HAWKWIND, SPACE RITUAL, 1973 UK UNITED ARTISTS DOUBLE

	£		24
	$		31

Here for auction is an exceptional example of the iconic live double album by HAWKWIND titled “SPACE RITUAL”, Catalogue Number 60037/8. This is an ORIGINAL 1973 UK STEREO PRESSING on the UNITED ARTISTS RECORD LABEL, with the 1st issue fold-out poster sleeve, and complete with the correct matching orange/white inner sleeves. Almost impossible to find in the superb condition offered here!

The delicate fold-out poster sleeve is in close to EX condition (strictly graded) with only light wear and minor creasing. There are no tears or splits to any of the seams of the six fold-out sections. There is just a little rubbing to the spine and right edges, but nothing serious. You can see from the photos that this is a very well preserved example of this notoriously fragile sleeve which should please most collectors.

The top quality United Artists records retain a deep mirror-like shine and sit flat and true on the turntable. They are solidly pressed with tapered rim edges.

The Matrix Numbers are:

Side 1 – A-2U  ‘RAYS’

Side 2 – B-2U

Side 3 – A-2U

Side 4 – B-2U

Visually I would grade both records as being in EX(+) condition. There are just a few very light sleeve removal type surface marks evident under bright light. These are of course purely superficial and do not cause any audio problems. The cream UA labels are unmarked apart from a few faint spindle traces near the centres. There is no wear around the spindle holes. I am confident that the records have not been played many times.

PLAYGRADE ASSESSMENT:

These are top quality UA pressings. The live recording is very vibrant and sounds sensational played at loud volume. Both records play perfectly. All frequencies are crystal clear. There is no discernable deterioration in sound quality and barely any unwanted noise at all (just occasional very light surface sound which is never intrusive). You simply will not find a significantly better playing copy of Hawkwind’s live masterpiece!

Complete with the original matching orange and white die-cut inner sleeves which are both in EX condition.

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 - £9.95

Europe over £36 value - £12.15

Worldwide up to £36 value - £12.95

Worldwide over £36 value - £15.15

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.