Beatles - Abbey Road * NEAR MINT * MISALIGNED APPLE SLEEVE * 1969 UK 1st PRESS

	£		512
	$		678

The Beatles - Abbey Road

I am pleased to offer for sale this superb, archival quality UK 1st pressing of The Beatles penultimate studio album, Abbey Road.

Album Background:

Although released prior to Let it Be, the studio sessions for Abbey Road were the last all four Beatles participated in today. As an aside, I always thought, "The End", was the perfect final song! In my opinion, it is the most complete album that the band produced, with John, Paul and George all contributing incredible tracks. Of "Because" George Harrison said: "Because is one of the most beautiful things we've ever done". I couldn't agree more. "Here Comes the Sun", "Sun King", "I Want You (she's so heavy)", "Octo ..." the list goes on. 

Although many 'audiophile' re-pressings have been released since the initial production run, the -2/-1 first pressing is impossible to beat in terms of audio reproduction. This particular copy is one of the cleanest I have heard, the audio is simply fantastic! Take a listen to it yourself below to a complete audio recording of this record - it's beautiful.  

Album Details:

Serial number: PCS 7068

Matrix number: YEX 749 - 2 / YEX 750 - 1 

Stamper codes: 6 OGR / 7 MGO

Tax Codes: N/A

Vinyl Weight: 135g

The matrix numbers confirm that the record is a true UK first pressing. The mother & stamper codes communicate that the record was produced early in the production run. Consequently, the audio reproduction is fantastic.

The labels are the first variant as is evident from the absence of "Her Majesty" text after "The End" on side 2. This was introduced on all subsequent variations.

This copy comes with the extremely collectable first variant, fully laminated Garrod & Lofthouse sleeve identifiable by the 'misaligned apple' (the edge of the apple does not line up with the edge of the text) to the rear of the sleeve and the pinched spine.

The album is complete with the original die-cut black inner sleeve.

Condition Report:

The condition report provided below is given as a guide only. I include high-quality, comprehensive photographs as well as a complete audio recording in my listings to enable you to make an informed decision on the condition of this record yourself.

Disc: MINT - 

Labels: MINT -

The labels are clean and retain rich, vibrant colours. Only a small collection of dull spindle trails can be seen around each unworn centre hole.

Visual: EXCELLENT +

Both vinyl playing surfaces retain a superb deep gloss shine. In bright daylight a handful of light marks can be seen to the surface of both sides. Underneath the glare of a halogen desk lamp a handful of barely visible wispy paper hairline scuffs (usually present due to the record going in and out of the inner sleeve) can be seen alongside an iridescent rainbow shine. 

Sound Quality: MINT -

Please note: the eBay app does not facilitate playback. Please use the internet site to enjoy the audio clips.

Side 1:

Side 2:

As can be heard in the recordings, the audio is simply fantastic. This is a copy that has been played cautiously on good quality equipment. The litmus test for Abbey Road, "Sun King", is truly exceptional. The lead ins are quiet. There is no noise in between tracks. The audio is absolutely flawless. A superb listening experience - you won't need to look for an upgrade to this. 

Sleeve: MINT -

The iconic sleeve is in fantastic condition. The colours of the infamous cover art are bright and vibrant with no signs of discolouration or staining. The corners are crisp without any softening. Two laminate creases are visible are visible to the front of the sleeve - these are usually present from the factory. The spine and all edges are without wear. It would be very difficult to find a better example. 

Inner Sleeve: EXCELLENT +

The original inner sleeve is in great condition. It is very clean and displays only mild creasing.

Additional Details:

Before the audio test, the vinyl was cleaned first by an Okki Nokki vacuum cleaner and then an Audio Desk ultrasonic cleaner.

After cleaning, the vinyl was placed inside a brand new mobile fidelity anti-static inner sleeve.

The vinyl will be packaged outside of the sleeve, both of which are stored inside an archival quality polypropylene outer sleeve.

The record will be sent via an insured courier in a padded vinyl mailer.

Please see my other listings for more Beatles vinyl rarities.

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