thank the great COKE-Cola Company...'.  The track listing has no timings either.

6360071  1Y//1  1  21  0 1  PORKY (etched)

6360071  2Y//1  1 1  9  PECKO (etched)

The audio on S1 is Mint(-) (T4 Near Mint- / T5 Near Mint)

The audio S2 is Mint(-) (T3 intro Near Mint-)

The gatefold is Ex++

The photo booklet is Mint

The Plastic Bags... inner sleeve is Ex+

The Vertigo labels are Ex+ / Near Mint

The vinyl is in excellent condition and still has a strong glossy sheen with no marks or scratches.  Under a strong bright light I can only see a small number of faint hairlines and there is no groove or surface wear.  The Vertigo labels are very clean with only some faint 'lines' on S1.  There is not very much spindle wear.

Play grading

The intro on 'Wheels Of Confusion' plays with impeccable clarity and depth, there is no background at all, and then Ozzy's opening vocal section is just as impressive.  What you notice first and foremost is that the original sonic quality is still very much there, the audio is still so strong, warm and deep.  The instrumental bridge is faultless and the next vocal is of the same high end standard.  The following instrumental is phenomenal!  Iommi's classic deep down-tuned sound is 'as new' and of course Ward and Butler adding their usual quality.  As Ozzy bursts back in there is no distortion on the top end, remember this brief vocal is powerful!  It continues to play with a clarity and definition that is second to none - the final vocal section is perfect and the brief quiet segue just prior to the closing instrumental has not even a single dust tick.  This classic closing section then plays with exceptional power and depth and of course.... no intrusion.  There is such a clean, clinical sound and the long fade out has no background either.  What a version!  It just could not play any better and Mint is very much deserved.

There is one static click in the dead and then the intro on 'Tomorrow's Dream' plays perfectly.  The opening vocal section is equal to that and from then on plays as per the first track with sensational clarity, depth and resonance.  Once again the audio is so clean, stunning separation, you miss nothing.  The instrumental sections are as deep and strong as ever and the concluding vocal is flawless.  Another Mint version.

'Changes' is a track that is so often affected by static / distortion but this is not one of those!  The piano intro sets it up nicely with perfect clarity and Ozzy's first verse and chorus are on the same level.  There is no static distortion on the vocal and you do not need me to tell you how rare that is!  It continues in the same way and I cannot express enough just how clean and 'as new' the audio is.  Emotional in light of Ozzy's recent passing!  The instrumental prior to the final vocal has a couple of barely audible statics that hardly deserve a mention but as I often say I write down any background even if totally negligible!  The final vocal section then plays perfectly and the quiet end piano piece / fade out has no intrusion either.  This is Mint- I am confident in saying, you could not wish to find a cleaner version.

The even quieter 'FX' plays with great clarity for the vast majority.  There is no background static and the intro section has only 2/3 minor ticks.  Actually the more I listen to it the more I am impressed.  A couple of mega quiet static sounds near the end but overall a stunning rendition.  Let's say Near Mint-

The entire intro on 'Supernaut' plays with tremendous definition and Ozzy's opening vocal is up to the task also.  This classic is often impacted by inner groove distortion but it is kept to an absolute minimum here.  In fact it is one of 'cleanest' versions I have heard in a long time.  Ward's work is exemplary on this track and his 'stand alone' solo is a prime example of that.  The final vocal section has no background and the closing instrumental is stunning as is the fade out, just a hint of light static right at the every end.  In a way it seems a little harsh to downgrade due to a minimal amount of inner groove distortion because you always find, that's the nature of vinyl / this track, but I will say Near Mint just to err on the side of caution but wow what a side!

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The intro on 'Snowblind' plays to perfection and the opening vocal is equally as strong.  The instrumental bridge is the same and the second verse cannot be faulted either.  It continues to play with stunning precision through every section - Iommi's familiar deep, rich sound and his solo just after the chorus can only be described 'as new'.  In fact that applies to the entire track no exaggeration!  The power and resonance of the audio is outstanding and the section incorporating Ozzy's 'Right' is incredible.  I go on about depth and clarity but seriously Ward's drum sound here is incredible - it's like the 'sound' is trying to burst through the speakers!  The end vocal and closing instrumental play with STUNNING quality also and this 100% deserves a Mint grading.  Quite possibly the most 'complete' version I have ever heard.

The deep and foreboding intro on 'Cornucopia' plays with immense quality and the opening vocal is on a par with that.  This standard is kept up as it progresses.  No need to elaborate this is pure audio perfection from start to finish with no intrusion of any kind.  Every vocal and instrumental section plays to the highest calibre - so clear and 'fresh' - another Mint track.

'Laguna Sunrise' has some light statics on the intro but they are very much in the background and from then on it plays beautifully with no interference.  I did 'pick up' up one very light tick near the end but you could could easily miss it.  It plays with a precision and warmth that is rare to find these days.  I will grade the intro as Near Mint- and Mint- from then onwards.

The intro on 'St. Vitus Dance' is as clean as the day it was first pressed and the opening vocal is the same.  This relatively short track then plays with stunning accuracy for the remainder.  I'm going to repeat myself again (!) the clarity of sound the depth of the audio is on another scale here.  Mint

The intro on 'Under The Sun' is strong, deep, clear and menacing!  A perfect start.  Ozzy's first vocal is loud and powerful - recorded very loud here but there is no distortion.  It continues to play with phenomenal quality - it's such a dynamic track with Ward very much element.  The entire mid section led by Iommi is STUNNING could not play any better and Ozzy's final vocal is of the same standard.  The classic closing section plays with genuine quality once more and it demands to be played loud!  Sonically it could not be enhanced in any way i.e. you can turn it up to max without fear of distortion, the depth and power is amazing.  They musty have turned the recording levels up because it just seems to get louder!  A sublime finish to this classic album and yes another definitive Mint version. 

The Gatefold & Plastic Bags Inner Sleeve

This has to be the finest example of this iconic cover that I have ever sold.  It is so clean and has very little wear and nothing stands out.  The top edges have only a couple of tiny rubs and the bottom edges have only a little more rubbing mainly towards the right hand corners.  The wide spine is in superb condition and all the corners are in great shape also with very little wear.  The opening edge is pristine.  The front cover is in lovely condition and for once has barely any of the surface rub / spotting around the edges that you so often see.  It has just one faint score line that you can only see when you hold the cover at a certain angle, a minor faint crease near the lower left corner and a couple of very small light marks.  The back cover is just as impressive with only a couple of very faint score lines and the inside of the gatefold is immaculate.  The 4 page photo booklet is still perfectly attached and only the Ozzy panel has 3/4 minor 'specks' near the bottom.  This is a stunning example and it would be very difficult to find a better one!

I'm not sure if the poly-lined inner inner sleeve is the original one because it isn't date coded but it is in great condition with no side splits or tears and only a couple of faint fingerprint type marks by the edges.  It has only minimal creasing also.

Play tested on my Rega P2 with AT-VM95EN Cart / Denon PMA-520AE Amp / B&W 684 Speakers

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

6360071  1Y//1  1  21  0 1  PORKY (etched)

6360071  2Y//1  1 1  9  PECKO (etched)

I grade according to "Record Collector" guidelines.

Any questions please feel free to ask

Please pay within 4 days of auction end

Recent Feedback

Postage & Packaging

I will only send items items worldwide via tracked shipping.  This provides 'peace of mind' in case of loss or damage.  The shipping costs are shown below and combined shipping is always offered.  Any over-payment will always be refunded.

The Royal Mail only insure up to a value of £250 so if an item sells for more it may be wise to use a courier service (e.g. Parcelforce or DPD).  An extra insurance premium will be required but I will not know the exact amount until the final sale price is known.  Because of this I will sometimes have to estimate the cost and this will be shown in the listing.  Please wait for the invoice before making payment and if you have any questions please feel free to ask.  Many thanks.

All vinyls are packaged in strong over-sized custom made mailers with plenty of extra cardboard protection.  They are placed inside separate poly-lined inners outside the cover so as to avoid seam splits in transit and then placed inside a PVC sleeve to provide even more protection.  I pride myself on my high quality packaging as my feed confirms and if any customer has any specific requirements I am more than happy to help.

The mailers I use cost £1.00 each and I will use anything between 3-5 cardboard stiffeners which cost approx £0.18 each.  There is also the cost of the poly-lined inner and PVC sleeve to consider, it all adds up!  Not forgetting that eBay take 10% of the shipping fee also!!

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

LPs/12" singles : £6.50 up to 1kg then £1.00 per extra item 

EUROPE (Tracked - Max 2kg)

LPs/12" singles : £13.95 then £2.00 per extra

USA (Tracked - Max 2kg)

LPs/12" singles : £22.95 then £2.50 per extra 

REST OF WORLD (Tracked - Max 2kg)  

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

If you are not entirely happy with your purchase please contact me before leaving feedback and I will always resolve any issue, 100% guaranteed.  If you would prefer to send the item back I will also pay the return shipping cost if I am at fault, I am only human after all!!